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NEED TO KNOW
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Vermont Medical Society 2022 Physician & PA Survey
VMS is launching our annual physician and PA survey. You will be receiving an email with an individualized link to complete the survey. If you do not receive an email by the end of this week, please reach out to bpauley@vtmd.org.The questions included will be discussed at the VMS Board retreat in June. Your input will be valuable to the Board and VMS in better serving the physicians and PAs of Vermont, and will also help prioritize advocacy and programmatic efforts in 2023. This is only a 4 question survey and can be answered in under 5 minutes! Thank you in advance for your time!
Do you know you can submit policy resolutions for the Board to consider at any time? Learn more here. Save the Date for the 2022 Annual Meeting, Nov. 4-5 at Topnotch & consider nominating colleagues for the 2022 Leadership Awards. |
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COVID-19 Updates: Boosters for Kids 5-11; Vaccines Under Review for the Youngest
There was no administration press conference this week discussing COVID-19, as the Governor held a press conference yesterday focused on broadband expansion. VMS held its bimonthly call with Commissioner of Health Mark Levine, MD, last Thursday. Notes from that call and from a Friday call with the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems are now available here and here. The weekly state surveillance reports can be found here. Commissioner Levine reports that, while high, cases are now relatively stable as are hospitalization and ICU rates. As cases spread south and west away from Northern New England, he hopes Vermont has seen the crest of the current wave. He reminded clinicians that Paxlovid doses are abundant and should be prescribed to any patient who is eligible, even with mild symptoms. As state testing sites wind down through May and June, patients can still pick up take-home tests from state testing sites until then. Commissioner Levine also discussed the formula and Iodinated Contrast Media shortages, reminding VMS members that VAHHS is working to survey hospitals on the availability of contrast media statewide and ways to share inventory.
There were several important vaccine updates from the past week:
- Last week, the CDC expanded eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age and older. CDC now recommends that children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.
- CDC also strengthened its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 and older should receive a second booster dose at least 4 months after their first.
- In Vermont, vaccine walk in clinics are still being offered around the state and most offer both adult and pediatric boosters. Vaccinations can also be scheduled at local pharmacies.
- Pfizer and BioNTech announced Mondaythat they plan to submit data to the FDA for three doses of their Covid-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years old. In late April, Moderna asked the FDA to authorize its two-dose Covid-19 vaccine for the same age group. The FDA has scheduled advisory committee meetings on June 14 and 15 to discuss the companies’ applications.
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CDC Issues HAN on Monkeypox Virus Infection
Last week the CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to ask clinicians in the United States to be vigilant to the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox. Suspicion for monkeypox should be heightened if the rash occurs in people who 1) traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox, 2) report having had contact with a person or people who have a similar appearing rash or received a diagnosis of confirmed or suspected monkeypox, or 3) is a man who regularly has close or intimate in-person contact with other men. If clinicians identify patients with a rash that could be consistent with monkeypox, especially those with a recent travel history to a country where monkeypox has been reported, monkeypox should be considered as a possible diagnosis. Read the full HAN here.
- Information on infection prevention and control in healthcare settings is provided on the CDC website: Infection Control: Hospital | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC. CDC is currently reviewing this information to consider the need for updates.
- Clinicians should consult their state health department (State Contactsexternal icon) if they suspect monkeypox; if the health department cannot be reached, CDC can be contacted through the CDC Emergency Operations Center (770-488-7100) as soon as monkeypox is suspected.
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VMS Joins Litigation Against Prior Authorization Review Company
The Vermont Medical Society has joined a brief filed last week with the United State Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, arguing that eviCore, a company that reviews prior authorizations, owed a duty of care to a patient who experienced injuries and ultimately death when the company denied an MRI ordered by her physician. The American Medical Association authored the brief, which was also joined by the Medical Society of New York and Connecticut Medical Society, the other medical societies located in the Second Circuit. VMS Executive Director Jessa Barnard is a member of the Executive Committee of the American Medical Association Litigation Center, which brings lawsuits, files amicus briefs and otherwise provides support or becomes actively involved in litigation of general importance to physicians. Learn more about the Litigation Center and cases here.
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MISC.
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VMS Members Invited: Firestone Medical Research Building Reception, June 23
The Vermont Medical Society is pleased to be working with
Dean Richard Page, MD at the UVM Larner College of Medicine to design an event
to visit and learn more about the Firestone Medical Research Building,
on track to be completed this Fall 2022. We hope you join us!
June 23rd, 5:30-7:30 pm
Hoehl Gallery at the UVM Larner College of Medicine Event hosted by Dean Richard L. Page, MD, Marilyn
Cipolla, Phd, ’97, James Hebert, MD, ’77, Frank Ittleman, MD and Karen Meyer,
’70.
With the knowledge and advocacy of the Vermont Medical
Society membership, UVM and VMS together can promote and embrace the next
generation of interdisciplinary, translational research to address societies’
challenges. The new 62,000 square foot Firestone Medical Research Building will
provide an exceptional platform for scientific research, training,
collaboration and innovation in medical science and human health. Work “on
deck” at Firestone will advance the College’s mission to expand understanding
of the human mind and body; advance knowledge and treatment of cancer and
cardiovascular disease; as well as vascular neurological health. Firestone will
support research to identify health disparities in our communities, investigate
health inequities caused by poverty, behavioral issues, and environmental
contaminants. All designed to benefit patients, society, and the profession’s
ability to improve individual and public health. Learn more at https://www.med.uvm.edu/FirestoneBuilding.
Kindly RSVP 802-656-4014 or medalumni.relations@med.uvm.edu |
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New Surgeon General Advisory Sounds Alarm on Health Worker Burnout and Resignation
On May 23rd, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new Surgeon General’s Advisory highlighting the urgent need to address the health worker burnout crisis across the country. Health workers, including physicians, nurses, community and public health workers, nurse aides, among others, have long faced systemic challenges in the health care system even before the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to crisis levels of burnout. The Surgeon General’s Advisory Addressing Health Worker Burnout lays out recommendations for health care organizations, health insurers, health technology companies, policymakers, academic institutions, researchers, and communities to address health worker burnout and ensure their well-being. For additional resources see the VMS Clinician Wellness Website and available presentations addressing wellbeing. |
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Green Mountain Care Board Chair and Member Vacancies – Applications Due 5/27
The State of Vermont has posted the description and application for the upcoming Green Mountain Care Board Chair vacancy and a member seat. The State is seeking candidates for the Chair (full time) and Board Member (32 hours per week) who serve a term of 6 years on the Board. Applications are due by May 27th. For more information see https://humanresources.vermont.gov/GMCB-Search-2022. |
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AMA Guides Sixth 2023- Public Comment Period Coming June 1, 2022
Proposals to update the AMA Guides® are being considered by the AMA Guides Editorial Panel for adoption, with an effective date of January 1, 2023. More than 40 states and several countries rely on the AMA Guides® as the accepted authority to assess and rate permanent loss of function. Specific topics to be addressed include spine impairment, upper extremity range of motion, and editorial changes to ear nose and throat. Proposals build upon the update to the sixth edition issued in 2022. Interested parties and organizations who utilize the AMA Guides are invited to participate in the process to comment on the proposed changes to the medicine and impairment ratings. The public comment period is scheduled for June 1- July 15, 2022. For more information on how to participate and to begin the request process, please visit https://ama-guides.ama-assn.org/books/pages/public_comment. Contact: guidesproposals@z.ama-assn.org with any questions. |
EVENTS
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Join us every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 12:30pm to 1pm as Commissioner of Health, Mark Levine provides us with the most pressing COVID-19 information affecting the state and nation. You will have the opportunity to submit questions to Dr. Levine who will answer them, time-permitting.
You can join the zoom meetings beginning in January here or add to your calendar by following this link and clicking download (you will then need to open the downloaded file and click save to add to your calendar). |
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No Cost Well-Being Workshops
VMS is continuing our partnership with Doug Wysockey-Johnson of LumunosWellBeing to offer no-cost clinician wellbeing workshops at up to 10 Vermont medical staffs/practices over 2022. There are 3 remaining slots available this spring. New topics for 2022 include A Clinician’s Guide to Recovering from the COVID Marathon and A Realistic Look at ‘Work-Home Balance’ for Clinicians. See the full list and additional details here. Members can contact jbarnard@vtmd.org or doug@lumunos.org for more information or to schedule a workshop. |
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Clinician Information Sessions: New 2022 DNR/COLST Form
May 26, 2022, 12pm to 1:15pm Virtual
On June 1, 2022, the Vermont Department of Health will be launching a new and improved DNR/COLST form for use across the state. Join the Vermont Ethics Network's Executive Director & Clinical Ethicist, Cindy Bruzzese, MPA, MSB, HEC-C, to learn about the new Vermont DNR/COLST form and review best practices for completing medical orders.
Register here.
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Virtual Film Screening of Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic
May 26 2022, 2pm to 4pm
Virtual
Join the Bi-State Primary Care Association for a free virtual film screening of Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic followed by discussions with experts in the fields of pediatrics and public health. Someone You Love is a powerful documentary showing the impact that preventable HPV-related cancers can have. The
events are open to all, regardless of where you live or your
profession. CE credits will be available. You can view information about the sessions here.
Register here.
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The 48th Annual Family Medicine Review Course
June 7-10, 2022
In-Person and Virtual Course Director Dr. Anya Koutras invites you to this intensive four-day program for family physicians and other primary care professionals. The program will focus on current issues in the practice of Family Medicine, with special attention to new contributions. Attendees will have a choice between in-person at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Burlington, VT and virtual participation. TOPICS include: genomics testing, Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism, headache management, valvular heart disease, type-2 diabetes, HPV disease, bipolar disease, endometrial cancer, LARC, skin biopsies, end of life care, knee exam, substance use disorder, gender-affirming care, geriatric psychiatry, urgent care cases
Registration information, full agenda and accreditation details can be found here.
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VMS Compliance Update Webinar: Effective Communication (Translation/Interpretation) Services
June 9, 2022, 12:30pm to 1:30pm EST
Virtual
Representatives from the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights will be presenting on the legal obligations of healthcare clinicians to provide effective communication under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II of the American with Disabilities Act, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The presentation will focus on ensuring that healthcare practices provide effective communication to individuals with disabilities as well as individuals with Limited English Proficiency, and will include a discussion of recent effective communication settlements agreements. Open to VMS members, office/compliance staff and any others interested in this important topic.
Register
in advance for this webinar here.
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Vermont ACP Chapter Annual Scientific Meeting October 14, 2022 Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT
The Vermont ACP Chapter's Annual Scientific Meeting will occur on Friday, October 14, 2022. The ACP is optimistically planning for an in-person meeting. The ACP will host a virtual poster competition for resident and student members.
Update your medical knowledge, engage with colleagues, and receive CME credits and MOC points.
Meeting details and agenda forthcoming.
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Vermont Medical Society Annual and Collaborative Meeting November 4th and 5th, 2022
The 209th VMS Annual Meeting will be held on November 4th and 5th in person at Topnotch Resort, Stowe, VT, with virtual options. The weekend will be filled with educational content, time to spend with colleagues, policy-setting meetings, and the opportunity to honor physicians and other health care leaders across the state. VMS’ Annual Meeting, hosted in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter, the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians and the Vermont Psychiatric Association, is a celebration of the unwavering commitment Vermont clinicians have to their practice and to the deep connection VMS members have with each other.
To view more information or submit nominees for 2022 leadership awards, please click here. Registration information will be shared in the future.
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UVM will have more primary care conferences in Fall 2022. Sign-up to get updates via email for topics that are of interest here. |
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Vermont Medical Society 134 Main Street Montpelier, VT 05602 -- Unsubscribe -- |
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