WASHTENAW COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
Legislative action & community outreach since 1827
The WCMS E-Newsletter is a bimonthly publication highlighting major medical, public health, and community issues affecting physician and medical student leaders in Washtenaw County. Distribution is a unique benefit of WCMS membership. To learn more about WCMS' member benefits, please follow this link.
Don't Forget to Renew Your WCMS/MSMS 2021 Membership

Membership to WCMS and MSMS runs on a calendar basis (January-December). If you have not yet renewed your 2021 membership, please click here to continue receiving important member benefits, information, and news.

If you need help with your username or password, or would like to renew over the phone, please call the MSMS Membership Department: (517) 336-5716.

WCMS and MSMS are here to help throughout your career in medicine. We are proud to serve you and keep you connected with legislators, public health experts, and colleagues. Our staff, tools, and resources are available to you around the clock.
NEWS & STORIES
ACT NOW: Preserve Patient Care and Physician Supervision of CRNAs by Opposing HB 4359

Your continued advocacy is needed to urge legislators to oppose House Bill 4359, dangerous legislation that threatens patient safety by allowing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to practice independently without physician supervision. WCMS, along with many other provider groups submitted an opposition memo last week. Despite this, the legislation moved out of the House Health Policy Committee this week and further action is expected soon.

How can you help? Click here to send an email or make a phone call to your legislator asking that they opposing the measure in its current form. Simply fill in your contact information and the system will pre-populate a message and talking points. Your voice is critical - please act now!
Access the Jan/Feb/March 2021 Edition of the WCMS Bulletin

Don't miss out on the digital 1st quarter issue of the WCMS Bulletin under the direction of Editor Richard Burney, MD: 
  • President's Message: In the Face of Medical and Social Unrest, We Do Not Get a Pass
  • Politics: The Good, the Bad, and...
  • WCMS Letter to MDPAC Following Attempts to Overturn the 2020 Presidential Election
  • Share Your Story, and More!

Contact the Society Office to submit a piece for publication or to request a printed copy of the WCMS Bulletin!
Michigan Center for Youth Justice: Restorative Justice Week on March 23

WCMS President Terence Joiner, MD has begun a monthly initiative highlighting community organizations that align with WCMS' mission and values. At the February Executive Council meeting, WCMS had the opportunity to learn more about the Michigan Center for Youth Justice (MCYJ).

From MCYJ: "The week of March 22, MCYJ will be hosting a Restorative Justice Week, during which we'll offer an introduction to restorative justice practices via events, social media features, and a toolkit for supporters. Our first event of the week, a virtual panel discussion (free of charge!), Restorative Practices in Youth Justice: Lessons learned from Area Experts, will take place on Tuesday, March 23rd, and feature local experts and practitioners of restorative justice within the youth justice system. 

This event will highlight two of core values: Possibility--that every problem has a solution if we work together, think outside the box, and are willing to try new things; and Restoration--that the youth justice system should be restorative and rehabilitative because kids who get in trouble are still kids."

To register and learn more, please follow this link.
Preceptors Needed for the University of Michigan School of Nursing

The University of Michigan School of Nursing is seeking new preceptors in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. Students can be hosted by physicians, NPs, and/or PAs. Typical student placements are generally between 7-14 weeks and consist of 56-250 hours based upon student program and preceptor availability. 

The University of Michigan School of Nursing continues to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's best graduate schools. Preceptors are eligible for adjunct faculty appointments, free continuing education, and more! If you are able to help, please send a message to Jill McFarland, the Director of Clinical Partnerships, at jilllynn@umich.edu for more information.
COVID-19 TESTING & VACCINE STATUS
Testing Summary (Current as of March 10):
  • Washtenaw County COVID-19 Case Status
  • Confirmed & Probable Cases - 19,216
  • Total Deaths - 246
  • 2 week snapshot (February 18-March 4): 663 cases and 1.5% weekly test positivity rate
  • Looking for COVID-19 testing sites in Washtenaw County? Follow this link.
  • Michigan COVID-19 Case Status
  • Confirmed Cases - 662,572
  • Total Deaths - 16,700
  • Looking for COVID-19 testing sites in Michigan? Follow this link.

Vaccination Summary (Current as of March 9):
  • Washtenaw County Vaccine Status (Region 2S)
  • 154,715 vaccines distributed (Pfizer - 128,115 / Moderna - 24,000 / Johnson & Johnson - 2,600)
  • 123,974 vaccines administered
  • 77,283 1st dose
  • 46,691 2nd dose
  • Michigan Vaccine Status
  • 3,410,285 vaccines distributed (Pfizer - 1,640,785 / Moderna - 1,696,800 / Johnson & Johnson - 82,700)
  • 2,73,502 vaccines administered
  • 1,768,849 1st dose
  • 984,653 2nd dose
Washtenaw County Health Department COVID-19 Vaccination News
Web Update as of 3/8 at 8:30 AM

For the latest updates and news on vaccination from WCHD, please visit their webpage. To sign-up for WCHD's COVID-19 email updates, please follow this link.

"Starting Monday, March 8, the following groups are now eligible and may request a COVID-19 vaccine appointment:
  • Those 50 years or older with medical conditions or disabilities (see a list of qualifying medical conditions or disabilities on pages 11-12 of this document - the request survey asks individuals to attest to qualifying health conditions or disabilities)
  • Caregiver family members/guardians age 16+ of children who have special health care needs
Those who are eligible will likely have to wait several weeks or more (depending on supplies) before an appointment is available. The link to request an appointment is here. If you need help completing an appointment request by phone, call 734-544-6700 and leave a message or call 211. 

Within this newly eligible group, we will be prioritizing those who are 60 years old or older.
On Monday, March 22, everyone 50 years old or older will be eligible for vaccine. We will share more about the vaccine request process for this group in the coming weeks.

Pharmacies: Under a federal program, Meijer and Rite Aid are now offering vaccine. Both have online registration processes.
  • Meijer https://clinic.meijer.com/  - vaccinating anyone currently eligible under state guidance. Call your local Meijer for phone support.
  • Rite Aid http://bit.ly/3qca7Tg - vaccinating adults age 50 and older, health care workers, long-term care residents and staff, pharmacy staff, and public health employees. No phone support available.
EVENTS & IMPORTANT DATES
Virtual 2021 MSMS House of Delegates Schedule

The House of Delegates is the official policy-making body of the Michigan State Medical Society. Resolutions and Board Action Reports are the vehicles used to debate and determine the policies, priorities, and direction of MSMS during the ensuing 12 months and beyond.

2021 MSMS House of Delegates Timeline:
  • Communicate plan to Delegates and Board: February 1-5
  • 2021 and 2020 (held or tabled) Resolutions Due: March 1
  • Resolution Review Committee meets: March 29 – April 3
  • Post resolutions: April 5 - 9
  • Online testimony: April 5-16
  • Reference Committees meet: April 19 - 23
  • Virtual Officer Speeches and Candidate Forum (Optional): May 1, 9:00 – 10:30 am
  • Post Reference Committee Report and Online Voting: April 30 – May 16
  • Candidate Voting (if contested): May 1 – May 16
  • Vote on Extractions (majority needed for tabling): May 17 - 21
  • Post final report: May 24 - 28

For information on the HOD and resolution resources, please click here.
WCMS COVID-19 Workgroup: Thursday, April 1 at 6:00 PM

Since March, WCMS has convened regular COVID-19 teleconferences to discuss resource allocation, emergency preparedness, and tracking and tracing among Washtenaw's health systems and physician leaders. The workgroup is led by University of Michigan infectious diseases specialist and WCMS Executive Council member Sandro Cinti, MD. The workgroup also receives updates and modeling data from UM Public Health epidemiologists.

All interested WCMS members are encouraged to join the next virtual meeting on Thursday, April 1 from 6:00-7:00 PM. Please contact the Society Office for login credentials.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Call for Leaders

WCMS at the MSMS House of Delegates
The House of Delegates (HOD) is the official policy-making body of MSMS. Resolutions are the vehicles used to debate and determine the policies, priorities, and direction of MSMS. Each year, physician and medical student members serve as delegates, review resolutions, testify in reference committees, and vote on important policy decisions. WCMS is allocated 13 delegate slots in 2021.

WCMS Executive Council
The Executive Council is the voting body that supervises the function and activities of WCMS. Council members determine annual events, legislative priorities, and community outreach directives. The Executive Council now meets virtually the first Thursday of each month.

WCMS Committees and Task Forces
Each committee meets approximately three-four times annually and members are simply asked to share a passion for the subject and interest in learning skills in the field.
  • Environmental/Climate Change Task Force
  • Finance Committee
  • Legislative Committee
  • Membership Committee
  • Programming Committee

To apply and learn more about WCMS leadership opportunities, please follow this link.
*Reference to any specific product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of members, and does not constitute medical advice, endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Washtenaw County Medical Society.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP AND SUPPORT OF WCMS!
The Washtenaw County Medical Society has been the leading physician medical association for legislative action and community outreach since 1827. WCMS works together with the Michigan State Medical Society to optimize patient, physician, and community well-being through professional support; public health activism; and advocacy for excellence in patient care.