July 20, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following appointments and reappointments to the Michigan Board of Medicine, the Michigan Board of Optometry, the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, the Joint Task Force for Health Professions in Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, and the Advisory Committee on Pain and Symptom Management:

Michigan Board of Medicine

Vivian W. Leung of Okemos, principal of Global Exeter.  Ms. Leung is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 31, 2009.  She succeeds Marybeth Novak whose term has expired. 

The Michigan Board of Medicine is responsible for the licensure and examination of persons prior to their entry into the practice of allopathic medicine in Michigan.  The board also establishes minimal standards of acceptable practice, assesses penalties for when those standards are not met, and recommends licensure to schools or individuals once the designated exam, which is created by the board, is passed. 

Michigan Board of Optometry

Frederick P. Darin, O.D. of Charlotte, owner/partner of Eye Care Associates of Charlotte, PLLC.  Dr. Darin is reappointed to represent optometrists for a term expiring June 30, 2010.

The Michigan Board of Optometry is responsible for the licensure and examination of persons prior to their entry into the practice of optometry in Michigan.

Michigan Board of Pharmacy

Pamela L. Gnodtke, of Charlevoix, retired State of Michigan employee.  Ms. Gnodtke is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2010.

The Michigan Board of Pharmacy is responsible for the licensure and examination of pharmacists; licensure of pharmacies, manufacturers and wholesale distributors; and the regulation of drugs manufactured, distributed, prescribed, dispensed and administered in the state.

Joint Task Force for Health Professions in Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery

David S. Weingarden, M.D. of Southfield, president of David S. Weingarden, M.D. & Associates, P.C.  Dr. Weingarden is appointed to represent the Michigan Board of Medicine for a term expiring December 31, 2007.  He succeeds Marcy L. Street, M.D. who has resigned. 

The Joint Task Force for Health Professions in Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery is responsible for the licensure and examination of persons prior to their entry into practice as a physician’s assistant.

The above appointments and reappointments are subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

Advisory Committee on Pain and Symptom Management

Daniel J. Clauw, M. D. of Ann Arbor, assistant dean of clinical and translational research and professor of medicine with the University of Michigan Division of Rheumatology.  Dr. Clauw is appointed to represent the University of Michigan School of Medicine for a term expiring July 1, 2007.  He succeeds Dr. Carmen R. Green who has resigned. 

The Advisory Committee on Pain and Symptom Management is charged with addressing issues pertaining to pain and symptom management, holding public hearings to gather information from the general public, and making recommendations to the Legislature.

This appointment is not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.