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February 17, 2022
MSD Interim Council Meeting Scheduled for April 21
Turn Your Idea into a Resolution
SAVE THE DATE! The Council of the Medical Society of Delaware will hold its Interim Meeting virtually on Thursday, April 21, 2022, beginning at 6 p.m. This is a change in date from the normally scheduled second Thursday in the month of April.

If your organization is not currently represented on the Council, please contact Mary LaJudice Senior Director of Corporate Services as soon as possible. Eligible Council members not only need to be a member of your organization, but also a member of MSD in good standing. To view the current list of Council members, click here.

Though a few months away, members should begin to give thought to submission of resolutions for consideration at the Interim Council Meeting. Resolutions should state a few factual points (background information), indicate what is asked of the Medical Society of Delaware (the action), and any fiscal note. Resolutions for consideration at the Interim Meeting of the Council are due by Friday, April 1st. For information on developing a resolution, click here.
Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted
Health Care Facilities Regulated by DHCQ Require Continued Masking
  • Delaware's statewide mask mandate for indoor public settings was lifted at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 11th.
  • Masking will continue in State buildings and public transit.​ 
  • Any health care facility that is regulated by the Division of Health Care Quality (long-term care, hospitals, and their system's provider offices) continue to be required to have staff, patients, and visitors to be masked. All other practices may continue to require masking as an individual practice decision by management.
  • Mask requirements in schools and child care facilities remains in effect through March 31st at 11:59 p.m.
CDC Considering Update to Mask Guidance As Cases Decrease
Cautiously Optimistic About the Current Trajectory
During a White House briefing this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated it is contemplating a change to its mask guidance in the coming weeks, noting the recent declines in COVID-19 cases, hospital admissions, and deaths. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky acknowledged people are eager to see an easing to masking rules and other measures designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
FDA Postpones Meeting on Authorizing Young Children's Vaccine
Waiting for Data on Three Dose Administration
Pfizer notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on new data regarding the emergency use authorization request for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children six months through four years of age. Based on Pfizer's preliminary assessment and to allow more time to evaluate additional data, the FDA announced last week that additional information regarding the ongoing evaluation of a third dose should be considered as part of the FDA's decision-making for possible authorization. The FDA postponed the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meeting set for February 15 to give the agency time to consider additional data on a third dose in this age group.
FDA Authorizes New Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for COVID
Retains Activity Against Omicron Variant
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a new monoclonal antibody for the treatment of COVID-19 that retains activity against the omicron variant. The EUA for bebtelovimab, manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, is for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms, which is about 88 pounds) with a positive COVID-19 test, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, and for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options approved or authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate. Bebtelovimab is not authorized for patients who are hospitalized due to COVID-19 or require oxygen therapy due to COVID-19. Treatment with bebtelovimab has not been studied in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies, such as bebtelovimab, may be associated with worse clinical outcomes when administered to hospitalized patients with COVID-19 requiring high flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the federal government has purchased 600,000 treatment courses and that with emergency use authorization, the treatment will be available to states free of charge.
MMWRs Show Effectiveness of Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination
mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy Provides Protection for Infants
The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination has primarily focused on outcomes for the pregnant person when they are vaccinated. According to new research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy may also help protect babies after they are born. The study found that babies had a 61% lower risk of being hospitalized with COVID in their first six months of life whose mothers received two shots of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines during pregnancy. The study did not include those who received the J & J vaccine nor did it look at the effects of maternal booster shots on infants. Previous studies showed that people vaccinated against COVID during pregnancy can transfer protective antibodies to their unborn fetus. A study recently published in JAMA found that 98% of babies whose mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy still had detectable levels of protective antibodies two months after birth, and 57% of the infants still had detectable antibody levels six months after birth. The CDC study showed that protection against COVID hospitalization appeared higher for babies whose mothers were vaccinated after 21 weeks of pregnancy, which corresponds to earlier research finding that the transfer of antibodies from mother to child is at its peak during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. However, the CDC is not changing its recommendations to pregnant women with regard to vaccination timing. The CDC recommends pregnant women, those women trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding moms get vaccinated. Vaccination during pregnancy continues to be strongly recommended by the CDC.

In addition, the CDC studied hospitalization rates of children and adolescents with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. During December 2021, the monthly hospitalization rate among unvaccinated adolescents aged 12-17 was six times that among fully vaccinated adolescents, suggesting that vaccines were highly effective in preventing serious COVID-19 illness.
FDA Draft Guidance on Non-Addictive Alternatives to Opioids
Manage Acute Pain, Decrease Exposure, Prevent New Addiction
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took new steps aimed at fostering the development of non-addictive alternatives to opioids to manage acute pain and decreasing exposure to opioids and preventing new addiction. The agency issued draft guidance to provide recommendations to companies developing non-opioid analgesics for acute pain lasting up to 30 days, typically in response to some form of tissue injury, such as trauma or surgery. This guidance supports the HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy, which focuses on four priority areas - primary prevention, harm reduction, evidence-based treatment, and recovery support. A non-opioid analgesic for acute pain that completely eliminates or significantly reduces the need for an opioid could have a major public health impact by alleviating patient suffering while mitigating the risks associated with using an opioid. The FDA is accepting public comments on the draft guidance documents until April 11, 2022, so that the agency may consider comments before potentially issuing final guidance documents; however, comments on guidance documents are welcome at any time.
USPSTF Draft Recommendation on Syphilis Screening
For Asymptomatic, Nonpregnant Adolescents and Adults at Increased Risk
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a draft recommendation for syphilis screening for asymptomatic, nonpregnant adolescents and adults at increased risk for infection. The Draft Recommendation Statement is available for public comment until March 14th. Recommendations made by the USPSTF are independent of the US government and should not be construed as an official position of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the US Department of Health and Human Services.
CDC Recommended Immunization Schedules
2022 Recommended Immunization Schedules Now Online
The 2022 ACIP Recommended Immunization Schedules were released today. In collaboration with health care partners, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated versions of the recommended U.S. immunization schedules for children and teens, as well as for adults. Several additional formats of the schedules, including parent-friendly versions, are available on the newly redesigned and improved CDC Immunization Schedules website.

Vial of L.I.F.E. Program Launched by New Castle County
Tool Used During a Medical Emergency
Vial of L.I.F.E., which stands for "Lifesaving Information for Emergencies," is aimed at seniors and disabled residents and can also provide peace of mind for those who live alone, as well as their families. This is a free service provided by New Castle County Emergency Medical Services to all seniors and disabled residents of New Castle County. The program utilizes a medical information form that is completed and placed in the provided new medication bottle labeled Vial of L.I.F.E. that is then placed in the refrigerator. The form includes medical history, daily medications, demographics, doctor, hospital preference, and emergency contact information. A Vial of L.I.F.E. magnet is placed on the front of the refrigerator that signifies the person is part of the program and assists EMS responders to quickly and appropriately treat during a crisis.
Air Pollution May Trigger Psoriasis Flares
Association Between Short-Term Exposure and Flare
Findings published in JAMA Dermatology support that air pollution may be a trigger factor for psoriasis flares. Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease, has a relapsing-remitting course. Selected environmental factors such as infections, stressful life events, or drugs may trigger disease flares. The study recruited 957 patients with plaque psoriasis and included a total of 4,398 follow-up visits. The study revealed that concentrations of all pollutants were significantly higher in the 60 days before psoriasis flare.
COVID-19 Headlines
Delaware Public Health Resources
DE Division of Public Health Offers Resources on COVID-19 Information
Highlight On Events And Educational Offerings
Resources for Talking with Parents/Caregivers About COVID-19 Vaccination
Parents and caregivers consider health care professionals to be their most trusted source of information when it comes to vaccines. You play a critical role in helping them understand the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and assuring them that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for their children. Everyone ages 5 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. Now, more than ever, it’s important to take extra time to have vaccine conversations with parents and caregivers and foster support for vaccination with your practice. As a vaccine provider, making a strong recommendation is critical for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and protecting children’s health. Visit How to Answer Parents’ and Caregivers’ Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines for more information and resources.
Opioid REMS: Moving Forward, Safely & Effectively
Patients suffering with chronic or acute pain present a tremendous challenge to any clinician. How do the experts handle these patients and how does that compare to your practice? Join leading experts in an innovative, engaging curriculum that utilizes augmented reality to help you immediately impact and improve the outcomes of your patients with pain. This educational program is designed for physicians and other health care professionals who are DEA registered prescribers of controlled substances. In addition, non-prescribing health care team members who support the treatment and management of patients with pain but are not authorized to prescribe will benefit from participating in this educational series. Purdue University College of Pharmacy designates this internet enduring activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. There is no fee for the program.
ASAM Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine is an innovative, case-based, interactive workshop designed for physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, and behavioral health specialists who are new to treating patients with addiction and for individuals who have had little or no addiction training. Participants will be presented with an overview of the basics of addiction medicine, which covers how to screen, diagnose, treat, and/or refer patients with addiction, many of whom have co-occurring medical and psychiatric comorbidities. This in-person workshop is designed to be energetic and interactive. Sessions throughout the day will include approximately equal parts lecture, demonstration of skills, and skill building. The event will be held on Thursday, April 21st, with check-in at 7:30 a.m. and the program running from 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. It will be held at Caron Treatment Centers in Wernersville, PA. Cost is $185, which includes course content, continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, and refreshments. The American Society of Addiction Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 8 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. To register.
AMA Podcast: Training Medical Assistants as "Encounter Specialists"
In the latest AMA STEPS ForwardTM podcast, Elisabeth Stambaugh, MD, MMM outlines how Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist trained medical assistants as encounter specialists to help reduce physician burnout, close the value-based care gap, and increase team efficiency and satisfaction. To access: https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/pages/podcast
Opera Delaware Offering Free Tickets to Health Care Workers
As a special thank you, Opera Delaware is offering a limited number of Free Tickets to Health Care Workers to attend an upcoming performance or dress rehearsal of The Barber of Seville, taking place at Copeland Hall at The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington). Tickets can be reserved for either the February 23rd dress rehearsal, or a performance on either February 25th or 27th. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and can be reserved here: https://www.operade.org/hometown-heroes (Please note that a limited number of tickets will be released each day).
Bayhealth Medical Grand Rounds - For Health Care Professionals
Bayhealth Hospital invites health care professionals to attend their Medical Grand Rounds. This regularly scheduled series takes place every fourth Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover. You can also join via zoom. Registration is required. Upcoming dates for meetings are March 8, April 5, and May 3, 2022. To join the Zoom by meeting number use Access Code 2435 528 4699 and Password Bayhealth.
The Physicians Foundation Fellowship Program
The Physicians Foundation opened a Call for Applicants for its Fellowship Program, which advances physicians’ leadership skills to strengthen the physician-patient relationship, support medical practices’ sustainability, and navigate the changing health care system. The Fellowship Program is open to physicians, who are new or mid-career in their practice, and have experience with or interest in addressing social drivers of health (SDOH), improving physician wellbeing, and lifting physician perspectives in health policy discussions. Applications are due Friday, March 25, 2022. The Fellowship Program will last for 12-months beginning July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, and participating fellows will receive a stipend of $24,000 as well as reimbursement for program-related travel and lodging expenses. This fellowship requires approximately 10 to 15 hours monthly for project development and implementation, along with external thought leadership activities. Interested physicians must submit an application with a current resume/CV, two letters of recommendation, one of which is recommended to be from their state or county medical society, and a statement of intent that briefly describes how participation in the Fellowship Program will prepare you to make positive, constructive contributions to the medical profession. 
Night at the Blue Rocks for MSD Young Physicians Section Members
Night at the Blue Rocks at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington is an exclusive event for MSD early career physician members. The Wilmington Blue Rocks will take on the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Friday, May 6, with game time starting at 6:35 p.m. As a member of the MSD Young Physicians Section, enjoy a night of minor league baseball and fireworks show following the game. Tickets are free for you and one guest, with the option to purchase additional tickets. Physician members of the MSD Young Physicians Section are those who are age 45 or younger or have been in practice fewer than five years after completing training. The 2022 MSD membership renewal must be up-to-date to register. Ticket purchase deadline is Friday, April 22nd.
Hospital News
ChristianaCare
ChristianaCare Health System, Inc. and Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc. announced last week the signing of a Letter of Intent for ChristianaCare to acquire Crozer Health from Prospect. The agreement also includes the hospitals' related businesses, real estate assets, Crozer Health Medical Group and the associated assets, ambulatory centers, medical office buildings, physician clinics, and ancillary outpatient services, and it is subject to customary regulatory approvals. Under the Letter of Intent, ChristianaCare is to purchase the assets and operations associated with the following Prospect hospitals: Crozer-Chester Medical (Upland, PA); Delaware County Memorial Hospital (Drexel Hill, PA); Springfield Hospital (Springfield, PA); and Taylor Hospital (Ridley Park, PA). Definitive agreement executive is targeted for the second quarter 2022 with the potential for closing to occur in the second half of 2022.
Member News
Sarah J. Matthews, MD
Congratulations are in order for MSD member Sarah J. Matthews, MD, and spouse John on the birth of their baby girl, Eva, earlier this month. All are doing well and enjoying their new routines. Dr. Matthews is a palliative medicine physician at Beebe Palliative Care in Lewes, DE.

If you have news to share, let us know by contacting Mary LaJudice at Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org and include details and photo.
Welcome New MSD Members
Haresh Sampathkumar, MD - PM&R/Brain Injury, Delaware Physiatry, Dover
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!
Pending Members
Brigitte Anderson - Medical Student, ChristianaCare
Emeka Boka, MD, MBA - Resident, Delaware Psychiatric Center
Joyce Robert, MD - Family Medicine, Beebe Family Practice Long Neck
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.
"Rerum Cognoscere"
The Latin phrase Rerum Cognoscere translates to learn, examine, or become aware of facts or things. In this section, we highlight measurable items of interest in health care from MSD, Delaware, the US, and the world.
764
Number of hospitals penalized by the federal government for having the highest numbers of patient infections and potentially avoidable complications, 3 dozen of which had simultaneously been rated as among the best in the country.
Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program
10%
Number of marketplace plan members who have their coverage terminated for nonpayment or other reasons each year.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
47%
Percent of the physician workforce participating in survey indicating feeling burned out.
Medscape Survey Data
Upcoming Events
February 22 & 24 - Clinical Guidance for Treating Pregnant and Parenting Women with Opioid Use Disorder and Their Infants, 2-day event, virtual. (Feb 22 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Feb 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
March 5-7 - Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health 2022 Annual Meeting, Accelerating Climate Solutions: From Urgency to Impact for Health Equity.
March 7 - Delaware Public Health Institute Annual Conference, Chronic Disease: From Prevention to Management, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., virtual.
March 10-11, 17-18 - MSD Certified Medical Office Manager Course, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., in-person at MSD Building, Newark.
March 12 - Psychiatric Society of Delaware Spring CME Symposium, "Medical Update for Psychiatrists," 8:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m., virtual.
March 25 - Fifth Biennial Perinatal Palliative Care Symposium: Emotional Support and Compassionate Communication, 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., virtual event.
April 8 - ChristianaCare 2nd Annual Parkinson's Symposium, 8:00 a.m.-2:15 p.m., virtual.
April 21 - ASAM Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., in-person at Caron Treatment Centers, Wernersville, PA.
May 6 - MSD Young Physicians Section Night at the Blue Rocks, game time is at 6:35 p.m., Wilmington Blue Rocks Stadium.
May 18 - SAVE THE DATE! 2022 Annual Rural Health Conference, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
August 6 - 33rd Annual Update in Cardiology, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., virtual event. (Rescheduled from March 5)
October 13-15 - SAVE THE DATE! International Conference on Physician Health (ICPH), Hyatt Regency, Orlando, FL. Sponsored jointly by the AMA, Canadian Medical Association, and British Medical Association.
Was the information in this newsletter useful? If so, forward to a friend to let them know the value of your Medical Society of Delaware membership.
The information contained herein is solely informational, planned in accordance for a diverse membership audience. This communication reflects news and announcements that have been made available to MSD and is not intended to exclude other pertinent material. The content published is proposed to represent facts of interest and provide awareness to the members. MSD reserves the right to determine what information is relevant to its membership.
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