2019 Annual Meeting: Special Edition

News and announcements

Vital Signs This Week: Special Edition at a glance

The Annual Education Program was packed to capacity and many more tuned in online; #MMSAnnual and #physicianburnout trended on Twitter. Hundreds of physicians and medical students from across the state gathered for the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Medical Society, May 2-4, 2019, to consider new resolutions that will drive Society advocacy, check in with friends old and new, and deliver standing ovations acknowledging the contributions of MMS officers and award winners. This special edition of Vital Signs This Week brings you the news from that meeting:

• Annual Education Program: A world-class lineup of speakers
• Resolutions: What the MMS stands for 
• Leadership elections: A changing of the guard
• Awards: Who won what and why
• Roundup: MMS philanthropy, ethics forum, international medical graduates/LGBTQ program, talent show, art exhibit and silent auction

The Annual Education panel featured (left-right) Humayun J. Chaudhry, DO, Tait Shanafelt, MD, Marie T. Brown, MD, Stephen J. Swensen, MD, and Michelle A. Williams, SM, ScD as the moderator. 

Annual Education Program: Restoring the Art of Medicine

The Power of Physician Wellness

"Be bold," advised speaker Marie T. Brown, MD, if you're a physician concerned by burnout and want to change your practice environment. Among the many options and strategies to redesign your practice, Dr. Brown said, choose one and start today. "We can eliminate a billion clicks and get back to the work of medicine."

Speaker Marie T. Brown, MD

Physician burnout is a public health crisis, and this year's annual education program (AEP) featured leading experts who found actionable strategies to reduce burnout, prioritize wellness, and improve patient care. Guest speakers included: Marie T. Brown, MD, Senior Physician Advisor, Physician Satisfaction/Practice Sustainability Group, American Medical Association; Humayun J. Chaudhry, DO, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Federation of State Medical Boards; Tait Shanafelt, MD, Chief Wellness Officer, Stanford Medicine; Stephen J. Swensen, MD, Professor emeritus, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine; and Michelle A. Williams, SM, ScD, Dean of the Faculty, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In addition, Michael Milligan, a playwright from the Poor Box Theater in Chicago, gave a moving performance woven throughout the AEP that humanized burnout and contextualized the state—both good and bad—of modern medical practice.

Michael Milligan, playwright and actor from Poor Box Theater, delivered a multi-act performance about physician burnout

Shattuck Lecture & Conversation: Future of Care 

A Call to Collaboration

Jeffrey M. Drazen, MD, editor-in-chief of NEJM and moderator, with Shattuck Lecturer John Noseworthy, MD, President and CEO emeritus, Mayo Clinic 

"As much as healthcare changes," said John Noseworthy, MD, President and CEO emeritus of the Mayo Clinic, "we will never reach a point of healing without the intimate relationship between you and your patients. A healing relationship begins with trust." Artificial intelligence, data mining, and other technologies will illuminate medicine for the foreseeable future. Though their disruptive effects are in bloom, Dr. Noseworthy urged physicians to keep the doctor-patient relationship at the forefront of advocacy. "Some may consider it dated and nostalgic to keep our focus on the patient, and yet it's essential to the good of both the patient and the physician... [that their relationship] be a personal interaction supported by evidence, experience, innovation, and technology."

Thank you, Dr. Drazen, for your last Shattuck Lecture and your many years as moderator!

Your incredible ability to provoke thoughtful discussion elevated the program to new heights, and we're grateful for your leadership, insight, and service within the MMS and NEJM Group.

Resolutions: What the MMS stands for

Barbara Herbert, MD of Middlesex District and advisor to the Committee on Public Health

House of Delegates adopts new policies, driving future advocacy 

The House of Delegates adopted new resolutions that will shape Society advocacy on public health and health care delivery. Details on the resolutions and actions are available here. New resolutions included:

1. Healthcare is a basic human right
   • The MMS asserts that enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, in all its dimensions, including health care, is a basic human right.
2. Ending non-medical vaccine exemption for school entrance
   • The MMS opposes non-medical vaccine exemptions for school attendance and will advocate for legislation and regulation that ends non-medical vaccine exemptions for school attendance in Massachusetts.
3. Modern abortion laws and access
   • The MMS will advocate for legislation and policies that would provide that the only criteria needed to consent to abortion are pregnancy and medical-decision making capacity; expand existing safety-net health coverage for pregnancy-related care to abortion and update pregnancy and abortion-related medical terminology used in legal codes to reflect the most scientific evidence and knowledge.
4. Excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages
   • The MMS will advocate in favor of legislation that establishes state and local excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and encourages the application of the resulting revenues toward programs that support food security and improve access to healthy foods. 
5. Flavored tobacco
   • The MMS will advocate to the Massachusetts legislature and regulators to ban the sale or distribution of any flavored (including menthol and mint flavors) tobacco products, to include combustible cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery devices and systems, by any retailer, retail establishment, or other person or entity to any consumer.
6. Promoting physical activity
   • The MMS will advocate for policies and programs that make available regular, safe, physical activity for children and adults including those with disabilities, older adults, and those with socioeconomic barriers to activity.
7. Oversight of home health aides
   • The MMS will advocate for better regulation of the home health aide industry to make it safer for the frail and aged clients.
8. Prescription monitoring program  
   • The MMS will advocate, at the state and national levels, to promote prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP or PMP) integration/access within electronic health record workflows (of all developers/vendors) at no cost to the physician or other authorized health care provider.
9. Tobacco sales
   • The MMS strongly advocates for statewide licensing to be required of all retail locations that sell any e-cigarettes, nicotine liquids, and personal electronic vaporizers, in a manner that allows local boards of health to impose additional regulation.

MMS leadership updates 

Maryanne C. Bombaugh, MD, is the 2019 - 2020 MMS president

Maryanne C. Bombaugh, MD, becomes 2019–20 MMS president

"The health care needs of our communities, our state, and our Society are changing," said Maryanne C. Bombaugh, MD, the 137th president of the MMS, "and our work and advocacy in the varied 'health lanes' related to social determinants—such as telehealth, housing, food, guns, care integration, and team care—must continue." An obstetrician/gynecologist and veteran of the United States Military, Dr. Bombaugh has been committed to a life of service. In addition to her new role as MMS president, Dr. Bombaugh is chair of the MMS Committee on Strategic Planning and delegate to the American Medical Association. Previously, Dr. Bombaugh held positions in the Committee on Women in Medicine, the Committee on Strategic Planning, and the Opioid Task Force. She is a past chair of the Committee on Legislation.    
 
Alain A. Chaoui, MD, becomes MMS immediate past president

The MMS motto that every physician matters and each patient counts has "served as the true North for the Society and the basis for the patient-physician relationship," said Alain A. Chaoui, MD, the outgoing president. Throughout his presidential year, Dr. Chaoui elevated physician burnout to a public health crisis and a phenomenon worthy of national attention. Physicians, Dr. Chaoui remarked, "Must listen to instincts when it comes to health. It is reasonable and acceptable to make professional adjustments that will allow you to do what you were called upon to do." 
 
House of Delegates elects new officers

Members of the House of Delegates elected a full slate of new officers for the upcoming year. In brief:

• David A. Rosman, MD, MBA, a radiologist at MGH, is the new president-elect;
• Carole E. Allen, MD, MBA, a pediatrician, has been elected vice president;
• Joseph C. Bergeron, Jr., MD, was elected secretary-treasurer; Lynda G. Kabbash, MD, was elected assistant secretary-treasurer; Francis P. MacMillan, Jr., MD, was elected speaker of the House of Delegates; McKinley Glover IV, MD, MHS was elected vice-speaker.

Joseph C. Bergeron, Jr., MD, the new secretary-treasurer, joined by president-elect David A. Rosman, MD, MBA, and vice-speaker McKinley Glover IV, MD, MHS.

MMS Awards: Who won what and what they said 

Philip E. McCarthy, MD: Distinguished Service

The Award for Distinguished Service is presented to a member of our Society who has made significant contributions to the goals of the organization through demonstrated leadership, member recruitment, and committee work. As a past president of the Medical Society, Dr. McCarthy united, inspired, and led, all while keeping the organization focused on work that would improve the lives of his physician colleagues and patients. A proud and active voice in the Plymouth District, Dr. McCarthy consistently and successfully took the helm and chaired several committees and built upon his reputation as a trusted leader. 
 
Richard J. Lopez, MD: Lifetime Achievement

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the Society’s most prestigious honor, presented to a member who has made lasting contributions to the practice of medicine over a lifetime in health care delivery, patient care, education, and administration. Dr. Lopez's career has included more than 30 years of executive leadership, including roles with Harvard Community Health Plan, Harvard Medical Associates, and Atrius. Throughout all these stops, he has influenced practices that help patients and physicians and has taken the time to pass on his knowledge to others, which is critical to the medical profession. 

Anthony V. D'Amico, MD, PhD, won the Grant V. Rodkey, MD Award for Medical Education. Presenting the awards were Katherine J. Atkinson, MD and Alain A. Chaoui, MD
 
Anthony V. D'Amico, MD, PhD: Outstanding Contributions to Medical Education

Dr. D'Amico, recipient of the Grant V. Rodkey Award for Medical Education, reminded physicians that every conversation with a new person—whether it's in the clinic, on the bus to the clinic, or elsewhere—is an opportunity to change a life if you take the time to listen. Dr. D'Amico, professor of radiation oncology at Harvard Medical School and chief of genitourinary radiation oncology at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, was chosen for the Grant V. Rodkey, MD award by the MMS Medical Student Section. According to one nominating student, "When Dr. D'Amico talks, it's hard not to feel inspired. He always has a powerful message to share." 

John A. Renner, Jr., MD accepting the award for Excellence in Medical Service
 
John A. Renner Jr., MD: Excellence in Medical Service

"Wherever you work in medicine, you will run into patients with substance use problems. You have to learn how to work with individuals long term." Dr. Renner, renowned for his dedication to caring for adults and adolescents with substance use disorder, received the 2019 Special Award for Excellence in Medical Service. The award recognizes a physician who has made a remarkable demonstration of compassion and dedication to the medical needs of patients. Dr. Renner is a professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and director of the Boston Medical Center Addiction Psychiatry Residency.

Lynda M. Young, MD won the Ingersoll Bowditch Award for Public Health 
 
Lynda M. Young, MD: Excellence in Public Health

One of the Medical Society’s most prestigious awards, the Ingersoll Bowditch is awarded annually to a Massachusetts physician who demonstrates creativity, commendable citizenship, initiative, innovation, and leadership in the public health and advocacy fields. "Dr. Young is a champion of public health causes," said MMS President Alain Chaoui, MD. "She has effectively, and with great decorum, used her influence as a physician in advocacy work that has brought meaningful change." Dr. Young is a Worcester pediatrician and past president of the MMS.

Ronald A. Arky , MD accepting the Committee Chair Service Award

Ronald A. Arky, MD: Committee Chair Service

Committee work is the heart of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Dr. Arky, chair of the Committee on Ethics, Grievances, and Professional Standards, was recognized for his long-standing and exemplary committee work. 

Additional awardees

Among others honored with individual awards in 2019 are Kenneth H. Mayer, MD (LGBT Health Award); Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, MPA (Reducing Health Disparities Award); Sahdev R. Passey, MD (Senior Volunteer Physician of the Year Award); Lynda M. Young, MD (Woman Physician Leadership Award); Nidhi Lal, MBBS, MPH (Women's Health Award); and Valerie A. Dobiesz, MD, MPH, FACEP (Women's Health Research Award). 

Nineteen physicians were honored with the Community Clinician of the Year Award. Sixteen medical students were honored as Massachusetts Medical Society Scholars. Michael R. DiBenedetto, MD, and Hillary E. Mullan received Information Technology Awards, and the Medical Student History Essay Award went to Katherine Warren.

Roundup: MMS philanthropy, ethics forum, international medical graduates/LGBTQ program, talent show, art exhibit and silent auction  

Sophia X. Bogdasarian of Fitchburg was elected president of the Massachusetts Medical Society Alliance. 

MMS Philanthropy: The MMS and Alliance Charitable Foundation 

The MMS and Alliance Charitable Foundation awarded grants in 2019 totaling $281,278 — an all-time high — to 25 organizations providing health care to the uninsured, and addressing the social determinants of health, behavioral health, and health promotion, reported Katherine Upchurch, MD, chair. The Foundation also awarded international health studies grants to eleven medical students and residents, totaling $18,875. 

Ethics forum speakers Lauren A. Taylor, MDiv, MPH, and Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH   

Ethics forum: Ethical values in value-based care models 

The commoditization of decision making is one of the many ethical tensions present in value-based care, and according to Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH, this phenomenon may have negative consequences. "If you take something people feel internally motivated to do, and you put a dollar value on it, you can actually drop their internal motivation." Lauren A. Taylor, MDiv, MPH presented her recent research, including a case involving twins, as a starting point for a broader discussion about ethical decisions and how to approach care-model reform.

International medical graduates annual reception/Committee on LGBTQ matters 


 
Despite the increased acceptance of LGBTQ rights, global coordination is needed to enhance the wellbeing of LGBTQ people. Many still face stigmatization, discrimination, and persecution. Suha Ballout, PhD, RN, assistant professor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at UMass Boston, discussed these topics during her presentation and what needs to be done to improve LGBTQ health globally. A networking session followed the address. 

MMS talent show: Beyond the white coat

Some of the brightest and most talented physicians in the world comprise the MMS, but medicine is not the only talent amongst our ranks. We sing, dance, play instruments, and even have a few magic tricks up our sleeves!
 

Linda Healy, Director of the Executive Office and Governance, with MMS President Alain Chaoui, MD, as he prepares for a magical performance
 

Eugenia Marcus, MD performed the Cha Cha to "Respect" by Aretha Franklin with ballroom dancer Imre Gombkoto
 

Jacques Ambrose, MD sang "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran

Nancy N. Caron member art exhibit and silent auction

The annual art exhibit, sponsored by the Member Interest Network (MIN) and the MMS & Alliance Charitable Foundation, showcased the many artistic talents of members, whether it be nature photography, still-life painting, or craftsmanship. During the event, David F. Gouveia, MD, author of "A Local Boy – A Memoir," signed copies of his book. 

The MMS community: More photos from the 2019 Annual Meeting

Barbara L. McAneny, MD, President of the American Medical Association 
 

B. Dale Magee, MD, past president of the MMS, with fellow past president Barbara A. P. Rockett, MD
 

Alain Chaoui, MD, with Jeffrey Drazen, MD
 

Lois Dehls Cornell, Executive Vice President of the MMS
 

Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, MPA, winner of this year's Reducing Health Disparities Award
 

Anthony V. D'Amico, MD, PhD, winner of the Grant V. Rodkey, MD Award for Medical Education, with his students
 

MMS staff coordinated check-in and registration
 

(Right) Carl G. Streed, Jr., Chair of the Committee on LGBTQ Matters

Leonard C. Marcus, VMD, MD, performed a dance medley with ballroom dancer Maggie Toth
 

(left-right) Dr. Chaoui, Dr. Chaoui, Dr. Chaoui, Dr. Chaoui, Dr. Chaoui, Dr. Chaoui
 

Dr. Chaoui saw them
 

Kathryn Hughes, MD, member of the Committee on Communications, with new MMS President Maryanne Bombaugh, MD
 

MMS staff goofing around in the break room