Registration Deadline is October 28th

Register for MSD's 233rd Annual Meeting! Events taking place are as follows:

• Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 6 p.m. - Annual Meeting of the Council, Virtual

• Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 6 p.m. - Annual Meeting of MSD Holding Company Board (Holding Company Board members only), Virtual

• Thursday, November 3, 2022, 6 p.m. - Education Program, "Tragedy, Trust, Truth: Mending Our Society," Virtual

• Saturday, November 5, 2022, 8 a.m. Registration - MSD's 5th Annual "Superhero for Hope” 5K Run/Walk, Rockford Park, Wilmington.

• Saturday, November 5, 2022, 6 p.m. - Inaugural Reception, Smyrna Opera House. Registration fee: $50 per person.

To learn more and to register, please visit the MSD 2022 Annual Meeting Information web page or use your cell phone camera to scan the QR code below. Download the Program Booklet.

For questions, contact Mary LaJudice, Senior Director of Corporate Services, at Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org or call (302) 224-5183.

Richard W. Henderson, MD 2022 Honoree

Tilton Award honorees are selected for outstanding characteristics such as leadership, vision, innovation, a pioneering spirit, courage, tenacity, perseverance, and for being both highly principled and recognized as both a statesman and ambassador for the profession of medicine.

This year the Medical Society of Delaware and the Tilton Society of Delaware are honored to recognize Richard W. Henderson, MD, Medical Society of Delaware Past President, Government Affairs Committee Chair, and retired obstetrician/gynecologist from Saint Francis Healthcare in Wilmington. 

The Tilton Awards Reception will take place Friday, October 21, 2022 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Tilton Mansion - University & Whist Club, 805 N. Broom Street, Wilmington. Cost is $100 per person or $150 per couple. Reservations can be made by contacting Katie Hamilton at Katie.Hamilton@medsocdel.org or calling (302) 224-5192. Reservation deadline is October 13th.

Physician Guidance From DPH for Concerned Parents

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing guidance to practices that are receiving calls from concerned parents about recent news articles related to lead in drinking water. Physicians should understand that the risk of exposure is relatively low for students in all but one school: Wallace Wallin in the Colonial School District. It is also important to understand that news stories have over-stated the issue, raising parents’ concerns unnecessarily. 

First, know that not all locations where exceedances of lead levels were identified, were in locations where water was used for drinking or food prep. As a result, since lead is not absorbed through the skin, the risk of exposure at those locations is not a factor. Locations initially identified as one where water was consumed were immediately shut off by the school after consultation with DPH, preventing additional exposure. Additionally, resampling was done in all locations where exceedances were detected, and in all schools except for one – Wallace Wallin - those levels came down to below the CDC’s Maximum Contaminant Level. 

DPH and the Department of Education (DOE) have been working with school districts on sampling and communicating these results since the statewide testing initiative began in 2020. If you are interested in knowing what schools were impacted, whether the site was used for water consumption or not, and the most recently available resampling results, this information can be found at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/dwsampling.html. It contains the results of sampling conducted at each school:  https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/files/leadsampleresultsschools.pdf as well as fact sheets for parents: https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/files/LeadDWInfoSheetParents.pdf.  

Whether or not to test children in these schools for the presence of lead is a decision best made between physician and family, with the physician understanding the relative risk present. For additional information, see the CDC’s guidance on testing for lead: 

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/default.htm.

Confirms Flu is Statewide, Total Confirmed Case Count Now at 7

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing two new laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, one each in New Castle and Sussex counties for the 2022-2023 flu season. The cases involve an unvaccinated 43-year-old Sussex County woman, and an unvaccinated child under 5 years old in New Castle County, both with influenza strain A. The new cases now confirm influenza in each county in Delaware and bring the total case count to seven.

Joint Statement Released by Delaware Hospitals and Physicians

The Medical Society of Delaware (MSD) and the Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA) issued a joint statement urging the public to get their flu vaccines as we enter the 2022-2023 influenza (flu) season. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated against flu is particularly critical this year as we may see a more active flu season than in recent years. Those not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination can get the COVID-19 vaccine, including the new bivalent booster, at the same time as the flu shot. To learn more about the flu, including where to get vaccinated, please visit the Delaware Division of Health’s flu.delaware.gov website or call (800) 282-8672.  Delaware’s hospitals and physicians urge everyone to get vaccinated against the flu to keep themselves, their loved ones, and their community protected.

Immunization Program Open Office Hours

The Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) will be hosting “Open Office Hours” for their VFC physicians. The purpose of the open office hours is to highlight VFC Program topics of interest that were identified from the recent provider survey. 

The next Immunization Open Office Hours in October will be held on the following dates.  

• Wednesday, October 19th from 12:00 (noon) – 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 26th from 12:00 p.m. (noon) – 1:00 p.m.  

Participation is optional. If you would like to join the meeting, use the Microsoft Team Meeting information in the letter sent to VFC physicians.  

CDC Gives Approval to Begin Administration

On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent to authorize their use as a single booster dose in younger age groups. The CDC Director signed off on Wednesday as well.

• Physicians must immediately stop using monovalent boosters for any age group. With this authorization, all monovalent boosters are no longer authorized. If you have appointments scheduled to provide a monovalent booster, they must be rescheduled or administer the appropriate bivalent vaccine instead.

• The Moderna COVID-19 Bivalent booster is authorized for use in children down to six years of age, two months after completing their primary series. Physicians may use the same vial as is used for the adult booster (dark blue cap/grey border), however the dosage is reduced (0.25 mL for ages 6-11; 0.5 mL for ages 12+) and may begin administering this bivalent booster to those ages 6-17 immediately. 

• The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Bivalent booster is authorized for use in children down to five years of age, two months after completing their primary series. The Pfizer booster comes in a different vial (orange cap/orange border) and physicians must wait until its arrival in the state to administer. As the primary series vaccine for ages 5-11 also uses an orange cap/orange border, physicians are urged to read the labels closely (see the image below).

DPH will advise on the arrival of Pfizer bivalent booster vaccine for ages 5 – 11 as they know more.  

Immunization Given During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Last Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Boostrix (Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine, Adsorbed [Tdap]) for immunization during the third trimester of pregnancy to prevent pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, in infants younger than two months of age. Most serious pertussis cases, hospitalizations and deaths occur in infants younger than two months of age who are too young to be protected by the childhood pertussis vaccine series. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.2% of the total cases of pertussis reported in the United States in 2021 were in infants younger than 6 months of age and approximately 31% required hospitalization. When the Boostrix vaccine is given during pregnancy, it boosts antibodies in the mother, which are transferred to the developing baby. The FDA’s approval of Boostrix has always included its use during pregnancy to protect the vaccinated individual. This most recent approval is specific to use in pregnancy to prevent pertussis in infants younger than 2 months of age. Since 2012, the CDC has recommended the use of Tdap vaccines during the third trimester of each pregnancy.

DPH Issues Health Advisory on Mandatory TB Screening

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is issuing a health advisory to advise physicians on the mandatory tuberculosis (TB) screening for people arriving from Ukraine to Delaware. People arriving from Ukraine to the United States through the “Uniting for Ukraine” (U4U) program are required to get a medical screening for TB within 90 days of arriving in the United States. DPH will facilitate the medical screening for TB. U4U is a federal program providing a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the U.S. to temporarily relocate to the U.S.

The federal Department of Homeland Security developed health screening requirements for people arriving from Ukraine to the United States through U4U. The U4U health screening requirements include a post-arrival TB screening requiring people attest to getting a medical screening for TB, including an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) test, within 90 days of arriving to the United States. People arriving from Ukraine to the U.S. younger than 2 years old qualify for an exception to the U4U post-arrival TB screening requirement. U4U post-arrival TB screening helps jurisdictions quickly identify cases of TB infection and TB disease and facilitate connections for people with applicable services, including applying for refugee benefits and TB-related care. Post-arrival TB screening normally occurs in situations where ongoing conflict necessitates expedited relocation (e.g., U4U).

Recommendations

Completing mandatory TB screening. If you are asked about TB screening by people from Ukraine who relocated to Delaware through the U4U program, direct them to call the DPH TB clinic closest to them for an appointment: 302-283-7542 (New Castle County), 302-857-5130 (Kent County), 302-515-3200 (Sussex County). People should NOT go the TB clinic without an appointment. Remind people to say they are calling about Uniting for Ukraine TB screening. If the person is not living in Delaware, instruct them to call the local health department in the jurisdiction where they are living. DPH will complete the medical screening for TB at no charge for people from Ukraine who relocated to Delaware.

Reporting cases of TB disease and TB infection

• TB disease is a reportable disease in Delaware. Promptly report suspected (without waiting for laboratory confirmation) and confirmed cases of TB disease to the Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (OIDE). Cases can be reported by phone (302-744-4990, normal business hours; 1-888-295-5156, outside of normal business hours), fax (302-622-4149), or email (reportdisease@delaware.gov). 
• TB infection (TBI), also known as latent TB infection, is not a reportable disease in Delaware. However, OIDE strongly encourages reporting to it cases that meet the current case definition.

Declarations Must Be Renewed Every 30 Days

Governor Carney today formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and health care professionals to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs. Under Delaware law, Public Health Emergency declarations must be renewed every 30 days. The Governor encouraged getting COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters when eligible, as well as receiving a flu shot to prepare for this year's flu season.

Download Materials to Help Your Patients Be Responsible Citizens

The 20th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held on Saturday, October 29th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The initiative aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Search by zip code or city/state to find a collection site near you. Content materials can be downloaded here.

Mission: Improve Care for Underserved Communities Through Research

Walmart announced the launch of the Walmart Healthcare Research Institute^SM (WHRI) to increase community access to health care research that may help lead to safer, higher quality and more equitable health care. WHRI will be focused on innovative interventions and medications that can make a difference in underrepresented communities including older adults, rural residents, women, and minority populations. WHRI initially is focused on inclusion in studies on treatments for chronic conditions and innovative treatments that should include members from these communities.

DPH Releases Annual Cancer Incidence and Mortality Report

Delaware’s cancer mortality, or death, rate has further declined, according to the latest cancer data from the Division of Public Health (DPH). Between 2005 and 2019, mortality rates for cancer at all locations throughout the body, known as all-site cancer, decreased an average of 1.7% per year in both Delaware and the U.S. The state remains 15th highest in the U.S. for the timeframe of 2015-2019, which is unchanged from previous periods. Delaware also ranks 13th highest nationally for cancer incidence during the same period.  

DPH presented its data report, Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware, 2015-2019, to the Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC) on October 10. These cancer statistics reflect incidence and mortality data for the five-year period 2015-2019. DPH compares Delaware’s cancer incidence and mortality statistics for 2015-2019 to those of the U.S. over the same period. DPH also summarizes how Delaware and U.S. cancer rates have changed from 2005 to 2019.

Additionally, DPH issued a compendium report, Census Tract-Level Cancer Incidence in Delaware, 2015-2019, which presents incidence rates for all-site cancer by census tract. In the 15-year period between 2005 and 2019, incidence rates for all-site cancer decreased an average of 1.1% per year in Delaware and an average of 0.7% per year in the U.S. While progress continues to be made, Delaware’s 2015-2019 all-site cancer incidence rate (468.8 per 100,000 population) remains 4% higher than the comparable U.S. rate (449.0 per 100,000 population). Delaware has improved in rankings over the last two five-year periods measured – 8th in 2014-2018 and 13th in 2015-2019. Prior to these years, Delaware had been ranked 2nd for incidence cancer rates for some time. A portion of the most recent progress may be attributed to fewer people accessing screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDA to Host Webinar on October 21st at 1 p.m.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) will host a stakeholder webinar on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 1 p.m. ET to provide an overview of the recently released proposed rule to update the definition of the nutrient content claim “healthy.” The “healthy” claim can act as a quick signal on food package labels to help empower consumers with information to identify foods that will help them build healthy eating patterns. This action is just one part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to reduce diet-related chronic diseases and advance health equity.

To register, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3VP9RQL.

USPSTF Recommendation Statement

The 2018-2019 National Survey of Children’s Health found that 7.8% of children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 years had a current anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders in childhood and adolescence are associated with an increased likelihood of a future anxiety disorder or depression.

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) published a recommendation statement for screening for anxiety in children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years (B recommendation). The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for anxiety in children 7 years or younger (I statement). The USPSTF reaffirmed its position that all adolescents ages 12 to 18 should be screened for depression. The USPSTF recommended using screening questionnaires to identify children at risk, noting that studies show that children with such conditions benefit from treatment that may include cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy. The USPSTF, however, found insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening of asymptomatic children or adolescents for suicide risk. By making its recommendations, the Task Force hopes to reduce the number of children whose mental health conditions go undetected and untreated. 

Alternative Therapies Available

On October 12, 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a shortage of the immediate release formulation of amphetamine mixed salts, commonly referred to by the brand name Adderall or Adderall IR, on its drug shortage website. FDA is in frequent communication with all manufacturers of amphetamine mixed salts, and one of those companies, Teva, is experiencing ongoing intermittent manufacturing delays. Other manufacturers continue to produce amphetamine mixed salts, but there is not sufficient supply to continue to meet U.S. market demand through those producers. Amphetamine mixed salts, including Adderall, are FDA-approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Until supply is restored, there are alternative therapies, including the extended-release version of amphetamine mixed salts, available to health care professionals and their patients for amphetamine mixed salts’ approved indications. Patients should work with their health care professionals to determine their best treatment option.

Relaunching its Language Access Steering Committee

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing a number of steps to improve language access through HHS programs and advance the goal of overcoming barriers to equity in health care and human services. HHS is taking steps to improve meaningful communication with limited English proficient (LEP) individuals by relaunching its Language Access Steering Committee (Steering Committee) to support HHS’s implementation of language access obligations under President Joe Biden’s recent Executive Orders (EOs), as well as similar obligations under the HHS Equity Action Plan - PDF. As part of this Steering Committee, all HHS agencies will reassess and update their language access plans to ensure that LEP persons have meaningful access to HHS-administered health and human services programs and activities. Simultaneously, the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) is announcing more than $4 million in grants to 11 organizations for an initiative called Promoting Equitable Access to Language Services in Health and Human Services. This three-year initiative covers developing and testing methods of informing individuals with LEP about the availability of language access services in health care-related settings.

In the Event of Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Strategic Preparedness and Response announced it is purchasing a supply of the drug [romiplostim] Nplate, which is approved to treat blood cell injuries that accompany acute radiation syndrome (ARS) in adult and pediatric patients. This action is part of long-standing, ongoing efforts to be better prepared to save lives following radiological and nuclear emergencies. ARS, also known as radiation sickness, occurs when a person’s entire body is exposed to a high dose of penetrating radiation, reaching internal organs in a matter of seconds. Symptoms of ARS injuries include impaired blood clotting as a result of low platelet counts, which can lead to uncontrolled and life-threatening bleeding. To reduce radiation-induced bleeding, Nplate stimulates the body’s production of platelets. The drug can be used to treat adults and children.

Seeks Community Engagement

As part of its strategic plan to make access to services easier for Delawareans across the state, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) will begin a critical community engagement phase in which the public can weigh in on the kinds of changes they want to see. For years, DHSS has heard about the difficulty Delawareans have in accessing and navigating such services such as general assistance, emergency assistance services, food benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), emergency housing, Medicaid, and more. Secretary Molly Magarik said DHSS seeks to enhance services from the perspective of the clients. To do this, DHSS and Social Contract, a Wilmington consulting firm, will host community engagement sessions across the state beginning this month. There will be interviews, focus groups, listening sessions, and more. The goal is to hear about people’s experiences with state services, which will be used to make those services more effective for all.

Delawareans are asked to complete a short online survey by Nov. 1 to share their experience with receiving state services. Through the survey, residents also can let DHSS know if they want to participate in the future community engagement sessions. For questions about the engagement sessions and survey, please email StateServiceCommunity@delaware.gov. To learn more about the project and the community engagement phase: https://de.gov/community.

Free One-On-One Counseling Saved Consumers More than $500,000 in 2021

As the October 15 to December 7 Medicare Open Enrollment quickly approaches, the Delaware Department of Insurance and its Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB) are sharing their annual consumer information announcement that you can inform your patients is available to them. During Medicare Open Enrollment, consumers can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or Medicare Advantage Plan. DMAB’s free, confidential, unbiased one-on-one assistance can help residents determine if making a coverage change is the right choice. In 2021, DMAB provided more than 5,500 counseling sessions, saving beneficiaries a combined $521,000. The department does not manage benefits offered to state employees, pensioners, or spouses. While DMAB can counsel Medicare-eligible state plan members, questions about the state’s Medicare Advantage plan or transition should first go to the Office of Pensions at 1 (800) 722-7300 and explore their online guide. Medicare Advantage plans themselves are regulated at the federal level, though the Insurance Commissioner and his peers are advocating for increased state regulatory authority. 

It Is Possible to Overcomplicate Employee Benefits

Depending on the size, demographics, and level of benefit knowledge among the people who comprise your workforce, there may be value to keeping your benefit program simple and understandable. Most employees already juggle a variety of responsibilities between home life and work life and piling on additional complications from a poorly planned or communicated benefit program without sufficient supporting resources doesn’t help. Companies can start by showing their employees they care by developing a well-thought out, consistent benefit strategy that evolves over time rather than undergoing drastic shifts from year to year. By communicating the cohesive strategy and its associated details on a regular basis through an organized, user-friendly multi-media campaign, employees can better understand their benefit options and make more confident, informed decisions. And by providing employees with ample and targeted resources to facilitate a smooth decision making and enrollment selection process, employers also win, since their benefit dollar expenditures will yield maximum returns and help improve employee morale and productivity.

The Medical Society of Delaware Insurance Services offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at www.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Sharon Ruth at (302) 397-0173.

Serve in a Way That Fits Your Lifestyle

The Delaware Air National Guard is your hometown force located in New Castle Delaware, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to defend freedom and protect communities – locally and globally. Did you know they also fill a variety of medical roles? There are positions for health care professionals ranging from Physician Assistant to Internist, Flight Nurses, Optometrists and Dentists, and even Flight Surgeons. These specialties are part time, paid military positions with most of the commitment being one weekend per month and 10 to 15 additional training days per year. Read more about how the Delaware Air National Guard serves our local Delaware community. If you would like to learn more about the mission and how you can serve in a way that fits your lifestyle, reach out for an introductory conversation. 

Samuel Lewis, SMSgt, DE ANG

HQ DE ANG Recruiting & Retention Senior Enlisted Leader

(302) 547-6655 or samuel.lewis.2@us.af.mil

MSD Visits Academia Charter School

MSD participated in the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Academia Charter School on Friday, October 7th from 6-8PM. Michelle Seymour, Manager of Community Outreach and Yesica Pena, MD Health Care Connection Coordinator, represented MSD providing information and applications for the Health Care Connection and Screening for Life programs. The Health Care Connection program helps to ensure access for uninsured individuals to primary and specialty care physicians, and health promotion and disease prevention services. MSD’s Voluntary Initiative Program (VIP) connects these patients with access to other health resources—including prescription programs, and laboratory and radiology services.

If you are a physician interested in participating in VIP and HCC or if you have questions regarding the program, please contact Michelle Seymour at 302-224-4905 or email Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org. Ready to join the VIP network? Fill out our brief enrollment form and we will be in touch to get you connected to patients enrolled in the state's Health Care Connection program.

Ready to Join the VIP network of Physicians, Allied Health Practitioners and Ancillary Service Providers across Delaware servicing the patients enrolled in the state’s Health Care Connection (HCC) Program? Fill out our brief enrollment form and we will be in touch!

Educational Lecturer Shares Experiences During Vaughn Prison Riots

MSD’s Physician Emeritus section held its third and final luncheon of the year at the University and Whist Club on Tuesday October 11. Ms. Patricia May, a retired Master Correctional Counselor with the Delaware Department of Corrections, shared powerful accounts of her experiences during the 2017 riots at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna. 

The Physicians are looking forward to being together again in 2023. Dr. Ali Hameli, Chair of the Section, requested that any member interested in sharing their patient experiences and stories with their fellow members at these events should reach out to MSD staff Michelle Seymour to discuss.

An Evening With Delaware legislators

DELPAC supported MSD’s most recent Pubs and Politics event at the University Whist Club Terrace the evening of Tuesday October 11. Complimentary food and beverages were provided to our MSD members and several Delaware legislators joined us to share how they are supporting health care in the state. Engaged conversations were held on topics including prior authorization, scope of practice issues, the need for primary care physicians across the state, and more. In attendance were Representative Paul Baumbach, Representative Krista Griffith, Representative Melissa Minor-Brown, and Senator Marie Pinkney. MSD is planning for its next event this winter, please plan to join!

October 31st Deadline - Webinar Scheduled to Learn More

Have you made mistakes on your initial Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) application? Due to the complicated nature of the PSLF program established in 2009, the Department of Education is allowing borrowers to fix mistakes on their initial PSLF applications. Until October 31st, borrowers may apply for forgiveness and get extra payments towards the loan forgiveness counter, despite not meeting the initial requirements.

Join Diamond State Financial Group for a Webinar on Tuesday, October 18th at 5:30 p.m. to learn more. Click here to register via Zoom. 

Offering Flu, COVID-19, Monkeypox Vaccines and Lead Screenings

Westside Family Healthcare is hosting FREE community vaccine clinics, offering flu and COVID vaccines -1st, 2nd, 3rd, and updated boosters- for ages 6 months and up, monkeypox vaccines and lead screenings for children. The events are open to patients and non-patients and are rain or shine. Attendees will receive gift card incentives and hats and gloves for children. No appointment needed. 

All clinics are 9:00AM – 12:00 PM

• October 15^th, 2022 - 4th Street, 1802 W. 4^th Street, Wilmington, DE 1905
• October 22^nd, 2022 – Dover, 1020 Forrest Ave., Dover, DE 19904
• October 29^th, 2022 – Bear, 404 Fox Run Drive, Bear, DE 19701

Learn more at www.westsidehealth.org/covidvaccines.

October 21 - Tilton Annual Award Event recognizing 2022 Tilton Award recipient Richard W. Henderson, MD, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the University & Whist Club in Wilmington. Contact Katie Hamilton to register (Katie.Hamilton@medsocdel.org or 302/224-5192). 

November 5 - We are excited to announce our Annual "Superhero for Hope” 5K Run/Walk is happening again this year! The Medical Society of Delaware will host its 5th Annual Campaign for Kids..."It's OBVIOUS" 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Rockford Park, Wilmington. This family-friendly event is being held in conjunction with a Community Health and Wellness Fair, co-hosted by MSD, Mom's House, and Vision to Learn. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Back by popular demand is the "Oat Bowl" featuring a make-your-own oatmeal bowl with a variety of fixings. Race participants will also enjoy t-shirts and other post-race food and refreshments.

Bayhealth

Bayhealth brings a new era of medical training to central and southern Delaware with the ribbon cutting and opening of its Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Simulation Center at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus. The state-of-the-art training space is designed to provide a high-tech immersive learning environment for medical students, residents, and health care professionals. For many years, Bayhealth has been an undergraduate medical education (UME) site for PCOM medical students completing their 3rd and 4th year rotations. Numerous PCOM graduates have joined Bayhealth’s graduate medical education (GME) programs. These residencies are training new physicians in family medicine, internal medicine, and general surgery. The PCOM Simulation Center at Bayhealth encompasses more than 10,000 square feet and includes an operating room, emergency bay, inpatient/outpatient flex space, classrooms, and debriefing rooms. It also has a hybrid conference room that can hold up to 125 people. The center features several high-tech full-body patient mannikins that can mimic human responses to trauma and critical care scenarios. The teaching spaces are equipped with a sophisticated audio-visual setup to record scenarios and allow learners to get immediate feedback during debrief.  

ChristianaCare

ChristianaCare announced it has spun out its first commercial biotechnology private start-up company, named CorriXR Therapeutics. CorriXR Therapeutics (pronounced Cor-ix-er; from Galician meaning to correct or edit) will use CRISPR gene editing technology to develop new, clinically relevant oncologic therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need, starting with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Its close relationship with ChristianaCare and the ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute uniquely positions it to research and develop innovative, patient-centered therapies. The company has developed unique CRISPR/Cas biomolecular tools that disable the genome of a tumor cell but not the genome of a healthy cell, which enables target selectivity.

CorriXR Therapeutics will license technology from the Gene Editing Institute and work closely with its scientific researchers and clinical oncologists at ChristianaCare. The Gene Editing Institute’s integrated bench-to-bedside approach connects leading-edge science to patient care.

Charles G. Wagner, MD

It is with sadness we share that MSD member Charles G. Wagner, MD passed away on October 8, 2022. He was 77 years old. He was inducted into the US Army in August 1964 and trained as a helicopter pilot. He served in Korea with the 2nd Aviation Battalion, DMZ patrol pilot, and orphanage officer in 1965 and then in Vietnam from 1966-1967 with the 11th Air Calvary, Gunship pilot, aviation armament officer. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with "V," Bronze Star, and 16 Air Medals before being honorably discharged in 1968. After returning to the States, he completed medical school at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1974, followed by a three-year residency at St. Luke's Hospital in New York. After an initial year of practice in Illinois, he settled in Milton, Delaware and worked as an Emergency Room physician at Milford Memorial Hospital. Realizing the shortage of primary care physicians in Sussex County, he established Milton Family Practice in 1980, which grew into one of the largest primary care practices in Delaware serving upward of 12,000 patients. The practice was later moved to Lewes and renamed Pointe Primary Care after he retired in 2016. Never losing his love of flying, he became a qualified hot air balloon pilot, designed a balloon to represent Delaware (naming it Della Bear), and started the First State Hot Air Balloon team. He, along with his wife Patt, organized hot air balloon festivals in Milton with funds raised benefiting the Diabetes Sugar Free Kids Program and Milton Theater projects. He was instrumental in helping Milton grow with projects that benefited the town. Dr. Wagner served on the Board of Milford Memorial Hospital, the Visiting Nurses Association, the Medical Center of Delaware, and Milton Chamber of Commerce, being awarded the William D. Littleford award for corporate public service. He also holds several patents for energy conservation, monitoring technology and hardware. Visitation will be held Friday, October 14 beginning at 11 a.m., followed by funeral services at 1 p.m. at the Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 Church Street, Milford. Interment at Barrett's Chapel, Frederica. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bayhealth, Sussex Campus or a charity of your choice. Read obituary.

Timothy P. Kegelman, MD - Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncologists, PA

Kyla-Gaye Pinnock, MD - Family Medicine, Bayhealth Primary Care Dover W

John M. Reynolds, MD - Ortho Surgery, Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists

Todd A. Spock, MD - ENT, Rhinology, Skull Base Surgery, ENT & Allergy of DE

William Strimel, DO - Cardiology, Partners in Cardiovascular Health

MSD's Membership Department is pleased to announce the newest members of the Medical Society of Delaware. Welcome to the third oldest medical society in the country! If you know someone interested in joining MSD, please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any questions. You could be eligible for a referral discount!

Gary J. Felsberg, MD - Radiology, First State Orthopaedics

Andres Rahal, MD - Radiology, First State Orthopaedics

Anita Rich, MD - Radiology, First State Orthopaedics

Timothy g. Sanders, MD - Radiology, First State Orthopaedics

Alice C. Shea, MD - Radiology, First State Orthopaedics

MSD members are afforded a seven-day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding applicants for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any comments on the current pending members(s) listed above.

• DPH Public Health Alerts: de.gov/publichealthalerts
• DPH Hotline - (866) 408-1899 (Monday -Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or DPHCall@delaware.gov
• Reporting suspected monkeypox rash in Delaware: Contact DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (OIDE), at 302-744-4990 (business hours) or 1-888-295-5156 (after hours).
• Delaware health care facilities that require specimen collection kits can order through OEMS@delaware.gov using a SHOC Request form.
• DPH website: de.gov/monkeypox
• DPH Social Channels: Facebook (@DEPublicHealth), Instagram (@depublichealth), DHSS Twitter (@Delaware_DHSS)
• FDA Monkeypox Response Website
• CDC Monkeypox Website
• CDC Case Definitions for 2022 Monkeypox Response
• CDC Considerations for Monkeypox Vaccination for the recommended use of vaccine in the U.S.
• CDC Monkeypox Treatment Information for Healthcare Professionals
• Specimen collection: Follow Lab Advisory: CDC Updates Specimen Collection Guidelines for Monkeypox Virus 

Information as of 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 13th

• DPH Public Health Alerts: de.gov/publichealthalerts
• DPH COVID-19 Booster Information: de.gov/boosters
• Federal website for information on navigating COVID: COVID.gov
• CDC COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Calculator
• COVID-19 Treatment Options
• Medical Provider Guidance for Administering Therapeutics
• COVID-19 Therapeutics Locator
• For testing flyers (available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole): https://covidmaterialsde.com/resources/community-organizer
• For all testing site referral locations, visit: de.gov/gettested
• For vaccination site referral locations, visit: de.gov/getmyvaccine
• Pfizer/Moderna pediatric vaccine information: de.gov/youthvaccine
• FDA At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests provides a list of all FDA-authorized at-home over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests
• Know the COVID-19 Community Level where you live
• DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Check Page
• Subscribe to the COVID-19 Update podcast - on Apple Podcasts or Simplecast.