Donna McCaslin of Muncy has created a small but thorough
organizer for personal medical information. It is a
loose-leaf notebook designed to be flexible, and easy
to use.
It was designed to be kept close by and carried with
an individual when he/she goes to medical appointments,
travels, when children go to visit grandparents, and
is especially valuable to families whose children divide
their time between parents. Parents can keep the record
book for their children and then pass the book along
as their progeny leave the nest.
The concept for the book began when Donna needed medical
treatment in Florence SC while being a “snowbird”
during the winter of 2001. She did have a list of medications,
their strengths and dosages, but did not have the medical
notes she had been recording for sometime. Soon afterwards,
Leon felt overwhelmed when he was given a four-page
new patient medical history questionnaire. She had heard
other people also expressed their frustration in similar
situations so she was motivated to find a solution.
Through an extensive search in stores and online, she
uncovered and was able to obtain only one book she thought
would meet her needs. Upon using it, she felt it was
very inadequate and began drawing on her personal experiences
and those of family and friends, plus situations she
had observed as a secretary for 8 years at Muncy Valley
Hospital, and began to design My Medical Assistant®.
Donna initially made 40 books as Christmas gifts and
the overwhelming response was, “Do you have more
available?” and “I want to give these as
gifts next Christmas.”
“I went to a Christian Writers Workshop in Williamsport
in May, and was given great advice,” said Donna,
“though most people there didn’t critique
the book very much because they were so excited about
the concept!” At that workshop she met Carole
Fulmer, a writer, and within two hours of leaving the
meeting Donna received an e-mail from Carole that gave
her encouragement and she offered to give her guidance.
“Carole had a medical background plus many personal
experiences as a patient and with family members. Carole’s
input definitely enhanced the book.”
Author Kimbra Leigh Ruby, of Muncy, who self-published
"With the Stroke of a Pen" in 2001 helped
with the editing, copyrighting and publishing processes,
and continues as a consultant in the endeavor. The cover
was designed by ND Wiseman, and printing is being done
in North Carolina.
The specially designed notebook offers sections for
individuals to log medical information including personal
data, emergency contacts, doctors, and health and life
insurance. There are organized sections and pages to
log allergies, family history, immunizations and vaccinations,
medications, test dates and results, therapies, hospital
and emergency room admissions details, outpatient procedures,
blood donations, transfusions, and disease and injury
summaries. Sections for dental and optical care are
included, along with places to note special medical
equipment, upcoming appointments, and questions to remember
to ask the doctor. Pages can be added that are specific
to a patients needs plus refill pages are available.
A brochure detailing the book and offering ordering
instructions includes the quote from local doctor, Harry
Dilcher, “Everyone who travels should have My
Medical Assistant®.” David Wallis of
Muncy is also quoted in the brochure, “We have
our dog’s medical history written down, but not
ours. My Medical Assistant® is just what
we needed.” Several medical professionals have
offered endorsements and feel the book would be very
valuable to their patients and it would also provide
important medical information to them. A wire-bound
edition will be available in a few weeks. It was specifically
designed with thoughts in mind of non-profit organizations
and will be offered to them as a fund raiser.
At the Loyalsock Valley Antique Machinery Show this
past weekend, Heather’s customers noted the book
would be valuable to truck drivers, business travelers
and is ideal for single people to keep readily available
in the event of an emergency. Others noted this was
a one-stop shopping opportunity for Christmas gifts
and gifts for every occasion. Daughter Sue Kainz recently
had surgery in Greenville, NC, where the medical staff
and doctors saw the original book she received at Christmas.
They were very impressed and are eager to get their
hands on it. They want it available in North Carolina
as soon as possible.
DonnLee Enterprises was created as a vehicle to market
the organizer. Sue, who teaches computer courses for
adult education at Costal Carolina Community College
in North Carolina, handles the company’s marketing
and design, plus distribution in NC. Daughter Heather,
is expanding the market in Pennsylvania through trade
shows and non-profit organizations. Leon is the main
support for logistics such as delivery, working trade
shows and will help introduce the product in Florida
in January. The family is looking forward to the challenge
and excitement of introducing the book nationwide.
My Medical Assistant® made its début
at the Pennsdale Festival on July 26. The book is available
at Ben Franklin Store, Alley Cat Hair Shop, Office of
Dr. Melina McKee, Miller’s Cut and Curl and Otto’s
Book Store with new outlets being added.
