Medical Program

EDCASA has as an integral part of the initial evaluation the requirement for a complete medical evaluation. This evaluation serves to assess the severity of the eating disorder so as to determine whether EDCASA is the appropriate therapeutic setting. While the clients are participating in their recovery and healing, medical support is available at all times. The physician, Dr. Richard Ferguson is board certified in internal medicine and palliative medicine and has a special interest in eating disorders (See his bio under "About Us"). He is available to do the initial physical exams, EKGs and a complete blood evaluation. Though many of the clients find the in house physician convenient and accessible, and use him as a primary care giver while they are here, no one is encouraged to abandon a relationship with their private physician. The EDCASA doctor is prepared to communicate with and support primary care and specialty physicians of the clients in any capacity.

The EDCASA doctor participates in the ongoing assessment of the progress of the clients and attends the staffing meetings. He also provides instructional programs periodically to the families of the EDCASA participants.

Since clients of EDCASA often arrive with severe metabolic and physical abnormalities, Dr. Ferguson, the in house physician completes the multidisciplinary and holistic approach to evaluating, supporting and recovery. He is able to respond to the needs of the clients at any time and is available by phone after hours.