|
|
|
|
NEED TO KNOW
|
VMS, AAPVT, VTAFP Decry Termination of ACIP Members
The Vermont Medical Society (VMS), joined by the American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter (AAPVT), and the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians (VTAFP) stand in strong opposition to the recent dangerous decision by the US Health and Human Services (HHS) to abruptly replace the 17 experts of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Vaccines have saved countless lives globally and are proven to safely and effectively control the spread of disease. When the VMS was founded, 200 years ago, it was common for children to die from smallpox, polio, diphtheria and many other diseases we no longer see thanks to vaccines. If the reckless upheaval of the ACIP leads to limited access to vaccines, false messaging about vaccines or lower vaccination rates, we will see higher rates of preventable illness and death, especially in our babies, children and most vulnerable adults. We call for the HHS to reverse this decision. Our organizations remain dedicated to our mission of protecting the health of all Vermonters. We encourage our patients and communities to continue to seek guidance from their local health care professionals and other trusted national sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians and American Medical Association. |
|
|
Medicaid Is Under Threat. You Can Help Protect It — One Text at a Time.
We’re calling on physicians and PAs like you to take action in a critical moment for patients.
As you know, the Senate is now considering deep cuts to Medicaid — threatening care for veterans, seniors, rural hospitals, and working families. These changes would impact emergency care, preventative services, community clinics and the long-term stability of hospitals that serve the most vulnerable.
That’s why VMS has joined the Protect Our Healthcare Coalition in launching a nationwide peer-to-peer texting campaign — and we need your help.
Using a secure platform called RumbleUp, you’ll be able to send pre-written, personalized messages directly to voters in key Senate districts. These messages will urge recipients to call their Senators and demand they oppose Medicaid cuts.
The Senate plans to act by July 4th. This is an opportunity for you to lend your voice, your credibility, and your leadership in a moment that matters.
Getting started is easy. Full instructions on how to join the text program as a volunteer can be found at www.protectourhealthcare.org/texting-program. Watch the 90-second welcome video: protectourhealthcare.org/welcome. For more information, you can also contact Jessa Barnard at jbarnard@vtmd.org. |
|
|
Vermont Medical Society Releases 2025 Final Legislative Bulletin With uncertainty looming from potential cuts to federal funding, along with rising property tax rates, steep increases in health insurance premium rates, and a dearth of affordable housing, the 2025 Vermont Legislative session has been marked by efforts to achieve key system change to help solve Vermont’s affordability crisis. Lawmakers were tasked by their constituents and Governor Scott with completely overhauling and redesigning Vermont’s education funding system and with the creation of more affordable housing. But system change is often slower than anticipated and with an election that brought in far more freshman Republicans than in past years, Governor Scott’s Administration continues to highlight the differences between his ideals and the actions of the Legislature, and it has become harder for decisionmakers to find agreement on policy solutions. The Legislature, which usually adjourns by May 15th, is now not scheduled to gavel out until June 16th to give time to finalize an approach to education system reform.
Threats of insolvency and double-digit increases for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont health insurance premiums motivated the Legislature to move aggressively this session to advance legislation aimed at driving hospital costs down and giving the Green Mountain Care Board more authority to manage hospital finances. A sweeping health reform bill will implement reference-based pricing pinned to Medicare for hospital commercial rates, establish hospital global budgets, and create a Statewide Health Care Delivery Plan. The bill also creates a 16-member primary care steering committee aimed at ensuring that primary care is central to the reform process. This year's "shield law" further protects clinicians who provide reproductive and gender-affirming care and aims to provide more access to these services.
Thanks to consistent member advocacy throughout both the House and Senate Appropriations process VMS was also successful in securing needed funding for primary care delivery and cultivated new primary care champions who see the value of investing in primary care workforce development. Your voice is invaluable in educating lawmakers who don’t have firsthand knowledge of how health care works in Vermont and the value of primary care. Thanks to all who advocated this session - your voice was heard!
Please click here for the 2025 Final Legislative Bulletin |
|
|
|
|
Vermont Weighs in on American Medical Association Policy
From last Saturday through this Wednesday, the American Medical Association House of Delegates is convening in Chicago for their annual policy setting meeting. Vermont has been represented (pictured) by general surgeon Catherine Schneider, MD, as our voting delegate, and VMS President Katie Marvin, MD. Naiim Ali, MD, is a delegate for the American College of Radiology. Much of the discussion has focused on members demanding that the AMA taking a more public-facing stance in opposed to federal actions that undermine evidence-based health care, health care coverage and the health care workforce. See media coverage here, with AMA Board leadership acknowledging that members have charged them with being more vocal. |
MISC.
|
Back for 2025, Quarterly Financial Webinars Hosted by Pinnacle Wealth (FKA Pastore Financial Group).
Pinnacle Wealth has been a supporter of VMS for decades. Our independent, fiduciary advisors will share insights to help you on your financial journey. Can’t make the webinar but have questions? Please email info@pinnaclevt.com for an individual meeting.
Early Career: Questioning your student loan strategy? Do you have the right amount of life and disability insurance? Are you maximizing opportunities to accumulate wealth and minimize taxes? Join us for an exclusive seminar for VMS members. We will discuss updates to SAVE and PSLF, important insurance concepts, and strategies to maximize accumulation during your early years as a physician.
Register for Tuesday evening, July 8th from 7-8pm
Approaching Retirement: Are you confident in your retirement plan? Concerned about market volatility? Do you have a strategy to protect your investments while maximizing returns? Join us for an exclusive retirement planning seminar for VMS members. We will discuss key strategies to secure your financial future and enhance your investment growth in today’s unpredictable market.
Register for Thursday evening, July 10th from 7-8pm |
|
|
VMS Launches New Physician Leadership Development Course - Apply Today!
The Vermont Medical Society is pleased to announce that we are now partnering with the University of Vermont Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) unit to offer a new statewide physician leadership development course beginning in September 2025 and running until March 2026. The course is designed to empower physician leaders across Vermont with the skills, knowledge, practical experience, and networking opportunities needed to foster effective team success.
See the course information and FAQs here.
VMS is now accepting interested applicants!
Applicants submit a brief statement of interest in the course and a CV. Apply here. Applications are due July 1, 2025. If there are more interested candidates than seats, VMS will select participants with the goal of wide representation from practice types, specialties and locations. (Please note, UVM Health Network physicians should apply separately - learn more here.)
Key dates:
- Applications due July 1, 2025
- Selected candidates informed by July 18, 2025
- Registration and $3400 in tuition due by August 22, 2025
- Course begins September 12, 2025, in-person at Topnotch, Stowe
Contact Stephanie Winters at swinters@vtmd.org with questions. |
|
|
Legislative Update The VMS Advocacy team provided a webinar updated to VMS Members last Thursday, covering the current legislative session. Topics included: expanding prior authorization waivers; state budget supports for primary care; and more. The slides from the June 6th presentation with all topics covered in detail can be viewed here. |
EVENTS
|
|
|
|
|
Save the Date Spring 2025 Palliative Care Series
June 18 - June 25, 2025 from 12pm - 1:15pm
Session 4: June 18, 2025
Session 5: June 18, 2025
|
|
|
For more information about offerings from UVM
CMIE, visit here. |
|
|
|
|
Vermont Medical Society 134 Main Street Montpelier, VT 05602 -- Unsubscribe -- |
|
|
|
