Board Member Profile:
Edward J. Fesco, MD
Board Member Edward J. Fesco, MD, Advances Physician-to-Physician “Team Spirit”
En route to fulfilling an early ambition to be a marine biologist, Edward J. Fesco, MD, took a detour after graduating from Villanova University by way of Northwestern University School of Medicine, where he received his MD. Prior to settling in LaSalle, Illinois, where he continues to maintain his practice, Dr. Fesco completed his surgical residency at Hines V.A. Hospital, and served at the United States Air Force 2,795th Hospital in Warner Robins, Georgia.
An ISMIE policyholder for more than 20 years, Dr. Fesco has served on the Board of Directors since 1992, and has logged years of service on various committees, including the Risk Management and Policyholder Services Committees. Dr. Fesco is past president of the LaSalle County Medical Society and the Illinois State Medical Society (1987-88).
Today, Dr. Fesco is a local celebrity as host of the radio program: “Ask Dr. Fesco,” which invites the listening audience to call in their health-related questions. Now in its 11th year, the popular program airs on WLPO – 1220 AM, the first Thursday of every month.
How has the practice of medicine evolved over your years of practice?
In the 1960s, when I entered private surgical practice with an older surgeon in LaSalle, we were the only specialists in town covering four local hospitals. How times have changed! Today there are only two hospitals, but they are better and bigger, with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by many specialists and sub-specialists.
The advent of Medicare changed the climate a great deal, in that it served many more people, and the docs and hospitals had to become more business-oriented – and cope with a vast increase in paperwork. Today electronic medical records have streamlined office processes, and evidence-based medicine and surgery-practice parameters must be acknowledged.
Please comment on your experience on ISMIE’s Risk Management Committee.
ISMIE’s risk management programs have served policyholders well, and have improved patient care. As physicians, we may be humbled at times by being reminded of the need for risk management advice and instruction, but concern for our patients should help us accept the
guidance offered by our fellow physicians at ISMIE. Let us aggressively avail ourselves of the benefits of our ever-growing Risk Rewards programs. Our patients, our practices and our pocketbooks will be better for it.
In the face of the constitutional challenge to our medical liability reform law, how can physicians help the cause?
Illinois physicians must continue the fight against frivolous litigation, and alert the communities in which we practice to the danger of such lawsuits. The availability of health care services in some towns will decline if the reform law is not upheld. Physicians may be holding off from leaving our state for another, depending on how the challenge unfolds.
Although in the past we fought for a lawsuit reform three times and it was voided by the courts three times, it’s possible this time the climate is changing and we will succeed against
the current attempt to overturn our reform law. Only then will we keep doctors in Illinois.
What is the difference between ISMIE Mutual and other professional liability carriers?
ISMIE has physician-to-physician team spirit. That’s the magic of ISMIE. Essentially, ISMIE is the physicians’ trusted insurer because it has always been run by physicians. Top-notch risk management programs and the fairest pricing for insurance coverage are the other reasons doctors choose ISMIE and stay with ISMIE.
What thoughts would you share with anyone considering a medical career?
In a climate of increasing litigation, I can understand why any bright young man or woman would hesitate to enter the medical profession. Still, the profession is highly regarded by the public, and the satisfaction reaped by helping to secure health improvement in patients is soul satisfying.