MISSISSIPPI ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS

We have learned that HB 1490 will possibly be brought up in house public health committee meeting next Tuesday. Please reach out to committee members over the weekend and share why it’s a bad bill. Please refer to the call to action sent to MAFP membership yesterday.  

This week marked the Legislature's peak activity during the legislative session, with numerous committee meetings daily as the March 5 deadline nears. Legislators must pass general bills out of committee in their original house by Tuesday. Any bills without action will expire in committee after the deadline.

AAFP is asking members to share their experience as a family physician which will help them develop resources and support for MAFP members to continue to provide the best care possible.

It is a 12 multiple choice question survey relevant to today's family medicine practice. It should take less than 3 minutes to complete. 

MAFP Spring Conference Set for

Friday, April 12 - Sunday, April 14

MAFP’s Spring Conference features social activities and CME. Saturday is a day of CME sessions and exhibits. On Sunday, we offer a morning of CME with dismissal around lunchtime. The MAFPF’s Spring Fling for Residents and Students is held in connection with this event.

We're excited to bring to you a lineup of speakers and the opportunity to earn 12 CME credit hours from this event.

Speaker Spotlight: Kirk L. Kinard, DO

Dr. Kirk L. Kinard will be joining us to present Medical Marijuana 101. After his presentation, attendees will be able to:

1. Analyze and Interpret Information About Cannabis Research
2. Covey New Knowledge of Cannabis Science
3. Create Policies and Procedures for the Management of Medical Cannabis
4. Recognize When Referral to Another Clinician is Warranted

After a brief stint in the minor leagues with the Arizona Diamondback’s professional baseball organization, the Pascagoula, MS native pursued a medical career, graduating from Millsaps College in 1996. He completed his medical degree at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2003, followed by residencies and fellowships at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, maintaining dual ABMS Board Certification in Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Southern Pain Society, is an active member of various medical associations, and focuses on a comprehensive approach to chronic pain management at Willow Pain and Wellness.

On February 6, Dr. Nick Ulmer provided a high level overview on documentation and coding changes for 2024. The webinar covered a review of both inpatient and outpatient, CMS E&M clarification, understanding the HCC risk coding overhaul, telemedicine updates, and more. If you didn't get a chance to join the webinar live, the link is provided below for you to watch at your convenience. (Webinar link is compatible to view on a desktop, but may give issues when trying to watch from a cellphone.)

April 13, 2024 | Sheraton Refuge Hotel

The time is here for our 2024 Spring Fling and we can't wait to see you there! The Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians Foundation is sponsoring the 10th annual Future in Family Medicine Spring Fling specifically designed for medical students and residents. The Spring Fling is a great opportunity to network while gaining exposure to speakers, topics, and procedural skills you might not have access to during medical school or residency training. There is no charge to attend the conference.

TOPICS & WORKSHOPS

Residents

How Family Physicians Get Paid

Debt Management and Financial Planning

Medical Marijuana 101

Treatment of Anxiety and Depression

New Physicians Panel

Students

Interviewing Tips & Secrets

Exploring the Specialty of Family Medicine

What to Look For in a Residency

Medical Marijuana 101

M4 Panel

Plus: Splinting & Casting Workshop and more!

Students and residents have the opportunity to run for Resident Board Member or Student Board Member. You must be present to run. Campaign speeches will be given and the election will take place on Saturday. There will be a New Board Member Orientation during the conference. More information and the application can be found on our Spring Fling page. 

MAFP has been very busy visiting our residents. On February 23rd, Sharon Holmes, the Outreach Coordinator, paid a visit to the family medicine residents at EC HealthNet in Meridian. During the visit, Jonathan Hontzas, DNP-NP-C, who serves as the Director of the ACT Center, delivered a presentation on tobacco cessation to the group. Sharon also urged the residents to engage with MAFP by considering running for board positions, participating in events, and applying for scholarships.

UMMC is on the hunt for their next Director for the Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce. For more information, click the photo above.