UMass FMCH Tuesday Talk - November 5, 2024/CLINICAL

Welcome to the FMCH Tuesday Talk. Please continue to send us your announcements, celebrations, and accomplishments to FMCHtuesdaytalk@umassmed.edu. 

Table of Contents

Message from the Chair

Upcoming Events

Focus of the Week - Clinical

Announcements

Presentations and Publications

Frankly Speaking Podcast

Department Resources

Wellness Resources

Yoga Class

Message from the Chair

Turmoil and hope at Boston Medical Center

As many of you may have heard, BMC announced a decision last week to replace their nationally recognized collaborative care model for labor and delivery staffing- where OB/GYNs, family physicians, and CNMs staff the unit- with a new model with only OB/GYNs and CNMs.

There are currently 21 family physicians at BMC who work as part of this model. Many of you immediately jumped in to support our family medicine colleagues, cite the evidence, engage our organizations, and point out the injustice. The New England FM department chairs, ADFM, STFM, the AAFP, and many other organizations mobilized to support BMC’s family physicians.

I am pleased to report that this morning, the CEO and President of BMC reversed the decision, and committed to supporting a collaborative model going forward. They formally apologized to the faculty. While there will be much work to be done to regain trust, I am happy for our colleagues and the patients they serve.

Open Enrollment ends Nov 8 at 9pm: If you are UMass Memorial Medical Group employed, some helpful details and resources are provided below.

·      Review Open Enrollment Information:

Please review all available materials to familiarize yourself with the 2025 plan options, including additional educational resources to help you understand the benefits of the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), newly introduced last year. This is the only plan that allows contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA).

·      How to Review and Update Your Benefits:

Elections are completed in Workday. Acquainting yourself with Workday will make any changes easier to manage. A job aid is available in Workday.

·      Health Plan Comparison Tool:

This tool provides personalized insights and offers valuable data to help you make informed decisions about your health plan.

o  If you reside within the UMass Memorial Health Service Area, use this link.

o  If you reside outside the UMass Memorial Health Service Area, use this link.

o  For each of these links, please select the “Viewing plans for 2025” option from the dropdown (▼) on the top right-hand corner of the screen.

o  To view the zip codes that align within the UMass Memorial Service Area, use this link.

·      Passive Enrollment Details:

This is a passive enrollment year, meaning you do not need to make changes if you’re satisfied with your current medical, dental, and vision plans. However:

• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): You must actively re-enroll in these FSAs each year to continue receiving these benefits. If you choose the High Deductible Plan, you will not be eligible for the Health Care FSA, but you are still eligible to enroll in the Dependent Care FSA.

·      Finalizing Your Elections:

Once you’ve made your selections, verify that all information is accurate, hit submit to finalize your elections, and remember to print your confirmation page. If you submit elections and choose to make additional updates, you may do so as long as you complete and submit your new elections by November 8.

·      Refer to the links below for access to important information related to Open Enrollment and visit the Hub for additional information:

o  Narrated OE Presentation if you missed any of our virtual open enrollment sessions or the Medical Group Town Hall.

o  UMass Memorial Health Plans 101 Video Series  to help you navigate your health plan options.

Upcoming Events

FMCH Grand Rounds

Tuesday, November 5th, 12:00 - 1:00pm, "Top Articles in Sports and Exercise Medicine from 2023 and How They Apply to the Family Medicine Physician" Lee Mancini, MD, CAQSM, FAAFP, CSCS*D, CSN, Chief of Division of Sports Medicine, FMCH UMass Chan, Nathan Cardoos, MD, CAQSM, Medical Director, Ryan Center for Sports Medicine, BUSM, Christie Langenberg, MD, Director of Sports Medicine, GLFHC, Adam Ridley, MD, FMCH UMass Chan

Meeting ID: 191 986 273 Passcode: FMCH

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/191986273?pwd=NEtlZmNkdWlSUGwyeTJQU3dCeUs1QT09

Psychiatry Grand Rounds

Thursday, Nov. 7th. REGISTRATION REQUIRED  "Today’s “Genderation” of Youth: The Busy Intersection of Adolescence, Gender Diversity, Ethics, Politics, and Medical Guidelines"

Speaker: Scott Leibowitz, MD Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, Medical Director of Behavioral Health, THRIVE (gender and sex development) program | Associate Clinical Professor, The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Lecture will NOT be recorded.

Register via survey monkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RZHT7SV

2025 Health Equity Outlook

UMass will again focus in 2025 on identifying Gaps in Screening for Social Determinants of Health. We are urging all providers and caregivers to help us identify the needs of our patients especially those that potentially impact health outcomes. We urge each provider to use the resources available through our institution.

Why Is This Important?

Focusing on social determinants of health (SDOH) is crucial because these factors—like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood environment, and access to healthcare—are some of the most significant predictors of health outcomes. Addressing these determinants goes beyond treating individual patients; it tackles the root causes of health disparities and can improve population health in meaningful and lasting ways.

1. Improving Health Outcomes: Research shows that social determinants have a stronger influence on health outcomes than medical care alone. Factors like safe housing, nutritious food, and access to clean water directly affect a person’s physical and mental health. By addressing these determinants, healthcare providers can better prevent and manage chronic diseases and reduce hospital readmissions.
2. Reducing Health Inequities: Disparities in social determinants are closely linked to racial, economic, and geographic inequalities. For example, marginalized communities often face limited access to healthcare services, healthy food, and safe environments. Focusing on SDOH helps to address these inequities, giving all individuals a fair chance to reach their full health potential.
3. Lowering Healthcare Costs: Unaddressed social determinants can lead to more complex health issues and increased use of emergency and high-cost care. By proactively addressing social needs (e.g., connecting patients with housing, transportation, or financial resources), healthcare systems can lower overall costs and improve efficiency.
4. Enhancing Patient-Provider Relationships: When providers acknowledge and address social factors impacting patients’ lives, it builds trust. Patients feel more understood and are likely to engage more actively in their care. This holistic approach recognizes patients as whole people with varied backgrounds and experiences.
5. Building Healthier Communities: Addressing SDOH involves a shift from individual treatment to community-wide initiatives, such as improving local schools, investing in safe parks, and increasing affordable housing. This creates healthier environments that benefit not only individual patients but also the community as a whole.

Focusing on social determinants aligns healthcare with a broader mission of justice and equity, making it essential for reducing disparities and fostering well-being across populations. Family physicians often have deep connections with our patients and communities, making us well-positioned to recognize and address social determinants of health. Many family doctors advocate for resources, collaborate with social services, and work to improve community health, particularly in underserved areas.

Improving Health Equity: Family medicine prioritizes caring for all individuals, including vulnerable and underserved populations. Family physicians are often leaders in advocating for equitable access to healthcare and actively work to reduce health disparities. This focus on equity is essential for building a fairer, more inclusive healthcare system.

Stay tuned as we focus on this topic throughout the year.

Announcements



ANNUAL JUDY SAVAGEAU COAT DRIVE

We are excited to announce another year of the Annual Judy Savageau Coat Drive for Worcester Public Schools! This event is in honor of the late Judy Savageau, who spent 30 years at UMass Chan Medical School in FMCH. Questions reach out to Thomas.Giauque@umassmed.edu or hugh.silk@umassmemorial.org 

EVENT DETAILS:

• Submit donations via Venmo to @ThomasGiauque (Thomas is a medical student helping with coat drive) or checks to Linda Cragin at 6 Alcott Dr., Northborough, MA 01532.
• Coat donations are also accepted. Coats donated should be NEW and high school sizes, Women M, L; Men M, L, XL.

The deadline for nominations for the Office of Faculty Affairs’ 2025 Equip Program has been extended to November 15. The Equip program builds skills in communicating effectively, strategically, and authentically to help faculty advance their work. The program had a successful launch in 2023, with participants reporting improvement in workplace communication skills and meaningful peer mentorship to support their career paths: https://www.umassmed.edu/ofa/equity-diversity/joy-mccann-professorship/projects--programs/ 

There will be 6 two-hour sessions from January to March 2025. The program is looking for 8 faculty participants with diverse professional and personal backgrounds with a focus on mid-career women at the rank of assistant professor for 6+ years or associate professor. Faculty must have protected time for this program from their chair and/or supervisor. Please complete this brief form to nominate 1-2 faculty members for this program: https://umassmed.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJTih0vwCOLDltk Please email jennifer.reidy@umassmemorial.org with any questions. 

UMass Chan Collaborative in Health Equity Global Health Seminar Series 

Urban Inequalities in Accessing Emergency Obstetric Care in the Global South: State of Play and What is Needed for the Future with Dr. Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas, Associate Professor of Maternal and Newborn Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 

Tuesday, November 13, 2024 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM EST (talk begins at 12:00 PM) Virtual event

Register at: https://bit.ly/GHSeminarNov13

Gender Affirming Care Learning Collaborative (GAC-LC) 

The GAC-LC is open for registration throughout the 6-session series! Please see flyer for dates and additional details. The sixth session will be on Wednesday, November 6th, 12:15-1:15pm, with Ashley Alford, MD, presenting "Overview of Surgical Process: Navigating Care in Central Massachusetts."

Learning Objectives:

• List surgical options for gender diverse patients 
• Understand required processes and procedures in Massachusetts 
• Identify basics of mental health evaluations

Free CMEs available, thanks to the New England AIDS Education & Training Center; ​https://www.neaetc.org/. To Register and receive the Zoom link, you need create a profile and register here https://www.neaetc.org/events/view/26089.

Access code: FMCH

You will need to create a profile through NEAETC before you can register.

See GAC-LC Announcement for additional information.

FMCH POCUS Faculty Development Series 

Abdomen and AAA Basics–November 14th, 9:30am-12pm (University S2-351-352)and November 19th, 5:30-8pm (University S2-710). CME credits will be available through AAFP. Questions please reach out to erin.cathcart@umassmemorial.org or rebecca.gwaltney@umassmemorial.org.

SIGNUP: https://forms.gle/5SY1RNP4REjxz53m7 

Find more information about FM POCUS efforts: 

https://umassmemorial.sharepoint.com/sites/FMCHPOCUS

Session Learning Objectives: 

• Describe how to assess for symptomatic cholelithiasis by: 
• Identify presence of gallstone versus polyp or artifact
• Describe how to assess for acute cholecystitis
• Identify presence of gallstone versus polyp or artifact
• Identify sonographic Murphy sign
• Screen for anterior gallbladder wall thickening, and pericholecystic fluid
• Describe how to assess for common bile duct obstruction by:
• Identifying stones (Choledocholithiasis)
• Measuring common bile duct (CBD) diameter
• Perform a screening US for AAA

Please consider joining the Departments of Ob/Gyn, Family Medicine and Anesthesia in reading and discussing “Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section” by Rachel Somerstein, PhD. There will be an in-person book club discussion meeting on December 2nd, 2024 ahead of Dr. Somerstein's Grand Rounds lecture on December 4th.

Book Club Discussion Meeting: Monday, December 2, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm.

Levine 1 Conference Room, Memorial Campus, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA.

Med Moth is looking for speakers at its winter event Wednesday January 8th, 2025 at 5:30 pm in the Albert Sherman Center Multi-Purpose Room (Cafeteria). Med Moth is an event based on The Moth Story Hour where 6-8 members of the UMass Community (SOM, GSN, GSBS, GME, and Baystate) share stories for 5-10 minutes each. Past talks have been about the speaker's journey into medicine, meaningful patient encounters, or other experiences that have shaped one's personal or professional identity in health care. Some have been humorous (a horrible first day of internship) and others have been more serious (coping with the guilt of making a medical error) but the topic is up to the speaker. We seek to highlight a diverse collection of voices and capture the richness of experiences of the members of our UMass-Chan community. 

Those interested in sharing a story can contact the event organizers, Aly Wayne (alysandria.wayne@umassmed.edu) or Mariam Tolba (mariam.tolba@umassmed.edu). Talks do not need to be scripted or pre-approved.

The Medical Student Education (MSE) Collaborative Steering Committee, has a call for nominations to join the steering committee.  STFM colleagues are encouraged to submit self-nominations to begin a 3-year term beginning at the MSE Annual Conference (2025). The committee meets monthly via Zoom, and with e-mail communication between meetings. It is a wonderful opportunity to network and build working partnerships with other STFM members. Please submit the following materials via e-mail to aclithero@salud.unnm.edu and elizabeth_brown@urmc.rochester.edu by Thursday, December 2nd. All nominated candidates will be notified by early January 2025.

1. Short paragraph statement describing your interest and abilities to serve on the MSE Collaborative Steering Committee
2. Your current CV

Joint Ob/Gyn, FM and Anesthesia Grand Rounds Lecture with Rachel Somerstein, PhD: Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, 7:00-8:00am, Memorial Amphitheater and virtual. Sign up form: https://forms.office.com/r/0ivt820C4g.



Working Together: Treating the Whole Person with Chronic Pain

This six-hour training is focused on a collaborative care model between behavioral health clinicians and primary care clinicians caring for patients with chronic pain. This webinar will take place on December 6th, 2024 from 10:30am-5:30pm. CMEs are available through the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP) and American Psychological Association (APA). Learn more using the link below!  Register today: 

https://www.umassmed.edu/cipc/webinars-short-courses/webinars/working-together-treating-the-whole-person-with-chronic-pain/

The 2025 Faculty for Tomorrow Workshop for Residents will be held on May 3rd, 2025 as part of the STFM Annual Spring Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. See link for additional information.

https://www.stfm.org/awardsscholarships/scholarships/facultyfortomorrowresidentscholarship/overview/

Congratulations to Erik Garcia, one of the 2024 National Compassionate Caregivers of the Year honorees by the Schwartz Center for his dedication to providing health care to Worcester's unhoused population.

Presentations and Publications

Hugh Silk gave a virtual talk at UPenn Dental Medicine on October 30th on the Integration of Medical and Dental Care for a series hosted by the National Coalition of Dentists for Health Equity. The Webinar was entitled: Current Workforce Models – Dental Therapist, Community Health Workers (Promotoras), Community Dental Health Coordinator, Integration of Dental & Medical Care" and was the 2^nd of a 4-part series addressing health equity.

Frankly Speaking Podcast

A weekly Podcast series covering newsworthy topics in primary care medicine.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frankly-speaking-about-family-medicine/id1194659367.

Please join us for an overview: The PREVENT Risk Calculator: A New Equation for Predicting Heart Health, a newly validated risk calculator from the American Heart Association designed to assess the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and heart failure in patients aged 30-78 years.

Department Resources

Resources to promote Family Medicine Proud and celebrate our 50th Anniversary: a PowerPoint template, Zoom backgrounds, logo, etc:  https://www.umassmed.edu/fmch/faculty-resources/department-logos/

Past editions of the Tuesday Talk are available at 

https://www.umassmed.edu/fmch/ under Resources.

Wellness Resources

The UMass Memorial Caring for Caregivers Program is available at 508-334-HELP,

EAP at 866-263-3525, and the UMass Chan EAP at 800-322-5327.

www.LiveandWorkWell.com 

Yoga Classes with Dr. Liz Erban



New members always welcome. 

Wednesday(s), 6:30-7:30am, for a gentle awakening yoga session led by the talented Liz Erban.

https://umassmed.zoom.us/j/91343267992?pwd=ZHF3NHVrVlR1MVdMV09HSE5lTzdsQT09