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Eight Day Celebration Beginning at Sundown April 22, Concluding April 30 |
The eight-day Jewish holiday of Passover commemorates the Israelites' Exodus from Egypt and their transition from slavery to freedom. In Hebrew it is known as Pesach ("to pass over"), as during a plaque the first born children in Jewish homes were passed over and spared from death. Passover is observed by avoiding foods with leaven, and highlighted by the Seder meals that include four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus. Matzah, or unleavened bread, is the main food of Passover. The first two days of Passover (from sundown of the first date, until nightfall two days later) are full-fledged, no-work-allowed holiday days. The subsequent four days are Chol Hamoed, when work is allowed, albeit with restrictions. Chol Hamoed is followed by another two full holiday days. Chag Pesach sameach (Happy Passover)!
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MSD Council Meets at Interim Meeting | Collective Bargaining Resolution Adopted | MSD held its 12th Interim Council Meeting at the Smyrna Opera House on Thursday, April 18th. One resolution, "Support of Physicians Pursuing Collective Bargaining and Unionization," was presented, debated by the Council, and adopted as submitted. Through parliamentary process, the Council revisited the Executive Board's decision from a special meeting held on April 16th to discuss HB 350 that would create the Diamond State Hospital Review Board. The Executive Board supported a position of opposition to HB 350 to include other suggested ways to consider to help lower health care costs in the state; however, the Council voted to change this position and support the Government Affairs Committee's recommendation to remain neutral on this matter. Also accomplished, three new members were elected to the Committee on Membership. MSD President, Robert Varipapa, MD provided a President's report, and financial and advocacy updates were also given. Read the Interim Meeting Report. | |
Looking for a Great Community Volunteer Opportunity? | Sunday Breakfast Mission Clinic in Need of Physician Volunteers | The Sunday Breakfast Mission is a Christian rescue mission that provides overnight shelter, meals, and showers to men, women, and children every night of the year. It also provides a longer term residential program for a smaller number of people to support them out of homelessness. The medical team triages medical issues, treats minor acute illnesses, dispenses non-prescription medications, provides wound care, and attempts to connect people with appropriate community resources. There is a need for a few licensed physicians to help with a nurse-led medical clinic. The Sunday Breakfast Mission clinic is located at 110 Poplar Street in Wilmington. Physician volunteers are needed on Tuesday nights from 5-7 p.m. with a one to two times a month commitment. Parking is available on site or nearby. Please contact Dr. Cynthia Heldt for further information or Kelly Rivera, nurse coordinator. | |
MSD Academic Channel: Publishing Competition | Cureus Journal of Medical Science Announces Article Submissions Open April 23 | The MSD Academic Channel through the Cureus Journal of Medical Science is introducing the CT or CBCT Guided Online Adaptive Radiotherapy Clinical Case Reports publishing competition. The competition will be open for article submissions on April 23rd. Online adaptive radiotherapy is the process of altering a patient’s treatment plan based on anatomy imaged at the time of treatment, while the patient is on the treatment table. By adapting plans to account for changes in the target and surrounding tissues, ART can help maintain therapeutic doses to treatment targets and reduce radiation exposure to normal tissues. Thus, online ART represents a significant advance relative to non-ART image-guided and intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Thanks to Varian Medical Systems' support, Cureus offering substantial honorariums for the top three articles as judged by their Scholarly Impact Quotient™ (SIQ™) post-publication rating system. Prizes include $3,000 USD for 1st place and $2,000 for both 2nd and 3rd place, as they seek to recognize contributions that push the boundaries of medical science. | |
On the Road to Fixing Prior Authorization | CMS May Not be Done Yet With Addressing Prior Authorization Woes |
The time-wasting, care-delaying payer cost-control process known as prior authorization is the bane of physicians’ existence. The hard work to ease the burdens of prior authorization is starting to pay off, but there is a long way to go yet. The AMA has outlined some positive signs of progress in the effort to fix prior authorization to include:
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule making important reforms to prior authorization to cut patient care delays and electronically streamline the process for physicians. Together, the changes will save physician practices an estimated $15 billion over 10 years.
- In 2023, nine states and the District of Columbia passed legislation that reforms the prior authorization process in their jurisdictions. And the momentum to make changes to cumbersome processes continues to build this year. Prior Authorization reform continues to be a top priority for MSD.
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Insurers are starting to realize they can’t ignore the problem. The country’s No. 1 health insurer, UnitedHealthcare, and another insurance giant, Cigna Healthcare, last year announced tentative steps to reduce the volume of prior authorizations they require.
- Some states have addressed prior authorization by passing gold card legislation that exempts physicians from prior authorization for certain procedures and treatments if they have a proven record of delivering appropriate care. Then came a bipartisan congressional bill (H.R. 4968), sponsored by a physician lawmaker, that would exempt doctors from Medicare Advantage plan prior authorization requirements if 90% of the physicians’ prior authorization requests were approved in the preceding 12 months.
- Patient advocacy groups are increasingly joining the effort to effect meaningful reforms for patients and physicians. These organizations, too, are collecting data and anecdotes to advocate for patients who have been sharing grievances of how prior authorization is harming their access to care.
According to Modern Healthcare (4/15/24, subscription), CMS is evaluating whether it needs to take further steps to crack down on health insurance companies' prior authorization requirements. CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure acknowledged at the American Hospital Association's Annual Conference this week that the volume of frustration she hears about prior authorization has exploded and indicated the agency doesn't see itself as being done with prior authorization reform.
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HHS Drug Shortage Policy Recommendations | Initiatives to Mitigate Shortages, Create Supply Chain Resiliency | On April 2, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a new white paper outlining potential policy considerations to help mitigate and prevent drug shortages in the U.S. The paper highlights factors that contribute to drug shortages. According to the report, the lack of economic stability consistently reduces investment in facilities and redundancy efforts to help ensure manufacturing lines are kept in continuous service. Read more about the two marquee policy recommendations in the white paper. | |
CDC Investigating Harmful Reactions to Counterfeit Botulinum Toxin | From Unlicensed, Untrained Individuals or in Non-Health Care Settings |
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigation notice has been posted regarding harmful reactions in people who received counterfeit or otherwise mishandled botox: [Harmful Reactions Linked to Counterfeit “Botox” or Mishandled Botulinum Toxin Injections | CDC]
Key Points:
- As of April 15, 2024, CDC has received reports of 19 people in 9 states who experienced harmful reactions after receiving counterfeit botulinum toxin injections (commonly known as “botox”) or injections administered by unlicensed or untrained individuals and/or in non-health care settings, such as homes or spas.
- Nine people have been hospitalized and four were treated with botulism antitoxin because symptoms were consistent with possible spread of toxin. No deaths have been reported.
- Many of the products being investigated are counterfeit or were administered in non-health care settings, such as homes and spas, or by an unlicensed or untrained individual. Questions regarding product investigation should be directed to FDA.
- CDC, FDA, and state and local health departments are working together to investigate these reactions.
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Confidentiality Provisions for SUD Patient Records | OCR, SAMHSA Release Webinar on New Final Rule | The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a webinar recording on the new finalized modifications to the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records regulations at 42 CFR Part 2 (“Part 2”), which protect the privacy of patients’ SUD treatment records. The new Part 2 Final Rule increases coordination among providers treating patients for SUDs, strengthens patient confidentiality protections through civil enforcement, and enhances integration of behavioral health information with other medical records to improve patient health outcomes. Read more. | |
Prepare for Potential Medicare Part B Coverage | On July 12, 2023, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed to transition coverage of Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) using FDA-approved antiretroviral drugs (oral or injectable) to prevent HIV to Medicare Part B. Currently, HIV PrEP drugs may be covered under Medicare Part D. According to CMS, it’s critical that your patients have uninterrupted access to their HIV PrEP drugs and encourages you to prepare your systems now so you’re able to immediately transition to Part B coverage if they release a final National Coverage Decision. Review their fact sheet to learn more about how you can prepare for the possible upcoming coverage change, including information about enrollment, billing, claims processing, and coding. | |
HRSA Releases PALs to Health Centers | Supporting Health Centers Providing Services During Emergencies |
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program has released two new Program Assistance Letters (PALs) to support health centers in their mission to provide health care services during emergencies. HRSA encourages to review both PALs and become familiar with new processes to ensure readiness in the event of an emergency.
Updated Temporary Credentialing and Privileging Procedures
Updated PAL 2024-01 (PDF) supersedes PAL 2017-07. It clarifies processes for temporary credentialing and privileging, and details procedures and guidelines. HRSA specifically designed this PAL for use during declared emergencies or emergency situations, under their approval. HRSA expects that the changes will expedite the credentialing and privileging of health care professionals. This will improve the ability to respond swiftly and effectively during a crisis, which will ensure that communities receive high-quality health care services without interruption.
Expedited Volunteer Health Professional (VHP) Emergency Application Process and System
HRSA expects to launch a new streamlined VHP Emergency Application process this summer. New PAL 2024-02 (PDF) outlines the procedures for submitting the application. HRSA will make this expedited application available to health centers impacted by emergencies upon their approval or when they deem it necessary. It will help to quickly onboard volunteers and strengthen the ability to respond.
HRSA will release a supplemental Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Emergency Resource Guide within the next few weeks. Look for an announcement in the Primary Health Care Digest. Submit questions via the BPHC Contact Form (Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) > Select the appropriate option).
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Bill Expanding Coverage for Metastatic Cancer Advances | Requires Coverage of Drug Treatment for Associated Conditions of Metastatic Cancer | The Delaware House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance and Commerce Committee unanimously passed House Bill 364, a bill that would require individual, blanket, and group health insurance carriers to cover drug treatment for the associated conditions of metastatic cancer in the same way treatment for metastatic cancer is covered. Insurance companies would need to cover any FDA-approved drug prescribed to treat the side effects of metastatic cancer treatment and prohibit mandating that patients go through a "fail-first" step therapy process for different drugs chosen by the insurer. If enacted, the bill would go into effect December 1, 2025. As of publication, HB 364 heads to the House for debate. | |
House Passes End of Life Options Bill | Bill Heads to Senate Executive Committee | A concept we have seen in the General Assembly for the past several years has been introduced in this session. House Bill 140, sponsored by Rep. Paul Baumbach permits a terminally ill individual who is an adult resident of Delaware to request and self-administer medication to end the individual's life if both the individual's attending physician or attending advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and a consulting physician or consulting APRN agree on the individual's diagnosis and prognosis and believe the individual has decision-making capacity, is making an informed decision, and is acting voluntarily. The same bill was heavily debated in May 2023 and last year, it was released by committee on its merits. The bill was picked up again this week. | |
BIOSECURE Act Could Impact Delaware Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Campus | Why Should Delaware Care? | According to Delaware Business Now, the Congressional committee that pushed for a ban or sale of the social media platform TikTok is now scrutinizing a Chinese pharmaceutical company that happens to be developing a major taxpayer-supported manufacturing campus in Middletown. In January, the committee’s leadership introduced legislation that would prohibit the company called WuXi AppTec, as well as certain other Chinese-owned firms, from receiving federal contracts. WuXi AppTec develops and produces crucial therapies for cancer, cystic fibrosis, HIV, and other illnesses. If passed, the bill could threaten the company’s success in the United States, including its site in Middletown, which is expected to employ more than 475 people. The BIOSECURE Act is intended to block foreign adversary biotechnology companies from accessing federal funds and exploiting the American bioeconomy. The WuXi STA Pharma campus in Middletown has been hailed as a major economic development win for Delaware and it was backed by the largest taxpayer-backed grant of Governor Carney's administration. New concerns from Congress could effectively blacklist the company among federal contractors and limit its ability to grow in the U.S. biotech market. Drug executives have warned that removing the company from the American market could also take some drugs out of the pipelines for years, impacting the current drug shortages. | |
Delaware Health Fund Applications Now Available | The Delaware Health Fund is a special fund comprising all annual payments received pursuant to the Master Settlement Agreement entered into by the State of Delaware and the Participating Tobacco Manufacturers. The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ (DHSS) Health Fund Advisory Committee (HFAC) announced applications are now available for Fiscal Year 2026 and are due July 15. This is a change from previous years when Delaware Health Fund applications went live in June and closed in August. The application went live on Monday, April 15, which will still allow applicants to have three months to complete applications. Committee members will have about five weeks to complete a thorough review before public hearings begin. Applications should be submitted electronically to Juliann.Villecco@delaware.gov and cc: Susan.Bailey@delaware.gov. The application should be sent as a PDF with the organization’s name at the beginning of the file name. For more information, and to view the application online, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/healthfund. Any questions should be directed to Jules Villecco at Juliann.Villecco@delaware.gov. | |
"As an African American physician, I aim to provide an excellent health care experience to patients of all races, genders, and cultural backgrounds." MSD Member, member of the Delaware Delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA), and chair of MSD's Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Cedric T. Barnes, DO, has been highlighted on an AMA Instagram message during Minority Health Month. Dr. Barnes talks about how his office addresses health care disparities among minority populations by evaluating protocols and policies to ensure they are appropriate and fair for all communities. His experience with patients over the years has taught him to listen to his patients. Take a moment to hear Dr. Barnes' brief message: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C53md_Xu_3v/?igsh=MTF2cGJyZzE0bHg5aw%3D%3D
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Kert F. Anzilotti, MD - Chief Medical Officer, ChristianaCare
Yan Ting Chen, MD - Resident, Emergency Medicine, Bayhealth (starting July)
Kelli Quercetti, DO - Otolaryngology, ENT and Allergy of Delaware
| 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! | |
MSD Year Round Charity - Consider a Donation | Kind to Kids Charity Foundation: A Future for Every Child, All Year Round |
As a year-round charity fundraising effort, MSD continues to support the Kind to Kids Foundation to make an impact in the lives of children and teens in foster care. You can donate items throughout the year from the "My Blue Duffel" Amazon Wish List. Your donation will provide direct support for a child in foster care. "My Blue Duffels" are emergency care kits given to children entering the foster care system. From the wish list, donors purchase items that are then sent to Kind to Kids to distribute. The children are victims of child abuse and neglect and are coping with trauma. Your gift will bring hope, love, and kindness to a vulnerable child. Kind to Kids Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit charity and your donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your support.
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Premier Educational Program Partner Spotlight |
MSD is pleased to highlight one of our 2024 Premier Educational Program Partners. Delaware Hospice has been a part of the effort to keep our professional medical and public education programs growing through its partnership with MSD as a Premier Educational Program (PEP) Partner.
Whether you’re seeking comfort for a loved one near the end of life’s journey, support during treatment for a serious illness, or help connecting with the right resources, you and your family can count on Delaware Hospice and their programs (Delaware Palliative, Delaware Transitions, Katybug pediatric program, and New Hope). Their compassionate experts take a holistic approach to helping you manage the symptoms, pain, and practical details that come with a life-limiting illness. By reducing the daily stress and anxiety of coping with the disease, they free you to focus on what matters most. Visit www.delawarehospice.org or call (302) 478-5707 to connect with an understanding and experienced member of their team who can help you get the care you and your family need.
If you would like to become a PEP Partner, please contact Lynn Robinson, MSD's Director of Professional Education.
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Celebrate Successful QI Projects |
Successfully completing a quality improvement project often requires considerable time and effort. Share and celebrate the results, even for a small-scale project, by reporting it in your organization’s newsletters, presenting it during a lunchtime meeting, or posting about it on a bulletin board in a common area. When patients contribute to your QI efforts through a survey, tell them the results to encourage them to continue to offer feedback.
LEARN MORE:
Toolkits:
Webinar:
MOC Part IV QI Activities:
AMA STEPS Forward® offers a collection of engaging and interactive educational content designed to help put the joy back into medicine.
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Safety Information and Adverse Reporting Notices | Information on Recent Product Recalls and Safety Announcements |
Tejocote Products
Global Mix, Inc. of New York, is recalling tejocote products to include the following brands: Eva Nutrition, Science of Alpha, Niwali, NWL Nutra. The recalled products are labeled as tejocote root but are toxic yellow oleander. Ingestion of yellow oleander can cause neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular adverse health effects that may be severe, or even fatal. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac changes, dysrhythmia, and more. For additional information, see the linked Advisory posted by the FDA https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-issues-warning-about-certain-supplements-substituted-toxic-yellow-oleander-january-2024. The recalled products were distributed in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New Carolina, New York, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming through website.
Heartmate II and Heartmate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System
Abbott/Thoratec Corp. is recalling HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) due to an issue called Extrinsic Outflow Graft Obstruction, (EOGO). This occurs when biological material builds up between certain parts of the device, causing a blockage that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death.
Obsidio Conformable Embolic
Boston Scientific Corporation is recalling Obsidio Embolic by issuing a correction. An investigation determined that delivery of Obsidio Embolic using the aliquot technique, a commonly used delivery method in embolization procedures, for lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding embolization poses a high risk of bowel ischemia. Use of this product with the aliquot technique may prevent blood and oxygen flow to organs including the small bowel (ischemia) or non-target embolization, all of which may lead to prolonged hospitalization, the need for additional surgery or death. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries, serious health consequences, or death. Please be aware, this recall is a correction, not a product removal.
Ivenix Infusion Pump LVP Software
Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC. is recalling their Ivenix Infusion System (IIS), LVP Software, an infusion pump software. The recall will take the form of a software update. The reason for the recall is that multiple software anomalies were occurring that have the potential to result in serious patient harm or death. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death. Please be aware, this recall is a correction, not a product removal.
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Beebe Healthcare and the Delaware Division of Public Health are teaming up to host a series of free healthy living workshops aimed to provide education and resources for those living with chronic pain. The six-week workshop begins Tuesday, April 23, and meets every week until May 28 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Elks lodge 2540 at 18544 Beaver Dam Road in Lewes. The program is ideal for those dealing with debilitating chronic pain by helping participants develop skills to manage it so that they can get on with their life.
Beebe Healthcare is hosting the Lyme Disease Education Oversight Board's inaugural Lyme Aware Delaware Conference at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 17 at the Lewes Public Library. This hybrid conference is for health care professionals only and will offer the options of in-person attendance at the Lewes Library or virtual attendance. This free event will focus on Lyme and tickborne diseases and Delaware-specific research and will offer up to 6 continuing medical education credits to participants. To register for this event, please visit: tinyurl.com/5ekauxdw. For more information and a full agenda, visit: beebehealthcare.org/calendar/classes/lyme-aware-delaware-conference.
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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day | Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Prescription Drug Take Back Day is operated locally by the Delaware Division of Public Health. Find a local collection site near you. In addition to participating sites, permanent medicine drop-off locations are available year round.
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Attention MSD members who are retired or are age 65 and above. You qualify as a member of the Physician Emeritus Section of MSD. Did you know that the Section holds lunch and learn sessions throughout the year and across the state? The next lunch and learn session will take place on Thursday, April 25th at the 1776 Steakhouse in Rehoboth Beach beginning at 11:30 a.m. The featured presenter is MSD Vice President and orthopaedic surgeon, Brian J. Galinat, MD, MBA. Dr. Galinat will present on his quest to visit the US National Parks, "Choose Your Own Adventure: Our Journey Visiting All the US National Parks." If you would like to attend, but have not registered, please contact Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org. There is a charge to attend.
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Upcoming webinar: Learn how CPT® codes support real-world examples of digitally enabled care. On Thursday, April 25 at 1:00 p.m. ET, join the American Medical Association (AMA) and leaders from Omada Health and Oshi Health for our free CPT Webinar. This webinar will explore real-world examples of digitally enabled care in action. These case studies were released earlier this year as part of the AMA’s Future of Health series. The case studies highlight successful collaborations between health systems or physician practices and digital health companies to facilitate digitally enabled care and drive the future of medicine for the betterment of public health. Register now.
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The Delaware Chapter of the American College of Physicians is holding a Women in Medicine Retreat on Saturday, April 27th from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Christiana Hilton. The theme is "Level Up & Let It Go!" Join your colleagues for this unique networking event to learn how to navigate work and life to feel more fulfilled. Along with an education opportunity, there will be an improv activity, lunch, and networking. Deadline to RSVP is Monday, April 22nd. Click to register.
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The National Minority Quality Forum established the Annual Summit on Health Disparities to assist health care professionals, administrators, researchers, policy makers, community, and faith-based organizations in delivering quality care to diverse populations. With nearly 1000 attendees annually, the Summit has educated thousands of health leaders. This year's theme for the National Minority Quality Forum's Annual Leadership Summit on Health Disparities and Spring Health Braintrust is "We have the data, now what? A look back at over 25 years". Join them April 29-30 for this in-person event at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC, featuring leaders across the health care equity community! Information and registration.
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| | AMA ChangeMedEd webinar series: "The next era of assessment: Advancing precision education for learners to ensure high-quality, equitable care for patients," 1-2 p.m. Eastern time, April 30. As part of the AMA ChangeMedEd® initiative’s new strategic focus on precision education, the AMA supported a supplement in the April 2024 issue of Academic Medicine entitled, “The Next Era of Assessment: Advancing Precision Education for Learners to Ensure High-Quality, Equitable Care for Patients.” In the supplement, authors compel readers to consider a next era of assessment that places less focus on how assessment is done (e.g., tests, work-based assessment) and more focus on why it is done—to ensure high-quality, equitable care for patients. This vision stems from competency-based education, which places the focus on ensuring training outcomes prepare graduates to provide the care patients need and applying a learner-centered approach to education. This webinar will feature guest editors from the supplement in Academic Medicine and explore how the future of assessment—and the meaningful use of learning and data analytics in medical education—can focus on ensuring high-quality, equitable care. Register now.
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MSD will hold a blood drive on Tuesday, April 30 between the hours of 1:00-6:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Blood Bank of Delmarva Bloodmobile. Anyone eligible to give blood can schedule an appointment and come by the MSD office location at 651 N. Broad Street in Middletown. The Bloodmobile will be conveniently stationed in the parking lot.
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The Delaware Academy of Medicine/Delaware Public Health Association will hold its 94th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 1st at 6:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Place at the Wilmington Riverfront. Join them as they honor Dr. Joseph F. Kestner, MD and the Sussex County Health Coalition, hear from APHA President Ella Greene-Moten, and welcome new Executive Director Kate Smith, MD. Register here.
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Please join NAMI Delaware for their annual walk event on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Bellevue State Park in Wilmington. The event will open with registration at 8 a.m., followed by the walk at 9:30 a.m. You are invited to #step up and #sign up and walk in support of a friend or family member experiencing severe and persistent #mental illness . Health care professionals and partners are also invited to join their caring community and sponsor the event to show that we are all united towards providing “Mental Health for All”. Give your all for Mental Health for All today by:
• Creating a team today and registering on the official NAMIWalks Delaware website
• Sponsoring their signature event. Don’t miss your chance to promote your organization to over 400 attendees on Walk Day. Opportunities are going fast. Please visit the Walk page on our website for more information - deadline to sign up is March 31st! Questions? Please call 302-427-0787 or send an email to engage@namide.org. Register for NAMIWalks Delaware today!
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Join the Delaware Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics for a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion CME webinar on using a neurodiversity-affirming approach for identifying Autism for Latin youth. "Diagnosing Autism in Primary Care: A Focus on the LatinX Community" will be presented on Thursday, May 9th at 12:00 p.m. as a virtual event. Registration is free, but is required for participation. Space is limited. Those registered will receive an email from Zoom with details for event access. To register.
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The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition will hold its 26th Annual Breast Cancer Update, "Conquering the Unknown While Rising Above a Breast Cancer Diagnosis" on May 15th from 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. via Zoom and live streaming at Goldey-Beacom College. The Update provides a 360-degree view of breast cancer research, treatment, and patient experiences and is one of the few conferences attended by medical professionals, social workers, breast cancer survivors, medical students, and community members, available at no-cost. Learn more and register.
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MSD’s Mentorship Workgroup is excited to announce it is officially launching their mentorship initiative over the next several weeks! If you are interested in participating, please fill out our survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSDMentorProgram. We will begin by hosting a virtual event entitled “Mentorship 101: How to be a Mentor/Mentee“ on Wednesday May 15th at 7-8 p.m. that we encourage you to attend. Our informative presentation and discussion will provide you with a practical guide and a strong foundation about the principles of mentorship. This program is designed to help you be the best mentor/mentee you can be! Register today: https://reg.planetreg.com/E4166112186958
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Join Delaware's Lyme Disease Education Oversight Board and host, Beebe Healthcare, for the Lyme Aware Delaware Conference taking place on Friday, May 17th from 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. at the Lewes Public Library & also by live stream. This is a free event and participants may earn up to 6 CMEs/CEUs. Register. Review the Conference Agenda.
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State Opioid Response (SOR) 2024 Conference: Innovative Strategies for Engaging Key Populations. The 2024 DSAMH State Opioid Response Conference is being held on May 29-30 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison St, Wilmington. Participants can choose to attend either non-CE tracks or CE-tracks with up to 8 CEs available. Registration is free. Refer to the conference program for full details and registration links with instructions.
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Please join MSD for the next Pubs and Politics event at the Starboard in Dewey Beach. This next event in a series of events planned across the state will take place on Tuesday, June 4th beginning at 5:30 p.m. ACP and DAFP are joining MSD for this event for members! Join your colleagues for another great Pubs & Politics event, with complimentary food and beverages provided while you discuss regulatory and legislative updates for Delaware. Stop by when you can! Please register by May 29th.
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The Young Physician Section of the Medical Society of Delaware (YPS) invites you to attend a YPS Social at the Riverfront's Constitution Yards - featuring complementary food and drinks, on Thursday June 6, 2024 (5:30 to 8pm). Please register no later than May 31st.
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The Center for Community Research & Service and the Institute of Public Administration at the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration of the University of Delaware invites you to SAVE THE DATE! to attend Homelessness in Delaware: New Ideas and Directions. In the past few years, demand for homeless services has increased substantially, while little has changed in the response to homelessness in Delaware. This one-day conference will feature presentations of services and policy approaches that have been successful in other jurisdictions that could be adapted to Delaware, as well as laying the groundwork for developing a more coordinated and deliberate approach to ending homelessness in the state. Formal invitation and registration to follow. This event will take place on Thursday, June 6 at Embassy Suites Hotel, 654 S. College Ave., Newark.
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Is your practice interested in improving appropriate use of antibiotics in telemedicine? The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is currently recruiting practices for a no-cost, 18-month program beginning in June 2024 to promote appropriate antibiotic use while maintaining patient satisfaction and reducing potential side effects in patients seen via telemedicine. Practices will receive training and one-on-one expert coaching to implement sustainable improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of infections in the telemedicine environment. Practices will learn how to improve workflow efficiencies and participants will be eligible for continuing education units (CEUs), continuing medical education (CME) credits, and American Board of Internal Medicine maintenance of certification (MOC) points. Learn more and sign up for an informational webinar on the program website: safetyprogram4telemedicine.org. Refer to the informational flyer.
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The Disparities Solutions Center at Massachusetts General Hospital announces its Disparities Leadership Program (DLP) is now taking applications for the 2024-2025 class. Letters of intent are due Friday, July 12, 2024, and applications are due Friday, August 2, 2024. The DLP is a year-long executive education program designed for leaders from health care organizations who want to implement practical strategies to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health care, particularly through quality improvement. To date, over 569 participants from 236 organizations representing 35 states, Washington D.C., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Canada, and Switzerland have participated in the program. To read more about the program, visit:
https://www.mghdisparitiessolutions.org/disparities-leadership-program. Limited scholarships are available for public hospitals, Medicaid-managed health plans, and community health centers.
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MSD Night at the Wilmington Blue Rocks! As a member of MSD, you are invited to attend the game on Friday, August 9 when the Wilmington Blue Rocks take on the Jersey Shore Blueclaws. Game time is 6:35 p.m. at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington. Following the game, a fireworks show will be presented. By registering for this event, you are reserving an entrance ticket for yourself and one $10 gift card that can be used at any concession stand at the stadium. Tickets for this event are offered at no charge to MSD members. Additional tickets may be purchased for $16 each, which can be purchased using the "Self-Pay Tickets" registration option. MSD members registering must be current with their 2024 membership renewal. Please contact MSD to renew your membership if needed. Click to register.
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SAVE THE DATE! For the third year in a row, MSD is joining DNREC's Coastal Clean Up at Herring Point, Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, taking place on Saturday, September 14th beginning at 10 a.m. (rain date September 21st). In 2023, our efforts netted over 75 pounds of trash collected from the beach. Join us this year to beat the 2024 goal. Watch the clip from the September 16, 2023, Coastal Clean Up event.
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Join MSD for the 7th Annual Superhero for Hope Run/Walk 5K on Saturday, October 5th at Rockford Park, 19th St & Tower Rd, Wilmington. Check-in starts at 8:00 a.m., with the race beginning at 9 a.m. Register early! Registration fee until September 2nd is $25. Pricing goes up starting September 3rd. Racers will receive a t-shirt and refreshments and music will be provided. Top awards will be given. Register at: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/87034/superhero-for-hope-7th-annual-runwalk-5k
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Physician Employment Contract Negotiation Self-Paced, Online Program. Equip yourself with the vital business skills needed to negotiate fair and sustainable physician contracts. Enroll now to level the playing field and secure favorable outcomes for your professional partnership. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 3.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit. Discounted registration fee for MSD members and residents/fellows. For more information and to register, visit https://reg.planetreg.com/PhysicianContractNegotiation. Download the flyer.
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On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 enacted a new one-time requirement which went into effect on June 27, 2023, for any Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered practitioner to complete eight hours of training “on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders.” You can satisfy this training requirement to meet the conditions of the MATE Act through courses offered online by the American Medical Association. If you have not met this specific eight-hour training requirement yet, the deadline to do so is the date of a practitioner’s next scheduled DEA registration submission.
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April 25 - Annual Delaware Section of ACOG Legislative Day, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Legislative Hall in Dover.
May 2 - Swank Dementia Symposium: Treatment of Dementia, 12:00-3:00 p.m., virtual and in person at John H. Ammon Education Center at ChristianaCare Newark Campus. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.
May 7 - 61st Annual William J. Holloway Infectious Disease Symposium, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 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 5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.
May 15 - Quality Insights and AmeriHealth Caritas present Evidence-Based Opportunities to Improve Diabetes and Prediabetes Control and Prevention, 12:00-1:00 p.m., virtual. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.
October 29 - SAVE THE DATE! 28th Annual Delaware Healthcare Forum, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Bally's Dover Casino Resort, Rollins Center, Dover.
September 19 - SAVE THE DATE! DAFP Geriatric Medicine Symposium, ChristianaCare, Newark.
October 19 - DAFP Research & Education Foundation Healthcare Heroes 5k, Cape Henlopen State Park.
November 23 - SAVE THE DATE! MSD Annual Meeting and Presidential Reception, Bally's Dover Casino Resort
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H5N1 Bird Flu Virus in Mammals (As of April 5, 2024) | The CDC website now features a new page dedicated to the current situation on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus (“H5N1 bird flu”) in mammals. The page includes information on the outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows in the U.S., the risk to people, a timeline of documented mammalian infections in the U.S. and globally, and a list of related links. Learn more. | |
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 US, and the world. |
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33%
Number of LGBTQ adults reporting negative experiences while receiving health care in the previous three years, compared to 15% of non-LGBTQ adults.
KFF Survey
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24%
Number of LGBTQ adults who had a negative health care experience in the past three years that caused their health to get worse, compared to 9% of non-LGBTQ adults.
KFF Survey
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39%
Number of LGBTQ adults who had a negative health care experience in the past three years that made them less likely to seek health care, vs. 15% of non-LGBTQ adults.
KFF Survey
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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. | |
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