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NEED TO KNOW
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Thank You for Joining the VMS, VTAFP, VPA and the AAPVT for the 2025 Collaborative Meeting!
The Vermont Medical Society (VMS) physician and physician assistant members met this month for the 212th Collaborative meeting at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont. Hosted in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter, the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians, and the Vermont Psychiatric Association, this meeting included topics focused on how to build trust in untrusting times, AI’s role in medicine, how to move beyond moral injury to find joy in practice, and clinician-led health care improvement. During the meeting, VMS members elected a new slate of Society officers and honored 2025 VMS Leadership awardees.
VMS members elected a new slate of officers for 2025-2026 and named as the new VMS President Naiim Ali, M.D., diagnostic radiologist at UVMMC, Lauren MacAfee, M.D., Director of the Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology at UVMMC as President-Elect; and Kimberley Sampson, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist and obesity and lifestyle medicine specialist at Dartmouth Health in Bennington, as Vice-President. Click for the full press release: Vermont Medical Society Taps New Officers.
VMS members also recognized five individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the health and well-being of Vermonters and the nation during the past year. Barbara Dalton, M.D., family physician at Springfield Health Center, received the Vermont Medical Society’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award. Whitney Calkins, M.D., family physician at UVMMC, received the Vermont Medical Society's 2025 Physician of the Year Award. Sujata Singh, M.D., pediatric ophthalmologist at UVMMC and associate professor at the UVM Larner College of Medicine, received the Vermont Medical Society’s 2025 Physician Award for Community Services. Meredith Plumpton, R.N., Vermont Immunization Program Manager at the Department of Health was awarded the Vermont Medical Society’s 2025 Citizen of the Year Award. Lisa Catapano-Friedman, M.D., psychiatrist and medical director of the Memory Clinic in Bennington received the Vermont Medical Society’s 2025 Founder’s Award. Click for the full press release: Vermont Medical Society Honors Outstanding Service 2025.
The VMS Education and Research Foundation also announced its annual scholarship to a medical student who is committed to practicing medicine in Vermont and caring for the health of Vermonters. This year the $10,000 Dr. Mildred Reardon Scholarship was awarded to Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont student Ian Strohbehn. The scholarship program was created to encourage young physicians to return to Vermont after completing their residency training and is named in honor of Dr. Reardon, a former faculty member at the Larner College of Medicine at UVM and past-President of VMS. Click for the full press release: Vermont Medical Society Foundation Awards Scholarship to UVM Larner College of Medicine Student. |
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VMS Publishes 2024/2025 Impact Report
Despite facing federal policy headwinds, the VMS Impact Report looks back at an incredibly successful year. Thanks to ever-increasing engagement from our membership, we were able to achieve hard fought state advocacy wins, to support nine specialty societies, to launch one of our largest cohorts of physician leadership training, and to host numerous events with our State and federal elected officials. Your Voice Has Impact. Click here for the 2024/2025 Impact Report. |
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GMCB Approves Plan for Distribution of UVMHN Settlement Dollars to Primary Care Practices
On November 7, the Green Mountain Care Board issued a memorandum approving of a plan to distribute $11 million in budget settlement funds to non-hospital based primary care practices.
UVMMC and OneCare Vermont (OneCare) have agreed that OneCare will disburse the funds through two disbursements between January 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026. Settlement funds will be distributed to non-hospital primary care providers in the OneCare network. Settlement funds will be allocated based on 2025 payment estimates for OneCare’s Population Health Model (PHM) and Comprehensive Payment Reform (CPR) programs – providing participating practices the same amount in 2026 as they will receive in 2025. After each disbursement, OneCare will report to the GMCB on both the total funds released and the list of practices that received settlement funds. VMS will share additional details as available. Contact Jessa Barnard at jbarnard@vtmd.org with questions. |
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GMCB Considering Closure of RRMC In-Patient Pediatrics Under New Review Process
As covered by the media (see articles here and here), Rutland Regional Medical Center announced last month that it will close its 5 in-patient pediatric beds. The closure is now subject to review by the Green Mountain Care Board. In 2025 the Vermont Legislature passed Act 68 (S.126), giving the State a stronger role reviewing hospital decisions to adjust services to stay within their established budgets. Under the new legislation, any Vermont hospital that plans to reduce or eliminate a service in order to comply with a Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) budget order must give at least 45 days’ written notice of intent and follow the procedures outlined in the Board’s Notice of Service Reduction Policy, adopted by the GMCB in September. The GMCB website also outlines the process involved in such reviews. The RRMC notice to the GMCB can be found here. The Board has 10 days from the receipt of a complete and accurate submission to determine if a full submission is necessary. A service that has been identified for reduction or elimination in connection with statewide transformation efforts being led by the Agency of Human Services will be exempt from further review and if the Board does not issue a written response within 10 days of receipt of the notice, the hospital may also proceed with the proposed reduction or elimination. If the Board requests a full submission, additional information will be requested from the hospital and the Board may open a public comment period and hold a public hearing. |
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Notes from Commissioner of Health, Dr. Rick Hildebrant Public Health Call On November 6th the VMS welcomed Commissioner of Health, Dr. Rick Hildebrant to his 1st public health call. You can view the notes from the call here.
Join us on December 4th for our next call at 12:30pm by clicking here.
Meeting ID: 867 2625 3105 / Password: 540684
One tap mobile - +1 646 876 9923,,86726253105#,,,,0#,,540684#
Dial In - +1 646 876 9923 / Meeting ID: 867 2625 3105 / Password: 540684
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Final Federal Rule Places Limits on Qualifying Employers for Public Service Loan Repayment
In late October, the U.S. Department of Education released a final rule regarding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The program forgives federal student loans after 10 years of both qualifying employment and monthly payments. The final rule amends the definition of a “qualifying employer” to exclude employers that have a “substantial illegal purpose.” These activities are defined to include: aiding and abetting violations of Federal immigration laws and “engaging in the chemical and surgical castration or mutilation of children in violation of Federal or State law.” The rules are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026. Two lawsuits have been filed to challenge the final rules, including one brought by 21 states and DC, including Vermont. Read the final rule here and fact sheet here. Read more about the legal challenges here. |
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What Practices Should Know: Vermont State Teachers’ Retirement System 2026 Changes to Health Coverage
Beginning on January 1, 2026, more than 7,100 retirees from the Vermont State Teachers’ Retirement System (VSTRS) will move to a HealthSpring True Choice (PPO) Group Medicare Advantage Plan.
Here’s what Vermont clinicians and practices should know:
- HealthSpring plans were previously known as Cigna Medicare plans. Earlier this year, The Cigna Group sold its Medicare business to Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC). As a result of this transaction, Cigna Medicare will become HealthSpring effective January 1, 2026.
- VSTRS retirees are enrolled in a Group-sponsored HealthSpring Medicare Advantage Plan. This is a passive PPO plan, with no network restrictions or referrals required. Members pay the same out of pocket cost share for in-network and out-of-network covered services.
- If you are a Medicare provider, you may treat these members regardless of your contract or network status with HealthSpring. The only requirements are that you agree to see the member as a patient, accept Medicare assignment and submit claims to HealthSpring.
HealthSpring Provider
Customer Service is available to help with any questions at 1-800-230-6138,
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT. Or visit healthspring.com/providers. |
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Supports for Primary Care Practices for Medicare’s Quality Payment Program Participation
Navigating Vermont’s current healthcare landscape is challenging, and the Blueprint for Health aims to support Vermont’s Primary Care Providers to navigate it as successfully as possible. As some of you may know, recent developments in the timing of agreements with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services mean that some providers will be required to complete Merit Based Inventive Payment System (MIPS) reporting in 2026.
The Blueprint for Health Quality Improvement (QI) Facilitators, along with our quality partners such as Healthcentric Advisors, will support Patient-Centered Medical Homes(PCMH) to understand the requirements of MIPS, optimize MIPS performance, and navigate administrative requirements for submission.
As a starting point, facilitators are starting with helping providers in practices understand if they are eligible and what steps to take next. Don’t delay – if you’re eligible for MIPS, you must report data collected during the calendar year beginning January 1, 2026 to avoid practice reimbursement penalties - up to a 9% reduction in Medicare payments - and to potentially receive positive payment adjustments on Medicare Fee for Service claims for high scores. Contact your QI facilitator for more information. |
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Student Survey Request – Paid Family and Medical Leave UVM medical students are conducting research on Vermonters' access to paid family and medical leave. Our goal is to better understand the challenges people face in obtaining paid time off for medical or family needs and how paid leave might have benefitted those who have it. The survey should take no more than 4-5 minutes: https://redcap.med.uvm.edu/surveys/?s=99WDHCRYRMJJWT7N. Please feel free to share this with colleagues, but please do not post the link online. The students thank you for your time and consideration. Please contact Patrick Barrett at Patrick.Barrett@med.uvm.edu with any questions. |
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Mildred Reardon Medical Student Scholarship Open for Applications for Class of 2027
Do you dream of becoming a Vermont doctor?
The Vermont Medical Society’s Education and Research Foundation (VMSERF) is now accepting applications for the Mildred Reardon scholarship, which awards $10,000 to a University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine student committed to practicing medicine in Vermont.
The scholarship will be made to a Class of 2027 student interested in any specialty, with a preference for specialties in high need in Vermont. The scholarship is tuition-linked and is paid directly to the College of Medicine towards tuition. Applications are due December 12, 2025. Click here for more information and details on applying for the scholarship. |
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EVENTS
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2025 Obesity Medicine & Weight Management Conference
November 14, 2025 Delta Hotel, South Burlington, VT
This conference is designed to improve the skills of primary care healthcare teams as they navigate new treatments in obesity medicine and weight management. The target audience includes primary care physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other health professionals who pertain to primary care.
Learn more and register here. |
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New England History of Medicine Society: Noah Webster: Proto Epidemiologist with Richard Kahn, MD
November 18, 2025
Virtual
Noah Webster (1758-1843), best known for the dictionary that bears his name (1828), was also an educator, newspaper editor, lawyer, and politician, and he advocated for universal education, social welfare, and public health. Less well known are his efforts to understand the causes and prevention of diseases such as yellow fever that plagued the young nation, Though not a physician, between 1796 and 1800 Webster published two books and many articles on disease, public health, yellow fever, and quarantine, and this work catalyzed the creation of the first U.S. medical journal, The Medical Repository (1797-1824).
Richard Kahn's research explores Webster’s medical writings, their publication challenges, and contemporary responses.
Learn more and register here. |
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Dartmouth Health: 2025 NNEPQIN Fall Conference
November 19 - 21, 2025
Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, NH
Registration is open for the NNEPQIN Fall 2025 Conference! The conference will be taking place November 19-21, 2025, at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH. A pre-conference opportunity is available on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, with either the obstetric track or neonatal track options. The pre-conference is available for actively practicing inpatient providers (MD, DO, CNM, and RN). Registrants can attend just the pre-conference if desired, or join for the main conference as well!
We have presentations related to TeleOB, neonatal cooling, inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ patients, breastfeeding support, SUD and cannabis use in pregnancy, adoption and legal considerations, shared decision-making and its impact on moral injury, postpartum mental health, NICU transitions, and more. We have topics to inspire every member of your care team—covering prenatal, delivery, postpartum, and neonatal follow-up. We hope your interprofessional team will participate!
Learn more and register here. |
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Save the Dates - 2026 VMS Advocacy Breakfast Series
Please join us in the Vermont Statehouse cafeteria for informal conversation with legislators over coffee on specific Wednesday mornings from 8-9am throughout the legislative session. Starting this January, lawmakers will be tackling tricky policy issues like Medicaid coverage, health care workforce initiatives and next steps in both State and federal health care reform. Your expertise is incredibly valuable in educating them on the practice of medicine in Vermont and what you think can improve our current system. These advocacy breakfasts are hosted by the Vermont Medical Society, the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter, the Vermont Ophthalmologic Society, and the Vermont Psychiatric Association. Each date will be hosted by your specific specialty society with everyone being welcome on the Vermont Medical Society dates. Look for the dates to be posted to our website shortly - but look below for a preview of the Wednesdays we will be hosting Legislative Coffee Hours in 2026:
- Jan. 21- Vermont Medical Society/Vermont Psychiatric Association
- Feb. 3 – UVM OB/GYN Residents
- Feb. 4 - Vermont Ophthalmologic Society
- Feb. 18 - Vermont Academy of Family Physicians
- Mar. 18 - American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter
- Apr. 1 - Vermont Academy of Family Physicians
- Apr. 15 - American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter
- Apr. 29 - Vermont Medical Society
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AlpTerra Wilderness Medicine Course
March 5–9, March 12–16, October 1–5, October 8–12, 2026
Franconia, New Hampshire
Join Alpterra for an immersive, hands-on wilderness medicine course designed to prepare you for real-life scenarios in the outdoors. Treat mock injuries, problem-solve in the elements, and walk away with practical skills that stick.
- Max 4:1 participant-to-instructor ratio for highly personalized, discussion-driven learning.
- Accredited for up to 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ — an excellent use of your CME allowance.
- Stay on-site in a luxury home-style setting. Enjoy locally sourced, family-style meals tailored to dietary needs.
- Add-on trips let you ski, climb, or explore the White Mountains with expert guides before or after your course.
Learn more about the agenda and registration here. |
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For more information about offerings from UVM
CMIE, visit here. |
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Vermont Medical Society 134 Main Street Montpelier, VT 05602 -- Unsubscribe -- |
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