They Said It...

“As a sports medicine physician with an interest in running and endurance athletes, I know how important it is to establish a pattern of fitness to improve quality of life and a sense of well-being. Students Run Philly Style (SRPS) embodies this idea and helps to inspire young people in every zip code of our city to embrace a healthy lifestyle. The partnership between PCMS and SRPS allows each organization to amplify our efforts to improve the health of Philadelphians." Dr. John Vasudevan speaking as part of our story on Students Run Philly Style, which will feature in our upcoming edition of Philadelphia Medicine magazine. On September 17th, join PCMS and SRPS at the Philadelphia Distance Run and run either a 5K or half marathon race as part of the PCMS Pack! Registration is open until September 16: Register at the Philadelphia Distance Run website.

If you are interested in writing an article for Philadelphia Medicine, please contact us at [email protected]. We are accepting articles for both the newsletter and magazine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this month issued a Health Alert about Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) infections, including wound and foodborne infections. They urge all healthcare professionals to consider V. vulnificus as a possible cause of infected wounds that were exposed to coastal waters, particularly near the East Coast, and during periods with warmer coastal sea surface temperatures. Vibrio are bacteria that cause an estimated 80,000 illnesses each year in the United States. Most people with Vibrio infection have diarrhea. Some people might also have stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. One species, V. vulnificus, is known to cause lifethreatening infections. About 150–200 V. vulnificus infections are reported to CDC each year and about one in five people with this infection die—sometimes within 1–2 days of becoming ill. If you have any questions, please contact the Philadelphia Department of Public Health at [email protected]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) National Standards Group (NSG) has released the 2022 Compliance Review Findings Report, identifying common standard and operating rule violations found during compliance reviews. This report expands on previously published reports, adding insights based on violation findings discovered in an additional 24 compliance reviews completed between April 2022 and March 2023. These findings will hope to inform and educate the health care industry, encourage compliance, and assist covered entities with preparing for compliance reviews. Find out more about the Compliance Review Program with the Compliance Review Program Information Bulletin, Compliance Review Infographic, or on the CMS Administrative Simplification website.

The Disability Advisory Group was called into existence by AMA policy (D-615.977 Advocacy for Physicians and Medical Students with Disabilities). The policy specifies the group will be composed of AMA members (physicians and medical students) who themselves have a disability, and will focus on developing and promoting strategies for inclusion in all AMA activities, educational and training opportunities on disability, tools for physicians and students to advocate in the workplace, and communications to employers on reasonable accommodation.

AMA is seeking a diverse group to meet virtually every 1-2 months starting in late 2023 for 24 months with possibly one hybrid meeting per year. There is an informational call on September 26. For AMA members who are interested, please email [email protected] by Thursday, September 21 to receive the calendar invitation. 

The week of September 10th-16th is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Week, with Sunday, September 10th marking World Suicide Prevention Day. A staggering 6 in 10 physicians have had feelings of burnout since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A dramatic increase from the 4 in 10 reported in 2018 before the pandemic. Throughout September, The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) and The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society will be sharing resources for physicians in need, stories of hope and other pieces of education to help combat the physician suicide epidemic. PCMS encourages everyone to get involved by sharing stories, tips and resources using the hashtags #NPSADay and #PhysicianSuicide. Other ways to get involved include exploring ways to express support for your peers at NPSAday.org and participating in the Dear FutureDoc campaign.

PAMED partner, Resolve, which specializes in review and negotiation of physician employment contracts, will be in Philadelphia from Oct. 8 through Oct. 10. Resolve is looking to partner with residents for free 20 minute educational presentations. The presentation would go over the ins and outs of reviewing employee contracts, how to determine if an offer is fair, and proper negotiation tactics. Members get 15% off of their services.

Learn more about it here.

Anyone who is interested in running in the Philadelphia Distance Run (PDR) can still register—final registration closes on September 16. The run will be held on Sunday, September 17 and starts at the Philadelphia Art Museum (just down the street from PCMS HQ). You can choose to participate in a 5K or half marathon.

PCMS has partnered with Students Run Philly Style, a co-owner of the PDR, and they are offering our members a $15 discount when registering. If interested, please let us know ASAP so we can get you the discount code.

You can register here.

The Society of Ibero Latin American Medical Professionals (SILAMP) and the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) are hosting an update on cancer care in Latino, Hispanic, and Latinx communities on September 23, 2023 from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Thomas Jefferson University. Local experts in oncology will be sharing the latest advances in science for early identification and treatment within these communities and mentorship sessions will be provided following the main event.

You can register and learn more here.

Two new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, Arexvy (GSK) and Abrysvo (Pfizer) were approved by the FDA for prevention of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in adults aged 60 years and older. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) currently recommends that adults aged 60 and older may receive a single dose of an RSV vaccine after shared clinical decision-making with their provider.

Although both vaccines had acceptable safety profiles, there were six cases of rare neurologic events that may or may not have been associated with RSV vaccination. Until additional evidence becomes available, RSV vaccination in older adults should be targeted to those who are at highest risk for severe RSV disease and therefore most likely to benefit from vaccination. 

More updates on RSV vaccines are available from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. (PDF)

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) issued a health advisory on August 28 regarding a re-emergence of locally acquired malaria, identified in Florida, Texas and Maryland. Healthcare providers should pursue prompt and proper testing and treatment for patients with suspected malaria infections, and hospitals should plan for rapid access to IV artesunate, the first-line treatment for severe malaria. Suspected locally acquired malaria infections should be reported immediately to PDPH at (215) 685-6741 (business hours) or (215) 686-4514 (after hours).

You can read the full health advisory here. (PDF)

PCMS's first annual outing to the Phillies game was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who attended! Pictured above are some of the PCMS Board of Directors. Despite all those physician cheers, our Phillies lost a close game 5-4 to the Marlins.

PCMS at the Philadelphia Distance Run

Date: Sunday, September 17

Time: 7:00 AM

PCMS members are invited to join the "PCMS Pack" at the Philadelphia Distance Run (PDR), starting at the Philadelphia Art Museum. You can choose to participate in a 5K or half marathon.

Through a partnership with Students Run Philly Style, a co-owner of the PDR, a $15 discount is available for PCMS members. If interested, please let us know ASAP so we can get you the discount code. Final registration closes on September 16.

You can register and learn more here.

Update on Cancer Care in Latinos, Hispanics, and Latinx Communities

Date: Saturday, September 23

Time: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM (followed by roundtable discussions from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)

Place: Thomas Jefferson University, Hamilton Building, 1001 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

SILAMP and NHMA are hosting an update on cancer care in Latino, Hispanic, and Latinx communities. Local experts in oncology will be sharing the latest advances in science for early identification and treatment within these communities and mentorship sessions will be provided following the main event.

Learn more and register here.

Philadelphia Block Captain Program

Date: Wednesday, October 4

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Place: Independence Blue Cross Building, 1901 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

The program will include updates from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and will provide information on the upcoming flu season as well as the latest COVID vaccines. Former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams will be joining as a special guest and will speak on health equity.

Register Here

2023 AMPAC Campaign School

Date: October 12-15

Place: 25 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20001

The AMPAC Campaign School is designed to give you the skills and strategic approach you will need to run an effective campaign. Attendees include physicians, spouses of physicians, residents and medical students and state medical society staff interested in becoming more involved in politics. Participants range from those attracted to grassroots efforts to those considering becoming a candidate for public office. No matter where you are in the process, you will develop a new understanding of how campaigns are run.

Registration fee is $350 for AMA Member and AMA Member spouses and $1000 for non-AMA members. This fee is waived for AMA residents and students; however, space is limited and the AMPAC Board will review and select four participants from the pool of qualified resident and student applicants. Program will kick off with a welcome reception at 5 PM on Thursday, October 12 and finish at 12 PM ET on Sunday, October 15. 

Learn More and Register Here

Introduction to Buprenorphine Prescribing in Primary Care

Date: Friday, October 27

Time: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is offering a free MOUD 1-day preceptor program for primary care providers in Philadelphia. This program is developed to support providers who are interested in prescribing buprenorphine. This is the first part of a mini-residency program, followed by an individual on-site observation with an experienced faculty preceptor. 

Register Here

PAMED House of Delegates

Date: October 27-28

The HOD’s purpose is to democratically hear the diverse voices of the membership and, after deliberation and consideration, establish broad policy on health, medical, and governance matters.

Learn More

How to Improve Your Administrative Leadership Skills without an MHA

Date: Thursday, November 9

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Place: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 S 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

The first of four programs in the Doctors Lounge Lecture Series, co-hosted by The College of Physicians of Philadelphia and The Philadelphia County Medical Society. This program includes a reception, panel discussion and an open discussion period. Dr. Wilson Jackson, PAMED President, and Dr. Baligh Yehia, President of Jefferson Health, will be speaking at the event. Attendees are welcome to bring a guest.

Register Here