Newsletter: Who's Registered for Annual Meeting? and More

MISSISSIPPI ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS

Newsletter - June 25, 2021

Registrations Rolling In for Annual Meeting

MAFP currently has more than 120 registrants and more than 50 exhibitors signed up for the Annual Meeting in Sandestin July 17-21. We've updated our CME schedule and lineup of speakers to include all speakers' names and times. We're looking forward to a great event next month! Register now.

Jennifer Gholson, MD, Summit

MAFP Past President

Tim Alford, MD, Kosciusko

MAFP Past President and Past Family Physician of the Year

Gholson Appointed, Alford Completes Term

on Office of MS Workforce Board

Family physician Dr. Jennifer Gholson of Summit has been appointed to represent the Academy on the Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce (OMPW) board for a 3-year term beginning July 1.

Dr. Tim Alford of Kosciusko has served as the Academy's representative on the OMPW board for nine years and has fulfilled the maximum of his appointment terms. Dr. Alford is to be commended for his service. "Tim's engagement and input have been invaluable to the office's success," said OMPW director Dr. John Mitchell of Pontotoc. "Tim will be sorely missed."

In 2012, working with the MAFP, the Mississippi Legislature created the OMPW. The goal of the office is to increase the number of primary care residencies in Mississippi, and it has been an unqualified success. Since OMPW's inception, Mississippi has added 12 new GME training programs growing from 12 to 114 first-year residency training slots, including 4 new family medicine residency programs.

'Physician Shortage GME Cap Flex Act' Introduced This Month in Congress

Hospitals in underserved areas would receive more Medicaid money to expand their residency programs under bills introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives this month. The bipartisan proposal would give hospitals 10 years -- up from the current 5 years -- to build out their residency programs before the GME residency slots paid for by Medicaid are capped. The bill's nickname is the Physician Shortage GME Cap Flex Act.

Under current law, Medicare pays for most residency slots. However, the number of slots that Medicare will pay for was capped in 1997, allowing hospitals only five years to build out their new residency programs to qualify for GME funding before they are 'capped.'

The Senate bill S. 2094, was introduced by Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). The House bill, HR 4014, was introduced by Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM (R-OH), Rep. Paul Ruiz, MD (D-CA), Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN), and Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL).

The Senate bill has been referred to the Finance Committee. The House bill is double-referred to the Ways & Means and Energy & Commerce committees.

Tobacco-Related Deaths Linked to Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders

Did you know individuals with behavioral health conditions and substance use disorders account for nearly half of all tobacco-related deaths each year and die almost 15 years earlier than individuals without these disorders? Tobacco use worsens outcomes, lessens medication effectiveness, and increases hospitalizations and relapse. The good news: cessation improves long-term abstinence, reduces relapse, and alleviates anxiety, depression and stress. Read more here.

Send In Your Raffle Items

This week, Dr. David Wheat and Dr. and Mrs. Luke Lampton both sent in items to be raffled during Annual Meeting to benefit the MAFP Foundation. These items will be displayed in the exhibit hall during Annual Meeting and will be raffled off during the week. It's never too early to send in your item using our form. Last year the raffle and silent auction raised $13,000. Take a look at the items we raffled off last year for an idea of what to expect. E-mail Beth Embry if you have an item to donate.

Jewell Buckley of MAFP Foundation spoke June 21 to UMMC M3s beginning their family medicine rotation. Her talk specifically focused on teaching future doctors about Tar Wars.

MAFP Foundation Brings Tobacco Cessation Message to Physicians, Medical Students

Just this week, MAFP Foundation has given talks to family physicians and medical students as part of its tobacco cessation mission.

MEDICAL STUDENTS: Monday, June 21, Buckley met with 29 third-year students at University of Mississippi School of Medicine. The group of M3s started their family medicine rotation and MAFP was proud to be a part and share the Tar Wars program as part of their kickoff. Each M3 was educated and given materials needed to present to elementary children during their rotation. It was nice to be back on campus and do a live presentation.

FAMILY PHYSICIANS: Thursday, June 24, Jewell Buckley met with Drs. Barbara Good and Elizabeth Farrar at Primary Care Associates in Meridian to discuss how to talk to patients about quitting smoking, and referring patients to the Mississippi Quitline, as part of the Lunch & Learn series funded by a grant from the Office of Tobacco Control. Would you like to host a free tobacco cessation lunch in your clinic? Contact Jewell Buckley.