Rx for spouses: Group offers dose of support

By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
Organized Sept. 23, 1940, as the Mahoning County Medical Society Auxiliary, the group now known as the Mahoning County Medical Society Alliance remains viable.
Though other professional-related auxiliaries have disbanded over the years, the alliance will mark its 63rd year this fall.
The organization was the idea of Dr. R.P. Poling, a member of the local medical society, and Mrs. J.E. Purdy, president of the Ohio State Medical Association Auxiliary. The two provided the impetus to form the Mahoning County group.
In its early years, the group supported USO and Red Cross projects and continues that mission through donations to area charities.
Though the alliance has remained intact, members Gloria Detesco, president, and Dolly Handel, legislation chairwoman, admit that attracting new members is challenging. Though wives of physicians make up the current roll call, as times have changed and women have become physicians, membership is open to their husbands. Though no men have opted to belong to the local organization, men hold memberships at the state level, Handel said.
The alliance lists some 200 members. Any spouse of a physician interested in joining may attend a new member luncheon Sept. 25. Though Deteso and Handel said they want to promote membership to new faces, they also want to re-interest older members who have drifted away. Contact the Mahoning County Medical Society office at (330) 758-1624.
Advantages offered
Both noted that some may feel their lives are too hectic to make room for belonging to the alliance, but they noted the benefits of membership are twofold. Membership provides a support and resource system for spouses and families, and it is a means to engage in philanthropic service to the community.
"The camaraderie is wonderful," Detesco said. "It's nice to know you're not alone and other women are in the same circumstances."
"I see the support for the needs of the family as a benefit. It's a place to go to be understood ... and share," Handel said.
Though physicians and their families may enjoy the advantages that the profession offers, there also are challenges. "Our husbands put in long hours ... working nights, weekends and being on call," said Detesco, whose husband is Dr. Thomas N. Detesco. "You have to get used to going places ... doing things ... alone. Sharing this with others [in similar situations] helps.
"Most physicians care very much about their patients and it extends into time at home," Detesco said about how families must be understanding about the demands of the profession.
Because of her position as legislation chairwoman, Handel also is familiar with the pressures and obstacles. "The big thing in Ohio is the tort situation and physicians' malpractice insurance," said Handel, who is married to Dr. Daniel W. Handel. "Some physicians are disheartened by the amount of insurance they must pay."
She continued that some physicians change or even quit specialties because of the high cost. "We're in a crisis state," she said, and it does take a toll on wives and families.
The alliance offers support and resources to wives and families as they give moral support to their husbands, Detesco said. "I feel like I am an extension of my husband in the community."
Beth Bacani, who has belonged to the alliance since 1968, joined when she got a call from a member. "It was a good way to meet people in town," said Bacani, whose husband is Dr. Roberto Bacani. "I've seen an evolution of change [in health care]."
She also noted that the Alliance is a good source of information on legislation affecting health care. "It keeps us abreast of what's going on," said Bacani.
Tricia Potesta, a member for a year and a half, said she wanted to get involved as a way to support her husband, Dr. Gene Potesta, because of all that is going on the medical field. "Gloria [Detesco] explained to me how this was the only alliance still together ... and I thought it would be good to be a part of it and come together with other people. It's helpful to talk to wives in the same situation."
Serving the community
The philanthropic work the alliance does reflects the community spirit of its members and their spouses. "We have responded to various needs in the community ... providing the seed money of initial funding and then moving on to another project," Handel said.
Organizations such as the heart, cancer, kidney and diabetes associations and hospice programs benefited from these funds. Other recipients have been local hospitals.
Bacani also noted that the alliance once sponsored medical-oriented lectures for the community. "I remember one event on arthritis during a mild winter ... and that day we got a lot of snow," she said, "but even people using walkers turned out. It was encouraging they were so interested."
Nearly a decade ago, the alliance was involved in refurbishing the doctor's office at the Canfield Fairgrounds. "It was in need of repairs, so we wanted to help out," Handel said.
Current fund-raising efforts will benefit the Rich Center for Autism and Hospice of the Valley. As president, it was up to Detesco to pick the recipients, and she did so after hearing of personal stories of people helped by the organizations. Bacani, who has held various offices and served on committees, said the alliance's input into public education and charitable work are part of its role in the community.
The alliance has sponsored an array of fashion shows throughout the years to make money for charities. At each meeting the group has a 50-50 drawing with funds earmarked for its philanthropic work.
Other activities planned include a shopping fund-raiser in November at SteinMart in Boardman for which the alliance will get a percentage of the sales for its charitable causes. An art auction is planned Feb. 28 at Tippecanoe Country Club, Canfield, with Potesta as chairwoman.
"I like the way the charity events gather people together," she said. "It's a good feeling knowing you've done something for someone and have helped put a smile on someone's face."
linonis@vindy.com
XTo recommend your club for a feature, send a brief statement about the club and the name and telephone number of a group representative to: The Vindicator: Attn.: Barb Shaffer, Society Editor, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown, Ohio 44501.