Care Provider Focus:
Changing the Future of Health Care with His Heart
 Dr. Muhammed Sayed discussed health care concerns with Senator Maria Cantwell |
Caring, compassionate, and passionate; all can describe one of the most recent additions to the Medical Staff of Cascade Valley Hospital. You might also want to add energetic, focused, and maybe perfectionist to that list.
Dr. Muhammed Sayed is a Sleep Disorders Specialist. He is passionate about this topic. Meet him in the elevator, at the grocery store, or at a local health fair and the first words you will hear are, "How did you sleep last night?" Every meeting is a chance to help someone learn of the deadly effects of Sleep Disorders.
"At Cascade Valley Sleep Disorders Center, it is our goal to identify and treat sleep disorders so you can enjoy a better quality of life and improved overall health," states Sayed. "We offer a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. During the initial visit, a detailed medical history is taken, as well as a sleep habit evaluation and a comprehensive physical to identify any medical problems. If appropriate, you will be referred for a Sleep Study at Cascade Valley Sleep Disorders Lab."
"Nearly 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, yet most go undiagnosed. Each year drowsy driving is responsible for at least 100,000 automobile crashes," explained Sayed. "This is a problem of great magnitude. Lack of sleep can also lead to other physical problems such as heart attack, stroke, and diabetes."
Sayed's compassion has led him to another passion. For the past 3 years he has been involved in the political process of developing public policy. In 2002, through a Public Policy Fellowship program, he spent 12 months in Washington, DC working as a staff member of Senator Edward Kennedy's Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee. Though drafting a bill, meeting with patient groups, modifying the bill, etc. took an enormous amount of time and energy, Sayed believes the lessons he learned in how to interact and approach senators and their staff was an invaluable experience.
"I believe being a physician goes far beyond just seeing and helping individual patients. When you help pass important health care legislation you can help thousands. We can sit around complaining and being frustrated, or we can work through the process for change. We who see patients on a daily basis are the ones who can best see and know their health care needs."
Since moving to this community from the renowned sleep disorders program at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Sayed has again become politically active. He is involved with the Washington State Medical Association, and is providing input and support on how physicians and physician groups can establish good communication with legislators.
"I feel more optimistic than ever about the future of health care in our country," added Sayed, "due primarily to the growing number of health care professionals who are finally getting involved in the political process."
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.