August 18, 2026 | View as Webpage

CEO Message

It's Back-to-School Season! Are Your Patients Ready?

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MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society, wishes our member physicians' patients and their parents a safe and healthy back-to-school season.


As families across Maryland prepare for the start of a new school year, MedChi is reminding parents and caregivers that National Immunization Awareness Month is also an opportunity to ensure children are ready for a healthy return to the classroom.


Schools and childcare centers bring children together in close contact, creating environments where common illnesses can spread quickly. Taking time before the school year begins to complete required health forms, establish care with a primary care physician if needed, and address any outstanding health concerns can help families avoid unnecessary delays or disruptions once classes begin.


“Back-to-school season is one of the busiest times of the year for families and healthcare providers,” Dr. Eric Wargotz, President of MedChi, said. “Planning ahead allows parents to complete required health documentation, discuss any concerns with their child's physician, and help ensure students are ready to learn from the first day of school. Being prepared benefits not only individual children but entire school communities.”


Whether it’s scheduling eye exams, providing the school with necessary medications, or getting an annual physical, there are many ways to support students to ensure they’re ready for school. As summer comes to an end, we encourage you to share the following resources with patients, so they can be prepared for a successful school year.



Gene M. Ransom III

CEO

MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society

Calling All Members!

Upcoming Events

Member Resources & Opportunities

Nexplanon Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Certification Deadline on August 23, 2026


The Maryland Department of Health has issued a critical update regarding NEXPLANON® and an updated required Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) certification process. Effective January 16th, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the approved use for Nexplanon from three to five years.


In conjunction with this change, all clinicians (Certified Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, and Doctors of Medicine) involved in the insertion and removal of Nexplanon must complete a new REMS certification. For more information, click here.

Turnkey Medical Sublease Available Near Baltimore


Perfect for a new or expanding practice! This 3,466 RSF turnkey medical/cosmetic dermatology space in Overlea features eight exam rooms, two offices, high-end finishes, and a private first-floor entrance. Select furniture, fixtures, and medical equipment convey. Enjoy abundant free parking directly adjacent to Mercy Personal Physicians.

 

Click here to view sublease details or contact Bronwyn E. LeGette at Cushman & Wakefield, bronwyn.legette@cushwake.com or 410-627-2791.  

Members in the News

MedChi President's Op-Ed Featured in Washington Examiner: Delayed to death: How healthcare middlemen run out the clock on sick Americans


MedChi President, Eric Wargotz, M.D., FACP, was published in the Washington Examiner, sharing how private Medicare Advantage plans are systematically denying vital hospital care to older people, creating a severe healthcare crisis. Read the full article here.

Maryland Funds New Residency Program to Address Doctor Shortage


The nationwide physician shortage continues to effect patient access and care. MedChi President Eric Wargotz, M.D. was featured in a recent article about a new state-funded residency program in Prince George's County. Read the full article here.

If you have news to share about yourself, a colleague, or your practice, and would like us to feature it in MedChi News,

please contact Olivia Ballmann. All submissions are subject to review and approval.

Submission does not guarantee inclusion, publication, or use.

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MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society

800.492.1056 • www.medchi.org

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