TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

HIGHLANDS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Big Changes Under Way

New Doctor Fills A Big Role For Those In Need

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Robert Paluseek, finance and accounting manager for the Highlands County Health Department, is currently the acting administrator for the department.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: May 23, 2008

SEBRING — A new physician is treating patients at the Highlands County Health Department.
Dr. Priyamvada Gujjar has been a Highlands County resident since 2003. She started working full time for the health department in March, after a six-month-long search.

About 15 patients a day, five days a week, visit with the new doctor. Fees are charged on a sliding scale. All ages may schedule an appointment.

Patients with Medicare and private insurance may also visit Gujjar at no charge if they are unable to afford it.

"My primary job is to take care of them for their problems," said Gujjar. "I treat everyone the same.
"We're definitely open for people of all walks of life – insured or not insured. The same care is provided for everyone who walks through the door."

The health department was without a physician for more than six months, until Gujjar took the job full time.

An advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) filled in and continues to see patients in Lake Placid.
Kay Mollenkopf, health department public information officer, said Laurie Cyril does an excellent job.

Although the department had a "difficult time" filling the open position, there were "very few services" the health department didn't provide during the absence of a doctor, said Robert Palussek, acting administrator for the health department.

Neighboring county health departments pitched in to help, as they still do, while emphasizing each department's strengths.

The local department strives to provide a "private sector standard," although it's very challenging because of additional requirements, said Palussek.

"(Gujjar) has been very well received," said Palussek. "She adapted well to the clients and organization."

Gujjar is married to Anavatti Raghuveera, a pediatrician, who works in Lake Placid.
The clinic draws blood, along with many other laboratory services, but does not provide X-rays.
"We try to provide as much as we can – that's the goal," said Gujjar. "They're so glad they can come and see a physician here."

Gujjar graduated from medical school in Eastern Kentucky and enjoys her job and living in the Heartland.

"It makes your day that you can make a difference in somebody's life. I don't know where else I'd like to be."

The senior physician said the department is capable of scheduling twice as many appoints a day, or an additional 15 patients a day.

"The population doesn't know what the health department can offer. We need to get the word out."
For information or to make an appointment, call the health department at 386-6040, Ext. 272.

2 Seek Health Director Vacancy
SEBRING — Two candidates are in the running to replace former Highlands County Health Director Dr. Paula Thaqi. Both will interview for the job opening on June 17.

Any new director must be a medical doctor and certified in Florida. The job as the county's top doctor will pay from $120,000 to $140,000 per year. Thaqi left the position on April 11 for a similar position in Broward County, with seven times more employees than here.

One candidate resides in Maryland, while the other is a South Florida resident. Both are employed in the public health sector, according to Robert Palussek, acting administrator for the health department.
A new director would probably start work in Highlands County by Aug. 1, said Palussek.

"We have identified two promising candidates," said Palussek. "It was a little frustrating. A lot of applicants were without the qualifications."

A pool of 35 to 40 applicants sought the position. The department was forced to advertise more than once through several medical association Web sites, including the New England Journal of Medicine. Advertisements were also placed in every major Florida newspaper.

After weeding through the applications and resumes, the office of the Surgeon General in Tallahassee recommended a pair of candidates. Applicants will meet in June with an interview panel comprised of a group of local concerned citizens.

That interview panel will make a recommendation to county commissioners, which is charged ultimately with approving a new director.

Palussek has acted as administrator since Thaqi's departure and is the department finance and accounting director.

The former two-year Key West worker and yearlong Highlands County resident said he earned the equivalent of a master's degree and is likely not qualified to fill Thaqi's shoes permanently, although he covets the position.

"It is an outstanding learning experience," said Palussek, about leading the department. "I love my 40-hour job so much, I do it twice.

"I have a clearer insight into the technical side. We continue to improve our business plans and find out which decisions matter most."

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT