OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oakland Gastroenterologist Taft Bhuket, MD, has been elected Alameda County Medical Center's (ACMC) Chief of Medical Staff for 2012-14. In this position, he is responsible for leading the medical staff, whose primary purpose is to oversee and improve issues related to the quality of patient care and safety at ACMC.

"It is my honor to serve as Chief of Staff for Alameda County Medical Center," said Dr. Bhuket. "These next few years will be an exciting and challenging time for both our medical center and for American healthcare in general. I look forward to collaborating with the medical staff and ACMC's leadership as we plan for and respond to this dynamic healthcare environment."

The newly-installed ACMC Medical Staff Officers for 2012-2014 include Lyn Berry, MD, immediate past Chief of Medical Staff; Joe Walker, MD, Vice Chief of Staff; and Michelle "Mickye" Adams, MD, Secretary/Treasurer. Members at large include Swapnil Shah, MD; Pat Twomey, MD; David English, MD; Arlen Ho, MD; Suzie Bruch, MD; and Jackie Bolds, MD.

Dr. Bhuket has practiced at ACMC since 2008, when he was named Chief of Gastroenterology and Director of the Endoscopy Unit. His professional interests are clinical education, systems improvements and operations, and expansion of access to care. Under his leadership, there has been a marked expansion and operational streamlining of GI services, including significant reductions in endoscopy wait times, the launch of the hepatitis C clinic, and the development of the ACMC Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. Dr. Bhuket is a two-time winner of the Department of Medicine's "Teacher of the Year" award and was selected into the prestigious California Healthcare Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program for 2011-13. His scholarly interests are colorectal cancer screening, gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, and complications of liver disease.

Dr. Bhuket earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin. He went on to complete both medical school and an internal medicine residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas. He subsequently completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Michigan Medical School where he served as Chief GI Fellow. Dr. Bhuket is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution photo of Dr. Bhuket is available upon request.

Alameda County Medical Center is a nationally recognized public healthcare system with more than 2,800 employees, 500 physicians, and 475 accredited beds. ACMC provides comprehensive, high quality medical treatment and compassionate care to all residents of Alameda County. The integrated system of hospitals, clinics, and health services is staffed by healthcare professionals who are responsive to the diverse cultural needs of our community. ACMC fosters a learning environment with a wide range of educational programs and activities including medical research and education for students, interns and residents as well as continuing medical education for medical, nursing and other staff. ACMC operates six facilities: Highland Hospital in Oakland, John George Psychiatric Pavilion in San Leandro, Fairmont Hospital in San Leandro and three community-based wellness centers. The system provides a range of services from family and women's health to pediatrics, oncology and orthopedics.

More here:
Dr. Taft Bhuket Elected Alameda County Medical Center's Chief of Medical Staff