MHA Live Twitter Chat for National Drug Take Back Day 

Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA) hosted a live Twitter Chat on Thursday, Oct. 20. The effort was to raise awareness of "National Drug Take Back Day," Oct. 22. The event is an initiative by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and includes a plethora of partner groups. The goal was to alert the public to safely dispose of medication that is unneeded or out of date. The dangers posed by second-hand medications is staggering. The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) was one of the participating groups.

The Twitter Chat allows a group to Tweet a question out to the "Twittersphere," and Twitter accounts can "answer" the question.
MHA did a wonderful job organizing the event and the response was tremendous:
  • 364 tweets went out with the #MHAHealthChat hashtag
  • 35 different organizations and individuals contributed to the conversation
  • 53,453 different Twitter accounts were reached
  • 921,397 impressions were made, based on the number of accounts and followers
The issue of safe medication disposal is an ongoing effort and the MOA has created a page with resources, including a search function to locate pharmacies that will take back unwanted drugs.

Links:
MHA Storify Record of the event
MOA Safe Disposal Webpage
DEA Drug Disposal Information Webpage

MSUCOM Hosts "Meet the President"

The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) hosted the annual lunch that introduces MSUCOM students to the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) president. This year, MOA President Bruce Wolf, DO, FAOCR, had the honor of addressing the future DO's. The event was held at MSUCOM's East Lansing campus, with the Detroit Medical Center and Macomb campuses tuning in via teleconference.  As a new full time faculty member of MSUCOM, Dr. Wolf popped in fresh from the Radiology department, wearing his scrubs as he gave an overview of how the MOA shapes policy and advocates on behalf of osteopathic physicians.

As is the custom, lunch was brought in by the MOA as over 100 students attended or tuned in via teleconference. The program included a Q&A session, as students had plenty of questions regarding current legislative issues, as well as issues they will face in the future as the landscape of healthcare continues to shift.

"The MOA is our voice. Getting exposure to the MOA early on will help ensure that we will have a long, healthy relationship and that our voices are heard," said Taran Silva, MSUCOM Class of 2019, and Student Trustee on the MOA Board of Trustees.

At the end of the program many students stayed behind to ask questions. Membership got a boost, as 12 students joined the MOA and at least one student gave a donation to MOPAC.

2016 has been a banner year for student membership as the MOA currently has over 400 student members. The most since the association was established in 1898.  
Vaccination Awareness Update

The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) is active in several efforts to raise awareness on the importance of vaccinations for community health. One effort is the MOA's involvement with the Parent Information Network (PIN). The PIN group is comprised of healthcare groups around the state. PIN meets with legislators and policy makers to help guide legislation and rules to better ensure a healthy community. PIN has worked successfully on shaping policy to reduce the number of vaccination waivers used in public schools. These waivers allow children to attend public schools without receiving vaccinations. Michigan has ranked as low as 47th in the country in terms of the percentage of waivers we allow.

The Good News: Waivers are down! The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released new data showing Michigan had 9,377 fewer waivers this year compared to last year. This represents an overall 35.4% decrease, but we need to work more as Michigan's ranking has only risen to 44th. Last year's data shows Michigan's gains were the best in the country. "This improvement in our vaccination coverage rates means that more kids are protected from outbreaks and serious vaccine-preventable diseases," Dr. Eden Wells, HHS chief medical executive.

More Good News: The PIN group has successfully garnered funding for a public awareness campaign. "iVaccinate" will include TV, radios, billboard and social media promotions. Special events are in the planning stages. The campaign will be launched in the first quarter of 2017. The MOA will share in the promotional effort using our newsletter, website and social media platforms.

Links:
MDHHS Webpage on Immunization Waiver Information

MDHHS Webpage on Vaccination Information

American Council on Science and Health Article

Legislative Flu Shot Day
Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) in conjunction with the Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) and the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians (MAOFP) will hold its annual Legislative Flu Shot Day at the state Capitol in Lansing on November 9th between the hours of 10 a.m. - 2  p.m. The event offers flu shots to state legislators and their staff. The shots are administered by MSUCOM students and faculty volunteers. The event reinforces the importance of getting a flu shot and provides an opportunity for legislators to meet with osteopathic students and physicians.

Autumn Session Spotlight Preparing for MACRA/MIPS 

The 12th Annual Scientific Convention in Grand Rapids is offering the Practice Managers Program. A program highlight will be: "MACRA/MIPS" Preparation for your Practice" with Ewa Matuszewski from MedNetOne.

Medicare is undertaking a significant update to how it pays for Eligible Professionals' services. As is typically the case with Medicare, privately managed Medicare will likely follow suit. It is important to understand the urgency of MACRA as it will impact many of our members. Get your practice "MACRA Ready." The MOA MACRA/MIPS session will help answer your questions and clear up the confusion. 

Link: Practice Managers Program Registration
MSUCOM Dean Strampel Honored by Volunteers of America

William D. Strampel, DO, dean of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, was honored by Volunteers of America Michigan at the fifth annual 2016 Veteran Tribute.

Dr. Strampel's career can be viewed in two phases: the military and academic. From his perspective, however, it's all been about medicine.
Dean William D. Strampel, DO, receives the Volunteers of America Veteran Tribute from  Major General Gregory J. Vadnais, as past MOA President Dr. William G. Anderson looks on.  


Before he arrived at MSU in 1999, Strampel became a doctor of osteopathic medicine and forged a prominent 26-year career with the Army Medical Corps. This leadership as soldier and civilian is why he has been selected.

The Veteran Tribute was held at MSU's Demmer Shooting Sports, Education and Training Center is the latest in a long list of recognitions for Dr. Strampel.

His career in the Army Medical Corps saw him take command positions all over the nation and overseas, including in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Office of the Surgeon General. His military awards alone include the Legion of Merit with two oak clusters; the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters; the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Order of Military Medical Merit.

He has led the College of Osteopathic Medicine since 2002 and is the university's longest-serving dean. As such, he has presided over an era of expansion and innovation. Under his leadership, MSUCOM is teaching, conducting research and providing care on five continents. A fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists, his work recently was recognized with the American Osteopathic Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in September in Los Angeles.

"As the state's largest provider of services to homeless veterans, we see first-hand the spirit of self-sacrifice on behalf of others exemplified by veterans," said Patrick Patterson, executive vice president of Volunteers of America Michigan. "We want to recognize and applaud that spirit, which Dean Strampel has exhibited throughout his professional career."

The event was standing room only, attracting a Who's Who from Lansing business and charitable organizations. With sponsorship's and donations the event  raised over $137,000 for the Volunteers of America Michigan.

Links:
VOA Event Photos
Donate to the VOA

Metro Health University Course on Physician Burnout

The issue of physician burnout is getting some well-deserved attention. Studies, articles and new programs aimed at addressing the issue are appearing in many sectors of healthcare. As part of the Metro Health Speaker Series, "Physician Burnout" was the topic as healthcare providers engaged in a discussion of the risks of burnout and tools to help identify the causes, symptoms and preventative measures. The featured speaker was Dr. Roger P. Smith, Assistant Dean for GME at the Charles E. Smith College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University.
(Center photo, L-R)  Jeffrey D. Postlewaite, DO, MPH, and MOA Trustee, Floyd Wilson, Jr., Executive VP of HR for Metro Health and Herman Sullivan, MD, KCMS President-Elect




The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) and the Kent County Osteopathic Association were both among the sponsors. MOA board member Jeffrey D. Postlewaite, DO, provided the program introduction. The program was approved for 1.5 AOA Category 2-A CME credits. Look for more programs from the Metro Health Speaker Series in the future.

Link:  https://metrohealth.net/metrouniversity/
MI Health Link Provider Summit - November 9

Michigan healthcare providers are invited to a discussion about information and strategies for coordinating care for Medicare-Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in the MI Health Link Program. The Summit's Keynote Speaker will be Mr. Tim Engelhardt, Director, Federal Coordinated Health Care Office, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The MI Health Link Provider Summit sessions will cover a range of topics associated with integrated care including nursing facility collaboration with health plans, coordinating physical and behavioral healthcare, engaging enrollees, and strategies for enhancing transition planning for members transitioning between care settings.
When: Wednesday, November 9, 2016 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center at Michigan State University
219 South Harrison Rd. East Lansing MI, 48824

Link: MI Health Link Provider Summit
News & Resource Links

AOA Expands "Doctors That DO" campaign
Link: http://thedo.osteopathic.org/2016/10/doctors-that-do-campaign-brings-outdoor-ads-to-3-more-cities/

SAVE the DATE! Healthcare Leadership Academy: Business Strategy For A Changing Landscape, Feb. 24-25, 2017, Grand Traverse Resort
Link: http://execed.broad.msu.edu/programs/healthcare-leadership-academy-business-strategy-changing-landscape/

CDC releases statement, recommending the 2-dose HPV series for younger adolescents
Link: http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p1020-hpv-shots.html

On the go: Clinical fellow innovates health care through digital design
Link: http://thedo.osteopathic.org/2016/10/groundbreaking-development-clinical-fellow-innovates-health-care-through-digital-design/
MSU Launches Spartan Performance

Spartan Performance launches sports nutrition videos for today's tech savvy athlete.
Michigan State University Spartan Performance has developed eight online nutrition education videos aimed at improving nutrition habits in athletes. The free video series can be found at www.spartanperf.com.

Topics include nutrition basics, timing of intake for optimal performance, athlete performance plates, energy balance, hydration and nutrition supplements. The videos comply with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics /American College of Sports Medicine sports nutrition guidelines and were developed using evidence-based information.

The series was produced as part of an on-going partnership with MSU Extension and the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) to provide nutrition education to low-income student-athletes throughout Michigan.

Link: www.spartanperformance.msu.edu

Sept. 21, 2016 saw the passing of Donald "Doc" Bearden, DO 
Click here for a local obituary

August 5, 2016 saw the passing of Maynard Amelon, DO
Click here for a local obituary

April 7, 2016 saw the passing of Daniel Graham, DO
       
Feb. 15, 2016 saw the passing of Howard Rossman, DO
 
Feb. 4, 2016 saw the passing of Gerald Reznick, DO
 
Feb. 4, 2016 saw the passing of Jack Lighton, DO
 
Feb. 3, 2016 saw the passing of  Norman Decker, DO

 
Join us on social media:
The MOA Pulse connects members, partners and the communities we serve. If you have any news or events you would like to us share, or if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact:
Todd Ross
Manager of Communications
Michigan Osteopathic Association
517/827-0615
Michigan Osteopathic Association | 800.657.1556 | www.domoa.org