Mark E. Abell, BS, PA
PO Box 305
Lowell FL 32663
352.622.4993
mea305@aol.com

Objective:

Published freelance writer with more than ten years experience wishes to provide research data, papers, copy, researched material for corporations, individuals, etc.

Major Accomplishments:

1987-1988: Elkins Inter-Mountain Newspaper, Elkins, West Virginia. Worked as a stringer for Barbour County, where I attended college and wrote human interest pieces as well as other assignments as appropriate.

1987-1991: Public Relations Department, Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi, West Virginia, 26416. Responsible for writing articles of local interest as well as human interest pieces concerning students and their interactions with the local community. Harvey Lee, Supervisor.

1987-1990: Grant Writing with Barbara Smith, Chairperson of the English Department at Alderson-Broaddus College, assisting in establishing the first hospice program for Barbour County in West Virginia.

1996-1999: Medical Articles for McCann Communications. Contact: Dave Peden, Editor, McCann Publications, PO Box 5919, Eugene, Oregon 97405-0911.

1997-1999: Freelance Medical Writer for "The Mining Company," now known as "About.Com." Responsible for writing weekly articles concerning medical issues in primary care as well as directing consumers to information about the topic on the Internet.

1996-1999: Paradigm Times Newspaper, 24 Pleasant Street, Epping, NH, 03042. Responsible for writing a number of assignments as contracted with Michelene B. Cleary, Editor.

1996-1997: "The Medical Reporter", an Internet site developed by Joel Cooper, editor. Published a detailed article concerning Parkinson’s Disease. Article was published in January, 1997.

1996-1999: "Advance Magazine for Physician Assistants." Article, entitled “The Internet for Physician Assistants,” was published in March 1997, which detailed the use of the Internet for the PA Profession. Contact: Michael Gerchufsky, Editor, at Merion Publications, 2900 Horizon Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

1996-1999: Academic Consulting International, Daniel K. Berman, Ph.D., Director. Wrote many academic articles that related to various genre and topics. Copy became a product of ACI and therefore, it is impossible to provide copy. A few samples are available upon request. E-Mail: aci@netcom.com

1999: Medical Office Projects, published in 1999. South-Western Educational Publishing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. ISBN: 0-538-7216-X. Project that offers students in a post-secondary educational setting an environment that will enable him or her to learn the functions of a working medical office, particularly at the front of the office. Project was published complete with computer diskettes that offer hands-on experience as the student follows the booklet(s).


Selected Specific Writing Accomplishments:

“Nursing Home and Welfare Reform.” 5 January 1998. PA Today, A Biweekly Newsmagazine for Physician Assistants. Great Valley Publishing Company, PA

“Vitamins and Minerals.” Online. WWW. 15 May, 1997. URL: [http://www.fitnesslink.com/food/vitnmin.htm].

“When the Weather Changes: Change Your Thoughts about Safety.” November, 1998. Paradigm Times, Inc., Epping, NH.

“The Internet for Physician Assistants.” March 1997. "Advance Magazine for Physician Assistants," Merion Publications, 2900 Horizon Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0956.

“Working with the Web-Savvy Patient: The Patients want Collaboration, Not Decrees, Experts Say.” Written for "Physician's Practice Magazine," 100 South Charles Street, 13th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, Online. WWW. 15 August, 1998. URL: [http://www.ppdnet.com/content/netdisc/websavvy.htm].

“Going Online For Your CME Needs.” September, 1997. "Advance Magazine for Physician Assistants", Merion Publications, 2900 Horizon Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0956.

“A Little Boy Awakes.” A short story written for the newly developing newspaper that offered an insight into the relationship between a boy and his mother. November, 1998. Paradigm Times, Epping, NH

“Mixing the Medicines.” An informative project that offers the reader some of the major precautions involved with mixing some medications with others, particularly as they apply to over-the-counter medications. October, 1998. Paradigm Times, Epping, NH.

“You Are What You Eat.” Written for McCann Publications; Dave Peden, Editor, McCann Publications (as previously listed above).

“Metabolic Functions of Bacteria: An Understanding of Evolution.” Academic thesis that involved thorough research concerning the function and evolution of the simplest forms of bacteria and their evolving resistance. Written for a firm that wishes to remain unnamed. Copy Available.

Major contributor to the “Health File” magazine for Tift General Hospital in Tifton, Georgia. Researched, wrote four articles, namely:
(1). “That Throbbing Headache: Is There Any Relief?”
(2). “Bed Wetting: A Common But Treatable Problem”
(3). “New Dexxa Scanner at Tift General Hospital Helps Diagnose Osteoporosis”
(4). “We’re On the Move at Summit Rehabilitation at Tift General Hospital.”
Before writing the articles, interviews were completed with four physicians, each with his or her own interests involved with the timeliness and appropriateness of the materials. Published in spring, 1997. Copy available.

“Hidden Allergens and Cross Reactivity in Foods: A Pediatric Quagmire," written for "Infectious Diseases in Children," a major monthly journal that is distributed to physicians and other health care providers. Worked closely with Marie Rosenthal, editor. Publication is a subsidiary of SLACK, Incorporated, 6900 Grove Road, Thorofare, N.J. 08086 Published January, 1998.

"Resurgence of B-hemolytic Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Is it Becoming a Problem?" Written for "Infectious Diseases in Children." Published October, 1997, Vol 10, Number 10.

"Education is the Key to Avoiding Child Care Infections." Written for "Infectious Diseases in Children." Published in October, 1997. Vol 10, Number 10.

"Infectious Disease Outbreak Blamed on Poor Hygiene." Written for "Infectious Diseases Magazine," written for "Infectious Diseases in Children," a major monthly journal that is distributed to physicians and other health care providers. Worked closely with Marie Rosenthal, editor. Publication is a subsidiary of SLACK, Incorporated, 6900 Grove Road, Thorofare, N.J. 08086 Published January, 2000 October 1999.

"Risk Perception for Occupational Exposure in Pediatric Nursing is Low." Written for "Infectious Disease Magazine," written for "Infectious Diseases in Children," a major monthly journal that is distributed to physicians and other health care providers. Worked closely with Marie Rosenthal, editor. Publication is a subsidiary of SLACK, Incorporated, 6900 Grove Road, Thorofare, N.J. 08086 Published January, 1998.

Neonatal Peripheral Lines: May be Real Risk in Bacteremia." Written for "Infectious Disease Magazine," same as above.

"Be on the Lookout for Aquatic Dermatoses," Infectious Diseases in Children, May, 1997, Volume 10, Number 5., Page 26.

"Conjunctivitis: To Treat or Not to Treat," Infectious Diseases in Children, Volume 10, Number 8, August, 1997, Pages 8-9.

"Kawasaki's Disease Should Raise Suspicion for Coronary Artery Disease," Infections Diseases in Children, Volume 10, Number 10, October, 1997., Pages 46-47.

"Household Pets Can Become Vectors for Disease," Infectious Diseases in Children, Volume 10, Number 10, October, 1997. Pages 76-77.

"Poor Staff Hygiene Leads to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Outbreak," Infectious Diseases in Children, Volume 10, Number 11, November, 1997.

"Hey Doc! I Got Sugar." Article written in a monthly publication for Franck's Pharmacy, a privately owned pharmacy in Ocala, Florida. Contact Paul Franck at Paul@Francks.Com.

Some examples of work for Elkins-Inter-Mountain Newspaper include:
(1). "Barbour Votech Co-Op Program Paying Dividends," published on October 19, 1998. Copy available.
(2). "90 Year-Old Charter Member to Help Celebrate Bethel Church 75th Homecoming," published on August 24, 1998. Photography completed by writer. Copy available.
(3). "Traveler's From 48 States, 10 Countries Visit The Philippi Museum," published on September 8, 1998. Copy Available.
(4). "Model of Philippi Covered Bridge Constructed by A-B Student," a story that was prompted by a fellow student who attended my alma-mater. Published on September 19, 1998.
(5). "Belington, Philippi, Weston Young People Granted Wishes by Sunshine Foundation," an emotional-driven article that includes a photograph taken by author. Published on August 26, 1988.
More Samples and article titles available upon request.

Experience:

Surrey Place of Ocala, Ocala FL: Physician Assistant (2000 - 2003)
Employed as in independent contracting Physician Assistant, following more than 100 patients/residents who were in the facility for multiple medical problems, including strokes (CVA), hip fractures (THA), as well as multiple forms of neurological problems. Resigned from the position due to severe back pain that became worse following an automobile accident in 1988, during my second year as a student in the Physician Assistant Program.

Citra Family Health, Citra FL: Physician Assistant, Primary Care (1999 - 2003)
Employed as a Physician Assistant in a newly developed rural health care facility in the area, where 400 patients were assigned upon my arrival, following the resignation of a former physician assistant. Within a three year period, the total patient load was increased from approximately 400 to over 3,000. Also instrumental in developing the first and only Quality Improvement Program (or Performance Improvement Program), which did not exist prior to my arrival. Continued to write articles for various newspapers and publications during my tenure at the facility. Resigned from the position in 2003 for medical reasons.

Ashburn Family Medical Center, Ashburn GA: Physician Assistant (1994 - 1998)
Employed as the sole Physician Assistant in a rural health care facility. Responsible for the care of more than 2,000 patients as well as those shared with the attending physician. Worked with a nearby nursing home, caring for patients/residents who were in the long-term care facility for various reasons, including strokes, hip fractures, knee replacements, etc. Wrote a column in the local newspaper, The WireGrass Farmer, writing biweekly articles concerning various topics of interest concerning medicine for the immediate community. Copy available upon request.

Freelance Med-Write, Lowell Fl: Published Freelance Writer (1991 - present)
Responsible for writing and editing copy as requested by multiple companies, corporations, or individuals.

Southern Hills Rehabilitation Hospital, Princeton WV: Physician Assistant (1991 - 1994)
Employed as the first and only Physician Assistant for a newly developed physical and occupational rehabilitation hospital in Princeton, West Virginia. Responsible for the overall care and development of patients/residents enrolled in various rehabilitation programs, including hip fractures (ORIF), knee replacements (THA) as well as various forms of neurological problems, such as strokes (CVA) and head traumas. Was instrumental in assisting with the development of the first head trauma unit in the general area. Attending Physician: Susan Bertrand, M.D.

Education:

BS in Liberal Arts from Alderson-Broaddus College, GPA: 3.2, Philippi WV (1991)

Liberal Arts Degree with concentration in the Physician Assistant Program (Medical Science)

60 hours of college work (in each discipline), no degree; English, math, history (world and American) from Louisiana Tech University, GPA: 3.5, Ruston LA

Entered the university following my commitment to the United States Air Force. Did not complete the degree because I located a more suitable college/university (Alderson-Broaddus College) that offered a Physician Assistant Program.

30 hours of course work, no degree in Liberal Arts from Community College of the Air Force, GPA: 3.0, Chicago IL

Completed up to 30 hours of semester work during the time I was a member of the armed forces.