MMS NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Study reveals high health costs of hunger and food insecurity in Mass.
Healthcare
providers should screen patients routinely for food insecurity,
according to the first study of the health-related costs of hunger and
food insecurity in Massachusetts. The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) released An Avoidable $2.4 Billion Cost,
revealing hunger and food insecurity as a major public health issue for
our state, affecting 1 in 10 people (about 700,000). The study pointed
to correlations between hunger and debilitating health issues including
poor general health, pulmonary disease, special education needs, type 2
diabetes, mental health conditions, obesity, and rheumatology diseases. GBFB and Children’s HealthWatch (which conducted the research) made several policy recommendations. Read more and download the executive summary and the full report.
Bridging Syndemics: Treating infections complicated by substance use disorder
This
case-based, interdisciplinary program is for those involved in the care
of patients with difficult-to-treat infections complicated by substance
use disorder. It explores
the nexus of substance use disorder, and prevention and management of
infectious diseases, with the goal of identifying strategies to improve
patient outcomes. The course will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at MMS Headquarters, Waltham; information and registration. It
is jointly provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health,
Boston Public Health Commission, Massachusetts Infectious Diseases
Society, Northeast Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, and the MMS.
Revised CDC recommendations on herpes zoster vaccines
The
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for the
newly licensed recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), Shingrix, were
published in the MMWR. RZV is approved for use in those >50 years for the prevention of shingles and its complications. See the recommendations for detailed clinical guidance. The CDC has updated its shingles vaccination websites:
Managing Workplace Conflict: Endorsed by your peers
Managing Workplace Conflict: Improving Leadership and Personal Effectiveness is an interactive course based in real-life scenarios, carrying up to 17.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. In
a recent evaluation, all participants perceived substantive advances in
their own relevant skills. This was an “excellent course and I
appreciated the role-playing scenarios, engagement and participation of
the attendees," wrote one. “I feel that now I can work to be [a] more
assertive and heard leader in my office,” said another.
The
program is designed for physicians in clinical practice, and those in
administration and leadership, to explore and improve the relationships
that drive the medical work environment. It
is jointly provided by the Massachusetts Medical Society and Physician
Health Services, Inc., an MMS corporation. Space is limited; register
today. The program takes place March 22–23 at MMS Headquarters in
Waltham; information and registration.
What's up at the State House
Comments on the proposed marijuana regulations
The Society submitted comments
to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) on the proposed
regulations regarding adult use of recreational marijuana. The
MMS made recommendations on the proposed marketing and advertising
requirements, the standardized warning, the labeling of marijuana and
marijuana products, the additional operational requirements for
storefront and delivery retail sale, and consumer education. For
example, the Society urged
significant strengthening of the requirements for consumer education
materials to include more robust information about health and
developmental risks. The MMS also called for mechanisms
for updating these regulations as more research emerges, and
continuously evaluating them through the lens of public health. The Society offered its diverse expertise as a resource to the CCC.
Reminders: Stuff you should click on
Join your colleagues on an MMS committee: Apply by 3/2
When
you get more involved with the MMS, you help diversify the Society,
expand your network and friendships, and shape medical practice and
policy. Consider participating on a committee (with more than 40, we're
bound to have at least one that aligns with your interests) or the
Member Interest Network Executive Council. Committee appointments are
for specific terms. We have put in place resources for distance
participation, including conference calls and online
meetings. Applications are due March 2; more info and applications.
Negotiate your best job contract: Free for residents and students
Learn strategies for negotiating your salary, bonus, workload expectations, and more, with this live webinar, Negotiating Your Best Employment Agreement. You'll also learn what mistakes to avoid. It will be held February 28, noon–1:00 p.m.; information, including CME credits, and registration This
webinar is part of a series of financial resources being developed by
the Physician Practice Resource Center of the Medical Society. Look
forward to our forthcoming webinars: Physician Employment Contract Basics, Reading Financial Forms and Budgeting.
MassHealth Payment and Care Delivery Innovation: Phase two
Effective
March 1, MassHealth will be offering an expanded selection of health
plan options to managed care-eligible members. These new options —
accountable care organizations (ACOs) — are a key element of MassHealth
PCDI’s managed care. MassHealth is rolling this out in three phases, and
offering in-person and online educational sessions for each phase.
Phase two, currently underway, is focusing on operations.
Find information on PCDI and access to webinar and in-person educational opportunities.
Discover satisfying work and volunteer opportunities when retired
What
are medical work opportunities to consider when retired? What are
volunteer options locally and internationally that are recommended?
Learn and discuss with senior physician members on March 22, 2018 at the
MMS headquarters in Waltham. Spouses and partners are welcome. This
free event is hosted by the Committee on Senior Physicians; information and registration.
The MMS Committee on the Sustainability of Private Practice is on Facebook
Please join your colleagues on our new Facebook forum
for discussions of issues pertinent to private practice. The MMS
Committee for the Sustainability of Private Practice is dedicated to
supporting a vibrant private practice model. This is the committee that
brought two recent resolutions to the House of Delegates (now adopted):
that physicians be permitted to dispense medications directly to
patients, and that the Society support the Direct Primary Care model by improving access to specialists and allowing “membership fees” to qualify as Health Savings Account expenses.
We are developing an MMS-sponsored webinar to educate physicians about
this style of medical practice. When you join our conversation, you’re
helping us advocate for a diversity of practice models.
Connect with your physician colleagues at our casual networking events
Please
join your colleagues and friends for an evening of professional
networking, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks, at one of our
upcoming events. Connect with physicians from across organizations and
specialties, make new professional contacts, and meet MMS leaders.
Physicians (members and nonmembers) and your guests are welcome.
RSVP no later than two weeks before each event to sfrazier@mms.org or mjussaume@mms.org.
The MMS plans to bring fun, convenient, and casual networking events to
all parts of the state. Questions? Call (800) 944 5562.
Scheduled events:
- Thursday, March 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Lir, 903 Boylston Street, Boston
- Wednesday, March 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at River Styx Brewery, 166 Boulder Drive, Fitchburg
- Saturday, July 28, 3:30-9:30 p.m., at Cape Code Beer, 1336 Phinneys Lane, Hyannis
Educational programs and events
View our full calendar of upcoming live CME activities. Unless otherwise noted, all events are held at MMS Headquarters, 860 Winter St., Waltham, MA.
Live CME events
Negotiating Your Best Employment Agreement: Live webinar
Wednesday, February 28, 2018, noon–1:00 p.m.
Managing Workplace Conflict: Improving Leadership and Personal Effectiveness
Thursday & Friday, March 22–23, 2018, 8:00– 6:00 p.m.
The above activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Featured online CME courses — Risk Management credit
Social Determinants of Health: Improving Population Health Through Prevention-Based Care NEW
Informed Consent, Decision Aids, and Shared Decision Making
The above activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Find additional risk management online CME activities.
This week in health care
Sign up for daily roundups of health news affecting Massachusetts.
Massachusetts AG Maura Healey: Strong gun laws work
Healey spoke at a rally Thursday with gun control advocates who are lobbying for legislation that would let a judge temporarily take away someone's guns if the person poses a risk to themselves or others.
Overdose deaths down, thanks to Narcan
"I think the reason is, there's no question, the expanding of access to Narcan
amongst all people," said Dr. Laura Kehoe, medical director at the
Massachusetts General Hospital Substance Use Disorder Bridge Clinic.
Report raises new concerns about death at Pembroke Hospital
In
both cases, the agency said, Arbour Health staff failed to do regular
rounds to check on patients or share important medical information,
amounting to neglect that it said "may have caused" both deaths.
Suspended head of health care workers union engaged in lewd behavior
Lee was suspended from his job at the state's largest health care workers union in December amid allegations of inappropriate conduct, the Globe previously reported. Union officials launched an investigation, and Lee remains on unpaid leave.
Man suspected of killing girlfriend, stabbing parents recently hospitalized
Two days after checking himself out
of a psychiatric hospital, a 24-year-old Needham man stabbed his
girlfriend to death and then continued his rampage at a restaurant,
where he attacked his mother and father.
State confirms first flu-related child death of the year
The
Massachusetts Department of Public Health said in a statement that the
child was under the age of 10 and lived in Essex County. The child's flu was confirmed by a clinical test and their symptoms, according to the department's statement.
What state health and hospital officials are saying about the flu
DeMaria said he'd have predicted that the peak of the season would have happened by now, but that the state hasn't seen a drop
in activity yet. He said he doesn't believe the severity of the disease
the state is seeing to be connected to the effectiveness of the
vaccine against the H3N2 strain of the illness, which is behind the
majority of the confirmed cases.
Young Rochester Marine dies of rare flesh-eating disease
Becket Kiernan, 18, of Rochester, died Monday, just hours after being diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare, flesh-eating disease, said his mother, Lynda Kiernan.
South Shore Health System laying off 50
The cuts amount to less than 2 percent of South Shore's workforce
of about 5,700. The health system includes South Shore Hospital in
Weymouth, a doctors group, a visiting nurse association, and other
services.
