President’s letter: PPE donations and requests in Northern Colorado

In this quarter's president's letter, NCMS President Claire Murphy, MD, shares information on personal protective equipment (PPE) requests and donations, plus volunteer needs and opportunities in Larimer and Weld counties. Read more here.

Executive update: Looking ahead

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's hard to imagine getting back to life as it once was but it's also important to continue looking forward to what the medical society is now and what we can become. Now more than ever the medical society has an essential function to bring all northern Colorado physicians together despite practice setting, hospital affiliation or geographic boundaries, and this fits perfectly into our strategic planning effort for the rest of 2020 and beyond. We will hold multiple virtual strategic planning meetings in April and May and report back to the membership in the next newsletter.

We are interested in hearing from you, our member physicians, on how NCMS can better serve you and better communicate with you. I ask that you answer the following two questions by replying to this email or contacting me directly at john@nocomedsoc.org. Please also email any questions, concerns or feedback. Thank you!

1. How can the Northern Colorado Medical Society be of more value to you in the future?

2. What means of communication do you prefer for us to reach you with NCMS news, updates and events?

Not in active practice and unsure where to pitch in? Fill out the Help Colorado Now sign up form

Many retired physicians, physicians in specialties not directly caring for COVID-19 patients or medical students have asked how they can join in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any medical professional can complete the form on the Help Colorado Now website and indicate your experience to be matched with the needs of hospitals, testing sites or care facilities to provide in-person care. There are volunteer and paid positions available. Read more and complete the form here.

Volunteer to provide free telehealth visits

A second opportunity to volunteer, especially for physicians who may be at high risk for COVID-19, comes through the Colorado COVID-19 Innovation Response Team organized by Gov. Jared Polis. The team will be introducing a telehealth/telemedicine service providing support to ~800,000 uninsured and under-served Coloradans. They need medical professionals and administrators to donate their time to provide these free telehealth visits. This work will be performed entirely from home, primarily via telephone and/or video calls. Callers will provide their symptoms over the phone, and those who need medical attention will be triaged to a queue for telephone-based care. Ple a se s i gn up to vo l un t e e r here .

Join CMS and CPS for a wellness webinar: Physicians - Staying Well Amidst the Crisis, Friday, April 10, 12-1 p.m.

Earn up to 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit (TM)

Mark your calendar to join the Colorado Medical Society and Colorado Psychiatric Society for a webinar, "Physicians - Staying Well Amidst the Crisis," this Friday, April 10, 12 - 1 p.m. MT. Speakers are Martina Schulte, MD, speaking on general resources and best practices for wellness; Doris Gundersen, MD, speaking on mental health - what makes this crisis different than others; and Scott Humphreys, MD, speaking on CPHP resources. Click here to view the accreditation statement. Click here to register.

COVID-19 Care Line for Physicians (Care Line): 720-810-9131

The Colorado Physician Health Program (CPHP) has established a support line for any Colorado physician or physician assistant to call if you need support and assistance in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. By contacting the Care Line at 720-810-9131, you will be linked with a peer who will listen and discuss stresses associated with the COVID-19 crisis, and caring for those suffering from the disease. Calls to the Care Line are free of charge. It is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and additional support phone calls (or video chats) can be scheduled after hours. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, you should contact 911. For more information go to the CPHP website.

Headspace for health care professionals

The current COVID- 19 public health crisis is an especially difficult time for health care professionals. Headspace, a meditation platform, is offering free access to Headspace Plus for all U.S. healthcare professionals working in public health settings. Helping those who care for us, care for themselves. Read more here.

COVID-19 resources from CMS

The Colorado Medical Society has compiled helpful resources on COVID-19 and is continually updating the microsite as new guidance, tools and information are available. Visit cms.org/COVID-19 for more on telehealth, care protocols and guidance, PPE/supplies, testing, workforce issues, and financial support. Plus, participate in weekly physicians' town halls on Wednesdays and periodic topic-specific webinars on Fridays; see all events here. Also join the COVID-19 physicians' discussion forum through the form on the COVID-19 landing page.

Welcome, new members!

We welcome our new members to NCMS, the largest component chapter of the Colorado Medical Society. Your membership connects you to your colleagues and a host of benefits through NCMS and CMS. Go to www.nocomedsoc.org or www.cms.org to learn more.

Thank you to our "Friends of NCMS" annual sponsors

Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities here or by contacting nocomedsoc@gmail.com.

Northern Colorado Medical Society | www.nocomedsoc.org