Indianapolis Medical Society
Resources
IMS Foundation
Donate to Project Health
A Program of the
Indianapolis Medical Society Foundation
Leadership Spotlight
Stephen W. Perkins, MD, embarked on a professional journey 27 years ago that has taken him around the country and the world to teach facial plastic and reconstructive surgical techniques to others. In addition to his passion for teaching and sharing information with others, he has gathered pearls of wisdom along the way from colleagues that have provided value to his daily surgical practice. "I have always loved to teach. One of the best parts about teaching is that it breaks down barriers and turf battles. We teach so that we can learn and enhance the outcomes for our patients. Language aside, patients are the same everywhere. They have the same fears and anxieties, and they want the same natural results. Interacting with other surgeons to exchange knowledge and information together has been exciting, stimulating and fulfilling for me. I learn from others as well as teach," says Dr. Perkins.
Dr. Perkins' teaching career started when he began volunteering at the Indiana University School of Medicine in the facial plastic surgery clinic in 1983. It then branched out into Morelia, Mexico in 1985 where he was invited to take the first of his nearly 50 international and more than 100 national teaching trips. He has lectured for and performed teaching surgeries on behalf of organizations such as the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. His international destinations have included Australia, Italy, Columbia, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada and Switzerland.
When asked what plastic and reconstructive surgery is like in other countries versus the U.S., Dr. Perkins notes the differences can be vast, especially when comparing items such as sterile environments. "It is really fascinating to see how things are performed abroad. In Mexico, for instance, instruments may be sterilized in Tupperware-type containers, and windows are open in the operating room. In the Netherlands, there are outer ante-rooms with tightly sealed doors that separate the operating room from the scrub area and also from the outside hallways, yet the nurses wear open-toe flip flop shoes in the 'sterile' area during surgery. Patients in other countries just develop immunities to many of the organisms that are present in their areas, and it works out ok with no significant increase or difference in infection rates," Dr. Perkins says. He also adds that transporting his surgical instruments into foreign countries can sometimes be a challenge. "I used to bring all my own instruments in a carry-on bag, but 9/11 changed our ability to do this. I've had my instruments nearly confiscated in Mexico. I learned that to be on the safe side, it is best to bring certain items in sealed packets via my checked luggage," he adds.
Dr. Perkins' favorite aspect of his teaching endeavors is the ability to learn new things from other surgeons and develop true national and international friendships. "The camaraderie I have experienced is amazing. Politics and religion aside, we all have the same goals. I become better by being around these colleagues," he says. He also notes that it's fulfilling to return to these countries after several years to see the progress they have made in their field. "When I go back again to teach, I often see a big difference. They are so much better than they were 10 or 15 years ago. Their level of teaching has also increased - which is a huge benefit for their ability to teach and share excellent techniques with their countrymen. That is very gratifying to me," he says.
While Dr. Perkins travels far away to teach, he also contributes locally. He is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstructive surgery to I.U. School of Medicine residents. He has also been a Fellowship Director for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for the past 21 years. As a part of this program, he takes on a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery Fellow (chosen from all over the U.S.) at the Meridian Plastic Surgery Center each year to teach them advanced surgical techniques and provide further specialized knowledge and surgical skills in facial plastic surgery. "Developing the facial plastic skills of young surgeons who just finished their residency is not only personally enjoyable and gratifying, it stimulates me to continue to keep up with the newest and cutting-edge treatment methods and surgical procedures and develop life-long collegial relationships with my past fellows," Dr. Perkins concludes.
F. A. Q.'s
Society F. A. Q.
- Do you provide physician referrals?
- Yes, we have more than 2,100 IMS Physicians in the greater Indianapolis and Marion County area. We can provide names of physicians by specialty or zip code, as you prefer. Generally, you will be provided with three names of physicians within the specialty you are seeking or zip code.
- What if I have a complaint against my doctor?
- If the physician is an IMS Member, there is a formal review process through the IMS's Commission on Professional Affairs. You will need to provide a brief overview of your concern so that Release of Information forms might be sent to you. The Society does not review any complaints related to fees. If the physician you are inquiring about is not an IMS Member, then you are referred to the Consumer Protection Division of the Indiana Attorney General's Office at (317) 232-6330.
- How can I obtain a copy of my records?
- Whether a physician moved, retired, or passed away, we try to determine where patient records are kept. IMS has NO medical records in their possession. Physicians are required by an Indiana statute, to maintain patient records seven years after the date of your last visit. You will be asked to sign a Records Release Form by the physician before they can provide you with a copy of your information. You will also be charged a fee for this information, also established by Indiana Code.
Membership F. A. Q.
- A new doctor has joined our practice. How do I enroll this physician as an Indianapolis Medical Society Member?
- Print the PDS Membership Application. Complete, sign, and date the online application and return it via the most convenient payment method; i.e., email to ims@imsonline.org, fax to (317) 262-5609, or mail to 631 E. New York St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-3706.
- What is the cost of Membership?
- The amount varies due to the time of year and the physician's status (i.e. Active, 1st Year of Practice, or Resident/Fellow). Dues amounts are listed on the back of the application, however, do phone the IMS Membership Secretary, Tyna, at (317) 639-3406 for the exact amount when the application is ready for submission. Membership processing begins once full payment has been received.
- What are Membership benefits?
- IMS Member benefits include: Free Physician Referral Service; Free $100,000 Air Travel Flight Insurance; Free Medi-file cards for Members' patients; Free first-time Announcement Labels; a Free annual IMS Pictorial Roster of Members; discount for Subscribers of The Medical Society Exchange (the Society's wholly-owned medical answering service); discount on group health insurance through ADVANTAGE Health Solutions, a local health plan owned by local providers; 20% Discount with iSalus OfficeEMR®; Collection services through I.C. System; Discounts with Staples® & Hertz®. In addition to all of these benefits, IMS Members can also rent the Society's newly-renovated Conference Center for either their professional events or personal celebrations!
- What are membership qualifications?
- Any physician (M.D. or D.O.) who resides or practices in the Marion County area or any county immediately adjacent to Marion is eligible for IMS Membership.
- Can I just join the county, or do I have to join the state as well?
- IMS Membership requires membership in the Indiana State Medical Association and the 7th District Medical Society. The 7th District includes those counties contiguous to Marion County. While membership in the American Medical Association is encouraged, it is not required.
- If a physician currently holds membership through another county, can he/she belong to the Indianapolis Medical Society as well?
- Yes, this is known as an Affiliate Membership and carries the same membership benefits as an Active Member. Full, Annual Dues are $325.00, but, do phone Tyna at (317) 639-3406 for the exact amount, which might be less, depending upon the time of year the Membership Application is submitted.
- If a physician currently holds ISMA Membership through another county and has relocated either their residence or practice, how do they transfer their membership?
- Simply print and complete an IMS Membership Application and note the county from which the transfer is being made. No dues are necessary during the first calendar year that a Transfer occurs, as long as dues to the originating county were already paid.
- Do I need to complete a separate application for the Indiana State Medical Association or the American Medical Association?
- No. Membership begins at the county level. Once an application is approved, it is forwarded to the state and national associations, as appropriate.
- How will I know when the application is approved?
- All applications are presented to the IMS Executive Committee Members for consideration on a monthly basis. Following each EC Meeting, acceptance packets are mailed to New Members.
- What documentation should accompany my application?
- Copies of State & Federal DEA Licenses and Board Certifications are required. While a black & white or color photo is requested for inclusion on the IMS website and the IMS Roster of Members; it is optional. The lack of a photo will not delay the application process.
Exchange F. A. Q.
- Must I be a member of the Indianapolis Medical Society to subscribe to the Medical Society Exchange?
- Although it is not necessary to be an IMS Member to be a Subscriber with the Medical Society Exchange, membership is encouraged. IMS Members receive a special discount on their service with The Exchange.
- Does a live Operator answer all calls?
- Yes. Automated messages are never used, nor are you directed to Voice Mail to leave your message. An Operator familiar with Indianapolis ... because it is her home ... answers every call.
- Does the Exchange have email?
- Yes, it is available. The preference, however, is that schedules or changes arrive via fax or phoned in personally, to ensure accuracy.
- Is it possible to get a record of a specific call?
- Yes. Call records are kept for three years, on paper and electronically. If you need information on a particular call, contact the MSE and it will be faxed, emailed, or mailed to you personally.
- Can our office calls be forwarded directly to the Exchange for answering?
- Yes, we handle the "office closed" or "office busy" calls for lunch, evenings, nights and weekends. The Medical Society Exchange is your 24/7/365 personal answering service.
- What greeting is used to answer calls?
- All calls are answered "Medical Society Exchange."
- Do you have different plans for groups?
- No, our fees are per physician with discounts for IMS members.
- Are there any additional charges?
- Each subscription includes with 100 calls per month. All calls over 100 are billed at $.40/call. Incoming patient calls are the ONLY calls considered as part of the Subscriber's 100 calls. All calls and pages to the physician, covering physician, or office are not included as part of the 100 calls. There are NO extra charges for Faxes, changes to Call Schedules, Holidays, or the need for additional MSE staff due to inclement weather.