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Thursday, March 12, 2026
| | Senate Bill 1 - Primary Care Reform | |
Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) - An Act to reform and enhance primary care, is anticipated to be heard in the Senate Health and Social Services Committee at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The Medical Society of Delaware is requesting all members to engage the Delaware Senate to vote in support of SB 1 by doing at least one of the following prior to the committee hearing:
Reach out to the bill sponsors in the Senate:
Contact the Chair of the Senate Health and Services Committee - Senator Marie Pinkney
Reach out to a member of the Senate where you live or work.
Encourage your primary care colleagues to reach out to their Senators to support SB 1.
SB 1 is the result of several years of implementation, discovering challenges, compromising, and developing solutions. The Department of Insurance (DOI) has been a critical and collaborative partner in developing this legislation and providing valuable resources to support this bill. This legislation is inclusive (via statute or promulgation of regulations) of MSD's six fundamental Primary Care Reform Pillars:
- Eliminate the sunset period for SB 120.
- Include other population segments into the legislation.
- Include all persons in the relevant health plans.
- All payments that represent primary care investments must follow the patients through the primary care practitioner to whom they are attributed.
- Immediate implementation of a five-year glide-path, during which time health plans will reimburse a fee-for-service rate for covered primary care services at an increased rate of Medicare or a robust prospective payment.
- Develop accountability standards for primary care based on nationally recognized definitions of value-based care.
If you are interested in providing a letter of support on behalf of MSD, please contact Lisa Gruss, External Affairs and Development Officer at lisa.gruss@medsocdel.org or 610-306-6951.
Committee Hearings are live streamed. Information on the Senate Committee Hearings can be found on the Delaware General Assembly website. Information includes how to provide written and verbal testimony, as well as a livestream of the hearing.
For questions about this critical legislation or other advocacy initiatives, please contact Lisa Gruss. MSD monitors legislation on behalf of our members. We encourage all members to share information on the advocacy efforts MSD is making in Legislative Hall with their colleagues and the benefits of membership in MSD.
| | Register for the MSD 2026 Interim Council Meeting | Consider Submitting a Resolution for Change! |
| |  | The MSD 2026 Interim Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 16th at the Smyrna Opera House, located at 7 W. South St., Smyrna, DE. As a member of MSD, this event affords you the opportunity to attend to hear the business of the Council, connect with your peers, and meet new colleagues, all the while enjoying fine food and beverage at a historic Delaware location! The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with check-in and a half-hour cocktail social, followed by the Interim Council business meeting beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. MSD is inviting key members of the Delaware General Assembly to provide brief remarks and share critical updates on legislation that impacts physicians and patients. This affords you the opportunity to engage in conversations to support collaborations in improving health care in Delaware. Get to know the Representatives and Senators involved in health care legislation! The agenda will include reports from the President and Treasurer, as well as an MSD Advocacy update. Nominations to the 2026 Nominating Committee will also take place.
Consider submitting a resolution! Resolutions are a vehicle to submit to Council your issues for change. Learn more about writing a resolution from the MSD Resolution Write Guide. Resolution submission deadline is Thursday, April 2nd.
To register go to https://reg.planetreg.com/MSD2026Interim. Any Council members who cannot attend should indicate on the registration site they will not be in attendance, otherwise you will continue to receive follow up notices. Registration closes on Thursday, April 9th at close of business.
| | MSD Walk With A Doc Event | Mark Your Calendars for Sunday, May 3rd at 11 a.m.! | |
MSD is partnering with the Bayhealth/Dover Chapter of Walk With A Doc to present a "Women's Health" education program for the community participants on Sunday, May 3 at 11 a.m. The walk will take place at Brecknock County Park, 80 Old Camden Rd, Camden. The walking program is a fun and safe place to take a walk (at your own pace), encourages discussion to provide health tips to the community, and meet new people. The event is free and all are welcome. MSD invites physicians to come walk with us and answer any questions the participants on the walk may have. If you're not able to join us, it is appreciated if you could place this flyer with the details in your office to share with your patients. Our goal is to boost community participation in these events and take a step toward better health! If you would like to participate by answering questions along the walk, please contact Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org.
| | Let's Talk About Medicare | Unlocking the Mysteries of Medicare | |
Are you turning 65 or approaching Medicare eligibility? The Medical Society of Delaware Insurance Services (MSDIS)/USI is presenting an upcoming educational Medicare webinar, Let's Talk About Medicare. Join us on Wednesday, April 15th at 12:00 p.m. for an educational webinar designed to help you better understand your Medicare options and what the next steps are. Your host will be Irwin Cherry, Jr. from My Benefit Advisor. Register. This event is only for educational purposes and no plan-specific benefits or details will be shared.
| | Community Earth Day Event | |
Join your fellow MSD members for Earth Day in Talley Day Park in Wilmington on Saturday, April 18th from 10 a.m. to noon! Leah Brooks, a certified Delaware Master Naturalist and avid eco-gardener, will teach us about invasive and native plants. She will help us to identify and pull invasive species so that native plants have room to flourish. Meet by the dog park in the back of the park. We'll have trash bags, water, and snacks. Please bring gardening gloves, and if you have them, clippers and power saws to cut back the invasive plants growing in the park. Finally, bring your family and help make Talley Day Park look beautiful. Sign up.
| | Attention Medical Student and Resident Members! | Keep MSD Posted on Your Post-Graduation Plans | |
As you prepare for the next chapter of your medical career, MSD is here to support your transition. Whether you are staying in the First State or heading to a new adventure, MSD wants to stay connected and provide you with the resources needed for your next step.
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Update your profile: Log in (or create a log in) to the MSD website to refresh your contact information and career plans.
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Get in touch: Email Michelle Seymour at Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org to let her know your post-graduation plans.
MSD is proud of your commitment to your patients and the future of medicine!
| | Wanted: Information to Determine Membership Diversity | Confidential Questionnaire Developed to Capture Information | |
The needle is slowly moving forward! Thank you to all who have provided information. The MSD Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is working to support a diverse physician workforce and inclusive organizational culture. As a starting point toward understanding and improving our membership diversity, your help is greatly appreciated in submitting this information. A brief, four- answer questionnaire has been developed for your convenience and will take less than a minute to complete. Your information will remain confidential, however, it will be used in aggregate to assess the diversity of our membership, how that correlates with the diversity of our leadership, and to understanding the diversity of the physician workforce in Delaware. If you have already completed the questionnaire, there is no need to do so again. Access the questionnaire.
| | MSD Seeking 2026 Nominations for Prestigious Tilton Award | Nominate a Member Who Emulates the Qualities of MSD's Founding Father | |
Do you know a member physician whose personal sacrifice and performance is beyond expectation, who is advancing medicine, or is changing the lives of patients in extraordinary ways? We want to hear from you! MSD is seeking nominations from medical professionals, as well as members of the community to recognize an exceptional physician member for this year's Tilton Award recognition.
James Tilton, MD, the first President of MSD, is notable not only to MSD, but also to our nation's history. Saving countless lives during the Revolutionary War, he shaped the future of medicine in ways unknown to those times. His legacy is one of many firsts, both as a physician and historical figure. The MSD Tilton Award recognition is an annual event to pay tribute to an outstanding physician member. For more information about past recipients of the award and criteria requirements for nomination, please visit the MSD website.
MSD has cast a wide net to solicit nominees for this prestigious award. This includes patients and other community members having the opportunity to participate in the nomination process. Anyone is eligible to complete the Tilton Awards Nomination Form indicating why their nominee should be chosen to receive this prestigious award. Have a few names in mind but can't decide? You are welcome to submit separate qualified nominations. The submission deadline is Sunday, May 31 by 11:45 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Gruss, External Affairs and Development Officer at Lisa.Gruss@medsocdel.org or (302) 893-3907.
SAVE THE DATE! The Tilton Award presentation will take place on Thursday, October 1st at the University and Whist Club in Wilmington, the original home of Dr. James Tilton and the Tilton Society. Mark your calendar to attend! If you would like information about sponsoring this event, please contact Lisa Gruss.
| | End of Life Options Regulations Finalized | Public Comment Period January 1 - February 2, 2026 | The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Public Health (Agency) published new regulation 4603 End-of-Life Options on January 1, 2026 (29 DE Reg. 586). This regulation aligns with 16 Del.C. Ch. 25C, regarding the self-administration of medication to end life in a humane and dignified manner by a terminally ill adult, and the facilitation of the collection of information for reporting purposes. House Bill 140 (85 Del. Laws, c. 19), known as "The Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Law", was signed on May 20, 2025. The Division of Public Health requested that written materials and suggestions from the public concerning the proposed regulation be delivered to DHSS by February 2, 2026, after which time DHSS would review information, factual evidence, and public comment on the proposed regulation. | | Delaware Launches Digital Platform to Improve Behavioral Health Care | DTRN360 Gives Real-Time Access to Patient Treatment History | Delaware officials are introducing a new digital platform to strengthen care coordination among behavioral health professionals across the state. During a statewide community briefing last week, leaders highlighted DTRN360, a new secure system that gives doctors, counselors, hospitals, and crisis teams real-time access to a patient's recent treatment history. Officials said the platform helps health care professionals make informed decisions and close care gaps. As the only system of its kind in the United States, DTRN360 enables health care professionals to coordinate services and make better clinical decisions by leveraging up-to-date treatment information. Leaders said the platform first launched internally last summer before expanding to contracted providers across Delaware. | | State Approves Higher Co-pay for Weight Loss Drugs, New Premiums for State Employees | Price of Drugs was over $12 Million More than Budgeted by the State in 2024 | The State Employee Benefits Committee (SEBC), which is responsible for managing Delaware's state employee health insurance plans, finalized coverage changes for employees using weight-loss drugs. Delaware state employees have enjoyed a relatively inexpensive price for GLP-1 drugs and will soon see their copays rise. The new copays will not apply to employees using the drugs for diabetes. Under the state's new coverage guidelines, state employees using drugs for weight loss purposes will pay a $200 copay for a 30-day supply beginning July 1. Currently a monthly supply is approximately $32. Also passed by the SEBC are new monthly insurance premiums that will see an increase of 2.2% for Fiscal Year 2027. These changes will impact more than 100,000 state employees, retirees, and their family members who are covered by the Delaware General Health Insurance Plan. | | Delaware Paid Leave is Here! | Physicians Have a Crucial Responsibility for a Seamless Process |
| | | As of January 2026, Delaware employees can now take paid time off for major life events, including medical and family caregiver leave, through the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (Delaware Paid Leave). As a health care professional, your role is essential. Submission of the Certification of Serious Health Condition (CSHC) when requested will ensure that Delaware workers get the benefits they need. The CSHC is required for medical leave and family caregiver leave, to confirm that the requested leave is for a legitimate personal or family medical reason. The Delaware Department of Labor’s Division of Paid Leave has created a health care provider webpage with resources like FAQs and informational flyers to help you navigate the new program. We encourage you to explore the available information when you have a moment — and ensure that your colleagues and network are aware of their responsibilities too. If you have any questions or need additional information along the way, please feel free to email PFML@delaware.gov or call 302-761-8375.
| | National Virtual Seminar on Drivers of Health | To Be Convened by The Physicians Foundation - March 25th | In collaboration with The Physicians Foundation Center for the Study of Physician Practice and Leadership and the Cornell Health Policy Center, The Physicians Foundation will convene top national health policy experts for a virtual seminar to assess the impact of social drivers of health and mobilize health leaders around the next wave of solutions. Addressing Drivers of Health: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What’s Next will take place on March 25 from 4:00 – 5:00pm ET. The seminar also marks the 10-year anniversary of Dr. Buz Cooper’s influential work highlighting the importance of drivers of health. The seminar will examine lessons from the past decade of efforts and investment to address drivers of health, including the benefits and limitations of healthcare-based social interventions. Speakers will also explore the policy and structural reforms needed to improve health outcomes nationwide. Register. | | Vinay Prasad to Resign From the FDA for a Second Time | Growing Criticism of His Regulation of Rare Disease Drugs | After a tumultuous tenure marked by recent clashes with the biopharma industry, Vinay Prasad, MD will be departing his post at the end of April as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) top regulator of vaccines and cell and gene therapies. Dr. Prasad had wide-ranging authority over vaccines, drugs and gene therapies. A search is currently underway for Dr. Prasad’s successor. He has drawn the ire of the rare disease community throughout his time as the Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). He was briefly ousted from the FDA last summer following a high-stakes regulatory dispute over Sarepta Therapeutics’ Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy Elevidys. Back then, Dr. Prasad departed as Duchenne advocacy groups reportedly escalated their opposition to his restrictive policies all the way to President Donald Trump. More recently, he has come under fire for the FDA’s rejection of multiple rare disease therapies, most notably a Huntington’s disease gene therapy from Dutch biotech uniQure. The company said the FDA had previously agreed that its plan of using a single-arm trial based on external control was acceptable. CBER under Prasad has now seemingly reversed course, sparking a heated back-and-forth that has attracted numerous headlines. Dr. Prasad’s signature also appeared on a letter telling Moderna that the agency was refusing to review the biotech’s application for a new mRNA-based flu vaccine. This call was quickly reversed after the White House reportedly intervened. | | SSA Bringing Continuing Disability Reviews In-House | Greater Federal Accountability, Relief for States | |
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced the agency will transition the processing of medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) from State Disability Determination Services (DDS) to its federal processing site called Disability Case Review (DCR). CDRs are conducted as part of SSA’s ongoing program integrity workload, supported by Congress, to determine whether a person receiving disability benefits is still eligible to receive them. Aligning medical CDRs under SSA’s direct oversight means all CDRs, including non-medical CDRs, are solely the agency’s responsibility.
In June of 2024, the DDS initial claims backlog was at an all-time high with over 1.26 million pending claims. The agency’s Disability Case Review, with its experience processing initial disability claims, reconsideration cases, and medical CDRs, will now handle medical CDRs for the entire country—allowing DDS sites to focus on reducing wait time on initial and reconsideration claims for citizens in their state citizens. Non-medical CDRs, which do not require the same expertise as medical CDRs to process, will continue to be handled by the agency’s field offices and processing centers.
| | Affordability of GLP-1s Takes Next Step with BALANCE Model | Request for Application Issued | State Medicaid agencies and Medicare Part D plan sponsors are now encouraged to apply to participate in the BALANCE (Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth) Model, which will lower the cost and expand coverage of select GLP-1 medications for weight management in Medicare Part D and Medicaid. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has successfully completed negotiations with manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, a significant milestone in carrying out the BALANCE model, and State Medicaid Agencies and Part D plan sponsors can now apply to participate in BALANCE, another critical step to making GLP-1s more affordable and available to people with Medicare Part D and Medicaid. BALANCE will launch in participating states as early as May 2026 and is expected to launch in Medicare Part D in January 2027; however, CMS also has finalized a Medicare GLP-1 payment demonstration, called the "Medicare GLP-1 Bridge," beginning in July 2026, which will serve as a bridge to the model, allowing people with Medicare Part D coverage who meet certain requirements to access GLP-1 medications starting July 2026. | | Cerebral Folate Transport Deficiency | FDA Approves First Treatment for Patients | The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved expanded use of Wellcovorin (leucovorin calcium) tablets (synthetic form of vitamin B9) for the treatment of cerebral folate deficiency in adult and pediatric patients who have a confirmed variant in the folate receptor 1 gene (CFD-FOLR1). Leucovorin is the first treatment for the rare genetic condition of cerebral folate deficiency. The approval was based on a systematic review of the published literature on the topic, including published case reports with patient-level information, as well as mechanistic data. Cerebral folate deficiency is a neurological condition that affects folate (a vitamin essential for brain health) transport into the brain. People with CFD-FOLR1 often have severe developmental delays, movement disorders, seizures, and other serious neurological complications. The FDA collaborated with GSK, the New Drug Application holder of Wellcovorin, on a process to update the labeling to include the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug for adults and pediatric patients with CFD-FOLR1. | | International Travelers Warned of Poliovirus | CDC Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory | Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a level 2 travel advisory (Practice Enhanced Precautions) warning that poliovirus has been detected in multiple destinations within the past 12 months – including parts of Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Notable countries on the list include Germany, Israel, Spain, the United Kingdom, and multiple African nations. The CDC recommends that children and adults be up to date on their routine polio vaccines before any international travel. Adults who previously completed the full vaccine series may also receive a single lifetime booster dose if they are traveling to a destination where poliovirus is circulating. | | Novo Nordisk Gets Warning Letter from FDA | Failures to Report Deaths, Adverse Side Effects | Novo Nordisk's U.S. headquarters in Plainsboro, New Jersey received a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a result of an inspection of the site from January 13 to February 7, 2025, as part of a review of the company's compliance with post marketing adverse drug experience regulations. After flagging several side effect surveillance and reporting concerns, the FDA issued the warning letter. The FDA indicated Novo Nordisk's obligation to develop written procedures to surveil, receive, evaluate, and report post marketing side effects to the FDA, singling out products with ingredients like estradiol and semaglutide. The FDA found that Novo Nordisk and its contractors failed to report serious and unexpected adverse events within the required 15-day timeframe. According to the warning letter, the company's written procedures allowed adverse events to be rejected or cancelled if reporters believed they were unrelated to the product, which is inconsistent with FDA regulations. The FDA identified multiple cases where serious adverse events, including stroke, death, and suicidal ideation were not reported within the required timeframe or were invalidated despite having valid patient identifiers. The FDA also found that Novo Nordisk failed to promptly investigate adverse events that were subject to 15-day alert reports, partly due to an unnecessary requirement to obtain consent from reporters before conducting follow up. The company has submitted multiple responses to the FDA between March 2025 and January 2026 describing corrective actions; however, the FDA deemed the responses inadequate as the company did not provide sufficient details to determine whether actions would prevent similar violations in the future. In a communication put out by Novo Nordisk this week, the company indicated it implemented a corrective and preventive action plan to address the requests in the FDA's warning letter and is confident it will resolve the matters outlined to FDA's satisfaction. | | FDA Launches New Adverse Event Look-Up Tool | Will Contain Real-Time Adverse Event Reports for All FDA-Regulated Products | The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a new unified platform for analyzing adverse event reports. This platform — called the FDA Adverse Event Monitoring System (AEMS) — represents a major achievement in the agency’s mission to modernize and provide radical transparency into the safety of regulated products. With the new system, adverse event reports submitted to the FDA for drugs, biologics, vaccines, cosmetics, and animal food can be displayed in a single streamlined dashboard. In the months ahead, all remaining product centers will begin processing adverse event reports in AEMS. The agency will also migrate historical adverse event data to AEMS, decommission certain legacy systems, and roll out enhanced application program interfaces (APIs) and data analytics tools. By the end of May 2026, AEMS will contain real-time adverse event reports for all FDA-regulated products, consistent with meeting agency obligations not to release individually identifiable patient or consumer information. | | CMS Strengthens Patient Protections, Accountability in Organ Donation System | New Guidance Reinforces Clear Safeguards for Patients and Families | |
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance to strengthen public trust and ensure patients and their families are treated with dignity and care throughout the organ donation process. The guidance clarifies and reinforces the responsibilities of Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) and donor hospitals, both in providing patients full medical care regardless of potential donor status and allowing families the time to make decisions regarding organ donation without coercion. This action follows reports that some OPOs have rushed aspects of the organ donation and procurement process, pressuring families to make decisions during moments of grief. CMS is releasing guidance that reinforces clear safeguards through a Quality, Safety, & Oversight (QSO) memo and State Operations Manual (SOM) appendix update:
- Medical care comes first: Hospitals must provide complete, life-saving medical treatment without regard to potential organ donation.
- Families are given time to make an informed decision: Families must have appropriate time to process their loss before donation decisions begin.
- No coercion: Patients and families are protected from rushed decision-making and inappropriate pressure.
- OPOs cannot influence critical decisions: OPOs are prohibited from influencing the timing of life support withdrawal or death declarations.
- Medical standards upheld: Death must be declared according to accepted medical standards before organ recovery begins.
| | Amazon Expands Access to Health-Focused AI Assistant | Tool Now Available to All U.S. Customers | Amazon is expanding access to its health-focused artificial intelligence chatbot. The Health AI assistant first launched for members of Amazon’s primary care chain One Medical in January. The tool allows users to connect their health information and ask questions about their health, symptoms and potential treatments. The tool can walk users through recent test results, provide health guidance and help them book appointments with a health care professional. Now, the tool is rolling out to all U.S. consumers. The technology giant has connections to all major regional health information exchanges, so users can connect their health records to the Health AI assistant. According to Dr. Andrew Diamond, Chief Medical Officer at Amazon One Medical, people are getting in-depth questions answered. OpenAI launched ChatGPT Health in January, a similar tool that allows users to connect their medical records and data from connected devices and ask the AI questions about their health. Another major AI firm, Anthropic, also rolled out functionality for consumers to upload health data so the AI could offer insights on their care. | | ChristianaCare has permanently closed its Evergreen Adult Day Services after nearly 40 years of operation. The closure is due to the state of Delaware ending its contract in order to redevelop the property. The Evergreen Center, located at 3000 Newport Gap Pike in Brandywine Springs, provided care for individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia, offering respite for their caregivers. It has been in operation since January 1987. The state of Delaware, which owns the property, ended its contract with ChristianaCare effective March 6 as it plans to develop the former hospital campus as the new home for the state's Division of Forensic Science. | | Wilmington VA Medical Center | The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has appointed Thandiwe Nelson-Brooks as the new Executive Director of the Wilmington VA Medical Center, effective March 8. Nelson-Brooks had been serving in the role on an interim basis since January. She succeeds Vamsee Potluri, who transferred to another VA facility within the network in September 2025. Nelson-Brooks previously served as Interim Director of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System in Honolulu after being appointed Deputy Medical Center Director there in December 2023. She brings more than 20 years of experience in clinical and administrative health care leadership. Nelson-Brooks said strengthening those connections with veterans and caregivers will be a priority as she begins her tenure leading the Wilmington facility. | | Anthony M. Tramontozzi, DO | |
Congratulations are in order for MSD member Anthony M. Tramontozzi, DO and spouse on the birth of their baby boy, William Robert Tramontozzi, born on March 6th. Mom and baby are doing well. The proud dad is an internal medicine physician at Christiana Care Health System and also chairs the MSD Young Physician Section. Dr. Tramontozzi serves on several committees and in the leadership at MSD.
If you have news to share, let us know by contacting Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org and include details and photo.
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Edward G. Richman, MD - Family Medicine at Greenhill
Rabya S. Saraf, MD - Cardiology Fellow, St. Louis University Hospital
| Please join MSD in welcoming the newest member(s) of the Medical Society of Delaware. As the third oldest medical society in the country, MSD has an amazing history. Thank you for taking part in our continued success! | |
| | | It is with sadness that we share the passing of MSD member Amir Mansoory, MD on February 24, 2026, at the age of 91. A graduate of Tehran University Medical School in 1959, Dr. Mansoory continued his medical training in the United States, completing his residency at St. Barnabas Medical Center from 1961 to 1964. In 1969, while sitting for the American Board of Surgery examination in Baltimore, he met Shahrokh Morovati, MD. In 1970, the two physicians established the practice of Mansoory & Morovati. Together, they built a respected surgical and emergency care practice. In 1971, Dr. Mansoory was inducted into the American College of Surgeons. That same year, Dr. Mansoory began teaching at Delaware Hospital, which would later become Christiana Care Health System. His dedication to teaching helped shape generations of young physicians. Recognizing the growing need for structured emergency care, Dr. Mansoory became deeply involved with Doctors for Emergency Services (DFES), one of the nation’s early private emergency physician groups founded in 1969. As a cofounder and longtime Treasurer, he played a vital role in its growth and stability. DFES would go on to lead emergency care across Delaware, helping establish the statewide 911 system, modern paramedic services, the trauma system, and one of the largest emergency medicine residency programs in the country. In 1973, Dr. Mansoory, his Dr. Mansoory, and several associates, founded Newark Emergency Center, which later became Newark Urgent Care — further expanding access to critical care services in the community. In 1974, Dr. Mansoory was instrumental in establishing the Trauma Committee of the American College of Surgeons and served as its first Chairman. His leadership helped formalize trauma standards and elevate the quality of emergency and surgical care. Through vision, collaboration, and tireless effort, Dr. Mansoory was instrumental in developing emergency medicine in the State of Delaware. His influence is embedded in the institutions, systems, and training programs that continue to serve the community today. Dr. Mansoory is survived by his his brother and MSD member Majjid Mansoory, MD, as well as his spouse, children and a second brother, Nasser Mansouri. Dr. Mansoory’s life was one of lasting impact. His leadership shaped a medical system. His teaching shaped physicians. His love shaped a family. A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at the Mendenhall Inn on April 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Read obituary.
| | Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship Opportunity | Presented by the AMA and the Satcher Health Leadership Institute | |
Are you a physician or resident seeking to advance your advocacy leadership skills to improve health outcomes in your community? Apply to join the fourth cohort of the American Medical Association (AMA) and Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship. The AMA-SHLI Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship is a unique post-doctoral fellowship designed to enhance physicians' advocacy leadership skills to improve health outcomes in the areas they serve or may serve. The fellowship is open to all physicians and residents who have demonstrated interest in optimal health outcomes and health advocacy and runs from September 2026-November 2027. Apply by March 16th. For additional information regarding the fellowship, please contact shlifellowship@msm.edu.
| | Who Do Americans Trust for Public Health Information? | A poll published last week found that Americans have lost trust in federal health institutions and have greater confidence in major professional health associations to provide more trustworthy public health information on topics like vaccination, than the federal health agencies. The survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that public trust in agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) had fallen by 5 to 7 percentage points in the past year. Survey results show 73% are confident in the American Medical Association to provide trustworthy information related to public health. | | |
The most successful ACOs and physician groups do not treat security as a compliance obligation. They treat it as infrastructure. That difference matters. A completed Security Risk Assessment is not simply a MIPS requirement. It is a leadership signal. It tells payers, partners, and patients that your organization governs data responsibly. In today’s environment, data governance influences payer trust, contract negotiations, shared savings eligibility, and patient confidence. A breach or compliance failure does more than trigger penalties. It damages credibility. Strong security posture does the opposite. It strengthens your organization's position in value-based arrangements. When security is embedded into governance, risk reviews become routine, not reactive; technology investments align with compliance goals; leadership receives regular risk summaries; and documentation becomes part of operational discipline. This is how high-performing organizations protect reimbursement and reputation at the same time. Compliance done well creates stability. Stability supports performance. If your Security Risk Assessment process feels like an annual scramble, that is a workflow issue. And workflow issues can be fixed. If you would like help turning compliance from a burden into a governance asset, schedule a compliance strategy consult with Chirpy Bird (hello@chirpybirdinc.com or 888/647-7247).
MSD offers in-office HIPAA, OSHA, and BLS compliance training. Contact Dwayne Downs, Compliance Officer at (302) 366-1023 or Dwayne.Downs@medsocdel.org.
| | Learn How AI Is Transforming Technology and Accelerating Cyber Threats | |
In 2025, cybercrime escalated to an estimated $10.5 trillion in damages globally. 1 Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key driver, and is transforming the digital landscape with both innovation and vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals now use AI for faster, targeted attacks, synthetic identities, deepfakes, and personalized scams. Meanwhile, AI-powered surveillance tools raise privacy concerns by collecting sensitive data, often without consent. To counter these threats, individuals and organizations must adopt proactive strategies, including AI-driven security, ethical data practices, and strong regulatory frameworks.
Read more.
Need help with cybersecurity insurance coverage? Contact the Medical Society of Delaware Insurance Services (MSDIS) for help with all your insurance needs. For more information contact Sharon Ruth at (302) 297-0173.
| | Boost Your Practice With Team-Based Workflows | |
Many private practices struggle under administrative burden. Adopting structured team workflows can revolutionize your practice. Daily huddles, clearly defined team roles, and collaborative care models improve efficiency, enhance patient experience, and boost physician well-being.
LEARN MORE:
AMA STEPS Forward® offers a collection of engaging and interactive educational content designed to help put the joy back into medicine. Access the archive of previous Pearl email topics.
| | MSD and AMA Events of Interest | | |
Safe Kids Delaware Conference. Safe Kids Delaware is a pediatric injury prevention organization. It is hosting its biennial conference on Saturday, March 14th from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center in Rehoboth Beach. Please refer to the agenda, which includes a QR code to scan for the registration site.
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Championing Health Workers' Well-Being and Mental Health. Featuring speaker J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA, founder and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation, this AMA STEPS Forward webinar on March 17th at 1 p.m. ET highlights proven, organizational-level strategies to support well-being and mental health, reduce burnout, and improve the health care work environment. Register.
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Pathways to Thriving Summit. Join the Delaware Division of Public Health's Bureau of Health Equity for the Pathways to Thriving Summit. Be part of a transformative full-day experience bringing together nearly 450 health care and national experts, policy makers, educators, community advocates, and cross-sector leaders to advance health outcomes and strengthen well-being for all Delawareans. Participants will share ideas, build strategies, and advance bold cross-sector solutions using the Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being Framework to create healthier, thriving communities across Delaware. Keynote speaker is Becky Payne, President and CEO of The Ripple Foundation. This event will take place on Wednesday, March 18th from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Bally's Dover Conference Center. Early bird registration discount ends January 31st. Read more and register.
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MSD Pubs & Politics. Plan to attend MSD's Pubs & Politics' first event of the 2026 series on Tuesday, March 24th beginning at 5:30 p.m. This event will be held at McGlynns Pub, located at 800 N. State St., Dover. MSD in collaboration with the Delaware Chapter of the American College of Physicians and the Delaware Academy of Family Physicians bring you this series of events as a successful way for members to spend one-on-one time with another and state legislators discussing important issues that affect health care across the state. This is a terrific follow up to the recent MSD/ACP/DAFP Virtual Town Hall event held on Feb. 11th. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required by March 18th at: https://reg.planetreg.com/PubsPoliticsMarch2026. Thank you DELPAC for sponsoring this event.
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National Seminar on Drivers of Health. In collaboration with The Physicians Foundation Center for the Study of Physician Practice and Leadership and the Cornell Health Policy Center, The Physicians Foundation will convene top national health policy experts for a virtual seminar to assess the impact of social drivers of health and mobilize health leaders around the next wave of solutions. Addressing Drivers of Health: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What’s Next will take place on March 25 from 4:00 – 5:00pm ET. The seminar also marks the 10-year anniversary of Dr. Buz Cooper’s influential work highlighting the importance of drivers of health. The seminar will examine lessons from the past decade of efforts and investment to address drivers of health, including the benefits and limitations of healthcare-based social interventions. Speakers will also explore the policy and structural reforms needed to improve health outcomes nationwide. Register.
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MSD 2026 Physician Emeritus Education/Luncheon Series. MSD members who are 65 years of age or older or are younger than 65 and retired are part of the MSD Physician Emeritus Section. The Section offers you and your guest the opportunity to socialize with friends and colleagues during the year through a lunch and learn format. This year there is the opportunity to attend up to three luncheons at the University and Whist Club in Wilmington and one at the Clubhouse at Baywood Golf Course in Millsboro. Click here to access the form to indicate luncheons you would like to attend. A guest is included in fee. Please return the form no later than March 20th. For questions, contact Michelle Seymour (Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org or 302/224-4905). Upcoming 2026 event dates are:
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April 14 - Haresh Sampathkumar, MD, "Progressive Goal Attainment: Helping Individuals with Disability Due to Chronic Health Conditions," University & Whist Club, Wilmington
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May 5 - Daniel Pritchett, "A New Look at John Dickinson/Delaware's Role in Independence," The Clubhouse at Baywood, Millsboro
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June 9 - Jeffrey S. Meyers, MD, "Psychedelics in Medicine," University and Whist Club, Wilmington
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October 13 - Brian W. Little, MD, PhD, "250th Anniversary of America (The Semiquincentennial) and Early Physicians," University and Whist Club, Wilmington
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MSDIS/USI "Let's Talk About Medicare." Are you turning 65 or approaching Medicare eligibility? The Medical Society of Delaware Insurance Services (MSDIS)/USI is presenting an upcoming educational Medicare webinar, Let's Talk About Medicare. Join us on Wednesday, April 15th at 12:00 p.m. for an educational webinar designed to help you better understand your Medicare options and what the next steps are. Your host will be Irwin Cherry, Jr. from My Benefit Advisor. Register. This event is only for educational purposes and no plan-specific benefits or details will be shared.
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| | | 2026 AMPAC Candidate Workshop. AMPAC is excited to announce that the 2026 AMPAC Candidate Workshop will be held in-person, April 17-19 at the AMA offices in Washington, DC – registration now OPEN! Space is limited and the deadline for registering is March 20 or sooner if maximum capacity is reached. Ever wonder how physicians get elected to Congress or your state legislature? Considering a run for office for yourself? The AMPAC Candidate Workshop will teach you how to run a winning political campaign, just like we have taught many of your AMA colleagues over the years. The Candidate Workshop is designed to help you make the leap from the exam room to the campaign trail and give you the skills and strategic approach you will need to make a run for public office. You will learn: the importance of a disciplined campaign plan and message; the secrets of effective fundraising; what kinds of advertising may be right for your campaign; how to work with the media; as well as how to build your campaign team and a successful grassroots organization. Attendees include physicians, spouses of physicians, residents and medical students and state medical society staff interested in becoming more involved in politics. The Candidate Workshop is open to AMA physician members, member spouses, residents, medical students and state medical society staff. Registration fee is $250 for AMA Members/spouses and $1,000 for non-AMA members. This fee is waived for AMA residents and students; however, space is limited and the AMPAC Board will review and select four participants from the pool of qualified resident and student applicants. For more information please contact: Politicaleducation@ama-assn.org.
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Community Earth Day Event. Join your fellow MSD members for Earth Day in Talley Day Park in Wilmington on Saturday, April 18th from 10 a.m. to noon! Leah Brooks, a certified Delaware Master Naturalist and avid eco-gardener, will teach us about invasive and native plants. She will help us to identify and pull invasive species so that native plants have room to flourish. Meet by the dog park in the back of the park. We'll have trash bags, water, and snacks. Please bring gardening gloves, and if you have them, clippers and power saws to cut back the invasive plants growing in the park. Finally, bring your family and help make Talley Day Park look beautiful. Sign up.
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| | | "Celebrate Delaware" Black Tie Event. As Delaware prepares to mark America’s 250th anniversary, Delaware 250 is inviting residents from across the First State to gather for an evening of reflection and celebration. On Saturday, April 18, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., Delaware 250 will host Celebrate Delaware, a black-tie event at the historic Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington. Designed as an immersive experience, the evening will unfold across three distinct rooms—each dedicated to one of Delaware’s counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. Guests will enjoy county-inspired food, drinks, and entertainment that highlight the character, culture, and contributions of each region. Admission is $250 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals and organizations interested in supporting Delaware 250’s statewide programming and educational initiatives. Celebrate Delaware is one of many events planned as part of the state’s semiquincentennial commemoration. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the official Delaware 250 Events Calendar to discover programs taking place throughout the state. Organizations are also invited to submit their events for inclusion. For reservations, sponsorship information, or to view the statewide events calendar, visit delaware250.org.
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MSD Medical Front Office Skills Course. MSD in partnership with the Practice Management Institute is offering a Medical Front Office Skills certificate course. This is a live-webinar on April 23 & 24 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Setting high performance standards in the front office will lead to more informed and satisfied patients, smoother workflow and a healthier revenue cycle. This comprehensive course covers everything from patient satisfaction, medical ethics and etiquette to communication techniques and data collection, and privacy/security compliance. For much more information and to register, visit https://reg.planetreg.com/MFOS2026.
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| | | Health Care Summit 2026. Every spring, Spotlight Delaware hosts a summit on a single topic that’s vitally important to the state. This year, they're bringing health care into the spotlight at their first ever Health Care Summit, taking place on Wednesday, April 29th at the Audion at the University of Delaware's STAR Campus in Newark. Join them for panel discussions about pressing issues of health care access and intimate chats with health leaders about their top priorities (and concerns) as health systems continue to change. Hear from industry leaders, consumer advocates, policy makers, and health care professionals about Delaware's barriers to access and opportunities for growth, and connect with like-minded colleagues to lay the groundwork for future collaboration. Panel discussions include: Access to Specialty Care; The Downstate Demand; Lunch Chat: An Update on the Opioid Fund; Delaware's Medical School: The Path Forward; and Hospital Leadership. Mark your calendars for what is sure to be a memorable day of discussion, connection, and thought leadership. Get Tickets. Early bird pricing through April 22nd.
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SAVE THE DATES! MSD New Member Dinner Events for 2026. Two dinner events for new MSD members to meet the MSD leadership and committee leadership are planned for 2026. These events celebrate your membership in MSD, as well as provide opportunity for MSD to share information on what MSD does and how you can benefit and engage within the MSD community. The events are planned to be fun and engaging. Building off the success of last year's event, we are continuing with two events for 2026. These events will target all new members who joined in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Upcoming events are planned for:
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MSD Walk With A Doc. MSD is partnering with the Bayhealth/Dover Chapter of Walk With A Doc to present a "Women's Health" education program for the community participants on Sunday, May 3 at 11 a.m. The walk will take place at Brecknock County Park, 80 Old Camden Rd, Camden. The walking program is a fun and safe place to take a walk (at your own pace), encourages discussion to provide health tips to the community, and meet new people. The event is free and all all welcome. MSD invites physicians to come walk with us and answer any questions the participants on the walk may have. If you're not able to join us, it is appreciated if you could place this flyer with the details in your office to share with your patients. Our goal is to boost community participation in these events and take a step toward better health! If you would like to participate by answering questions along the walk, please contact Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org.
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| | | AMA Physician Entrepreneur Forum. The AMA invites physicians, residents, fellows and medical students to apply for the inaugural AMA Physician Entrepreneur Forum. This selective, in-person event is designed for physicians interested in exploring and advancing entrepreneurial and business leadership pathways across health care. Featuring physicians and health care leaders who have built and led successful health care businesses, practices and ventures, this forum will provide participants practical insight into how physicians create, grow and partner in health care organizations, while building relationships with peers, collaborators and experienced leaders from across the country. This two-day program, being held August 7-8 at the AMA Offices in Chicago, is designed to provide meaningful dialogue, real-world perspectives and high-value networking in a focused, small-group environment. Participation is limited and application approval is required prior to registration to maintain a highly curated physician cohort. Application submission deadline is July 6th. Early registration pricing is available through April 30th.
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SAVE THE DATE! AMA Coaching Summit: Empowering Learners and Educators Through Coaching. Plan to attend the American Medical Association's inaugural event, August 13-14, 2026 in Chicago. This national conference will highlight how coaching transforms medical education through innovation, evidence, and collaboration. Featuring breakout sessions, workshops, and poster presentations, the AMA Coaching Summit is designed for physicians, educators, learners, academic leaders, and health systems stakeholders across the continuum of medical education. During the summit, presenters from undergraduate and graduate medical education, as well as continuing professional development, will share their knowledge of coaching - both from the perspective of the coach and the coachee. Registration opens April 22nd.
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SAVE THE DATE! Health Equity: Understanding How National Topics Impact Locally. Plan to attend the Delaware Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics' education program on Wednesday, September 16 from 2:00-5:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront, 760 South Justison St., Wilmington. A social reception will follow from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Keynote speakers are Terri McFadden, MD, MPH, FAAP, President-Elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics; and Joseph Wright, MD, MPH, FAAP, Chief Health Equity Officer and Senior Vice President of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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MSD 2026 Superhero for Hope 5k Run/Walk and Health Fair. Grab your cape and join the mission! The Medical Society of Delaware's OBVIOUS Superhero for Hope 5k Run/Walk returns and this year, hope needs you! Run, walk, or fly alongside fellow heroes as we raise awareness and support for mental health and wellness across Delaware. Every step you take fuels healing, connection, and brighter tomorrows for those who need it most. Whether you're running for a loved one, yourself, or simply for the joy of giving back, this event is about coming together...capes, courage, and community in motion. This event will take place on Saturday, October 10th at Rockford Park, Lookout Drive, Wilmington. Register now and be a real life hero. Don't wait for hope, run toward it!
| | Other Upcoming Events and CME | |
March 27 - 7th Biennial Perinatal Palliative Care Symposium: Aspects of Trauma in Perinatal Palliative Care, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., John H. Ammon Education Center, ChristianaCare Newark Campus. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.
April 11 - MOVE with MADD Delaware 5k Run/Walk, 9:00 a.m., Riverfront Park in Wilmington. Form a team!
April 17 - 2nd Annual Trauma Symposium, 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., John H. Ammon Education Center @ ChristianaCare Newark Campus. Registration limited to 200 participants. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.
April 25-26 - Foundations of Compassionate Care in Medicine: Reclaiming the Human Tools of Healing, 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Fellowship Hub, 19 S. 22nd St, Philadelphia (enter on 22nd Street off corner). The event is limited to 20 participants. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.
April 29 - Delaware Academy of Medicine and Public Health 96th Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, 6:00 p.m., Hyatt Place, Wilmington Riverfront.
May 7 - 63rd Annual William J. Holloway Infectious Disease Symposium, 9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., virtual and in-person at the John H. Ammon Education Center, ChristianaCare Newark Campus. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 credit/6 ABIM MOC points.
May 14-15 - Neuroimmune Institute "Inflammatory Brain Disorders Conference 2026," virtual. CME credit available; free of charge to 500 physicians.
June 6 - Freedom From Seizures 5K North, 9:00 a.m., Glasgow Park, Newark. Show your support for Delaware's epilepsy community.
September 16-18 - SAVE THE DATE! ABMS Conference 2026, health care conference on Board certification, Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel.
September 28-30 - International Conference on Physician Health. Registration opens late February.
| | Safety Information and Adverse Reporting Notices | Information on Recent Product Recalls/Safety Alerts | |
Flexible Cryoprobe Issue (Early Alert)
The FDA is aware Erbe USA has reported instances of certain Cryoprobes rupturing or bursting during activation. The rupture is caused by insufficient adhesive being applied during production, leading to excessive input pressure. The rupture causes a loud sound which could cause tinnitus, temporary hearing loss, or persistent hearing loss to patients, health care professionals, or any person near the device when activated. The rupture of the device may also lead to injuries or burns. As of February 24, Erbe USA has reported five serious injuries and no deaths associated with this issue.
| | The Latin phrase "Rerum Cognoscere" translates to "learn, examine, or become aware of facts or things." In this section, we highlight measurable items of interest in health care from MSD, Delaware, the U.S., and the world. | | |
1/3
Out of nurse practitioners that are trained and certified in primary care, the number who actually practice in primary care.
Workforce Studies cited by AMA
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1 in 3
Number of NPs and PAs who switch specialties at least once in their careers, often without formal advance training in the new specialty.
AMA Survey
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88%
Percent of nurse practitioners who practice on a physician-led team who said they are satisfied, with over half stating they are very satisfied. PAs felt much the same.
AMA Issue Brief
| | The information contained herein is solely informational, planned in accordance for a diverse membership audience. This communication reflects news and announcements that have been made available to MSD and is not intended to exclude other pertinent material. The content published is proposed to represent facts of interest and provide awareness to the members. MSD reserves the right to determine what information is relevant to its membership. | | Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved. | | | | |
