Register to Attend MSD's Annual Meeting Events! | Registration Deadline is October 28th | |
Register for MSD's 233rd Annual Meeting! Events taking place are as follows:
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Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 6 p.m. - Annual Meeting of the Council, Virtual
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Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 6 p.m. - Annual Meeting of MSD Holding Company Board (Holding Company Board members only), Virtual
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Thursday, November 3, 2022, 6 p.m. - Education Program, "Tragedy, Trust, Truth: Mending Our Society," Virtual
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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.
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Congrats to These Members on 50 Years of Service! | Recipients of MSD's 50 Year Medical Service Recognition | |
Each year the President of the Medical Society of Delaware recognizes those members who have provided 50 years of service in the medical profession. These individuals receive our distinguished 50 Year Medical Service Certificate and will be recognized during the Society's Annual Meeting of the Council on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, in appreciation of their dedicated service to the citizens of Delaware.
Please congratulate the following medical school graduates of 1972:
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Michael A. Alexander, MD
Aguida C. Atkinson, MD
Habib Bolourchi, MD
John C. Carlson, DO
Anna M. D'Amico, MD
Frances S. Esposito, MD
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Harry M. Freedman, MD
William J. Geimeier, MD
Richard N. Hindin, MD
Elias Mamberg, MD
Ralph S. Milner, MD
Donald H. Morgan, MD
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Bhaskar S. Palekar, MD
Mahendra J. Parikh, MD
Stephen R. Permut, MD
Ehsanur Rahman, MD
R. Bradley Slease, MD
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If you would like to participate in the Annual Meeting of the Council, please register at: https://reg.planetreg.com/2022COUNCIL. Please consider joining us for all the events taking place during Annual Meeting Week. Visit our website for details and registration. Note: each event taking place during Annual Meeting Week has a separate registration process. | |
MSD Members Recognize Peers for Exceptional Service | Personal Sacrifice, Performance Beyond Expectation During Pandemic | |
MSD put out a call to its members to nominate their peers who demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their patients, communities, and profession during the COVID-19 pandemic. MSD sought to recognize both physician leaders whose work may be widely known, as well as physicians who labored in relative anonymity. While MSD feels all physicians merit recognition during these extraordinary times, our COVID-19 Award Committee had the difficult task of choosing ten physicians whose personal sacrifice and performance went beyond expectation. All practicing physicians in Delaware were eligible for nomination. MSD thanks those who took the time to nominate a colleague.
Please congratulate the following physicians to be recognized during the MSD Inaugural Reception, taking place on Saturday, November 5th at the Smyrna Opera House.
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William H. Chasanov, DO
Bilal K. Chaudhry, MD
Rick Hong, MD
Sarah S. Mullins, MD
Vibha Sanwal, MD
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Joseph J. Straight, MD
Alexander E. Swift, MD
Amanda J. Taylor, DO
Aaron M. Weaver, DO
Megan L. Werner, MD
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If you and your guest would like to attend the Inaugural Reception, please register at: https://reg.planetreg.com/2022RECEPTION. As an MSD member, please consider joining us for all the events taking place during Annual Meeting Week. Visit our website for details and registration. Note: each event taking place during Annual Meeting Week has a separate registration process. | |
BQ.1 Omicron Subvariant Increasingly Prevalent in US | New Variants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 Have Spread in Recent Weeks | |
A new subvariant of the omicron variant of the coronavirus is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data shows that the BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 variants each made up 5.7 percent of the total number of cases in the country in the past week. The BA.5 subvariant, which has dominated the cases in the U.S. for months, made up 67.9 percent, down from its peak in late August when it made up almost 90 percent of all cases in the country. The BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 variants have increasingly spread in recent weeks, only trailing the BA.5 and BA.4.6 subvariants in making up the most cases.
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Monovalent COVID Formula Not To Be Used As Booster | Original Formula May Only Be Used for Primary Series Vaccines | |
On Oct. 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization to Pfizer for the bivalent booster for ages 5-11 and to Moderna for their bivalent booster for those ages 6-17 who have received their primary series of vaccination at least two months before (a minimum of two doses of Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax). The CDC Director also signed off on the expanded authorization. Bivalent boosters were previously authorized on Aug. 31 for those ages 12+ for Pfizer, and for Moderna, ages 18+.
Moderna’s bivalent booster for ages 5-11 will utilize the same product as the adult booster, just at a lesser dose. Pfizer’s bivalent booster for youth will come in a separate vial as it requires dilution, while the adult formula does not.
To reduce confusion among the public and vaccine providers, and because they do not offer the increased levels of protection provided by the bivalent boosters, the original (monovalent) booster formula is no longer authorized for use in those 5 and older. Medical professionals may no longer administer them as boosters. They may only use the original formula for primary series vaccines. Individuals who have recently had COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to get a bivalent booster to optimize their protection, even if they received a monovalent booster before. Those who recently had COVID-19 should also get the new booster but should consider waiting three months after they have recovered from the virus. For more information, visit de.gov/boosters.
Additionally, please note below the packaging similarities in the Pfizer primary series vaccine and bivalent vaccine and encourage parents to ask to see the vial to confirm they are getting what they think they are. Both vials have orange caps and orange labels.
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Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Extended | Extended Through January 11, 2023 | The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response announced last Thursday that the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration will continue through January 11th, with the anticipation of a spike in cases this fall and winter. A 60 day notice would be provided prior to ending the public health emergency. | |
Delaware Monkeypox Testing Frequency Change | Due to Decrease in Global Cases and Testing Requests at the DPH Lab | |
Due to the continued decrease in global cases of monkeypox and requests to test at the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Laboratory, the Delaware Public Health Lab (DPHL) will begin batching and reporting tests to Monday, Wednesday and Friday beginning October 17, 2022. Request to test and submission time will be for 12:00 p.m. on Monday and Wednesdays, and 1:00 p.m. on Fridays.
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Sixth Workers' Comp Rate Decrease Expected | Double-Digit Drop Will Be Effective December 1st | |
Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced that workers’ compensation insurance rates will decrease for the sixth year in a row, effective December 1, 2022. Both the voluntary market and the residual market will see rate decreases in the double digits. Final rates are expected to be announced in early November, following a review of the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau (DCRB) filing by independent actuaries, and a public hearing with DCRB and the State’s Ratepayer Advocate. Actual savings will vary by policy.
These lower rates are just one component of several Department efforts to help businesses financially. More than 1,200 employers are saving even more money on their workers’ compensation premiums by participating in the department’s Workplace Safety Program. Eligible businesses can earn up to a 19% discount on their insurance by successfully undergoing annual safety inspections and complying with recommendations. Importantly, employees may also benefit directly from employer-based safety goals – for example, a workplace may offer bonuses if there are no injuries in a given timeframe and pass on the savings to workers. Businesses eligible for the Workplace Safety Program are notified each year seven months prior to their renewal date. Organizations interested in participating can access questionnaires online and contact safety@delaware.gov to begin the process.
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State Retirees' Change to Medicare Advantage Delayed | Trial Will Be Scheduled to Make Final Determination | In a lawsuit filed by Retirees Investing in Social Equity Delaware (RISE), a temporary block was placed on the state's plan to transition state government retirees' health insurance from original Medicare to a privately-managed Medicare Advantage plan by the Delaware Superior Court. The Court will schedule a trial to make a final determination on whether a change will be implemented. | |
Climate Change and Health - IRB Approved Study | How You Can Help Families Avoid the Health Risks of Climate Change | |
My Green Doctor this month is offering MSD primary care members free waiting room brochures on how families can avoid the health risks of climate change. This is part of a four-week, IRB-approved study that asks offices to give patients brochures at check-in and for the patients to answer a five-minute confidential survey at home. All materials are provided in English and Spanish. The nurses and doctors are not involved. If interested, email Dr. Todd Sack as soon as possible to enroll in the study (mygreedr@gmail.com).
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Mandatory Reporting Training for Medical Professionals | 2023: Physician Medical Licensure Renewal Year | |
Delaware law requires that, in order for medical professionals to renew their license, they must attest that they have completed training on:
- how to recognize child sexual and physical abuse, exploitation and domestic violence
- your reporting obligations under the Medical Practice Act and Regulatory Provisions Concerning Public Health
The 2023 Mandatory Reporting Training for Medical Professionals will be available on January 1, 2023, and features videos from professionals within the child welfare field that walk participants through how to detect and respond to child abuse and neglect.
Licensed physicians must take the 2023 Mandatory Reporting training even if they recently completed mandatory reporting training. This training must be completed before every medical license renewal. Physicians are required to attest to completing the training on their renewal application. Failure to do so will delay the renewal of the medical license.
This training is provided by the Office of the Child Advocate. To complete the training on or after January 1, 2023, go to https://stateofdelaware.csod.com/default.aspx?c=courts-oca to create an account. If you already have an account, just click the “login in” icon and sign in User ID and Password. Once training is completed, medical professionals can then reapply for licensure through the Division of Professional Regulation's website at https://delpros.delaware.gov/OH_HomePage.
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Samsung, HealthTap Bring Primary Care to Patient | Coming to Your TV Screen Soon: Virtual Primary Care Services | |
Samsung and virtual primary care company HealthTap have partnered so that patients can have virtual care in their homes through their smart TVs. Samsung Smart TV users connect to HealthTap's health care platform and visit with a doctor of their choice using the built-in camera on their TV. Consumers of the service are able to review physician credentials and video interviews to help them select a physician and schedule an appointment. For $15 per month, patients can text with their physician for free. Video appointments are $39 and 24/7 urgent care will be billed at $59 per visit. The platform includes a network of 90,000 volunteer US physicians across 147 specialties providing free informational answers to health questions. CEO and Founder of HealthTap indicates the service addresses affordability and access by building a virtual primary care practice that can serve patients who do not have insurance or are underinsured.
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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day | 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.
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Join the Delaware Air National Guard | 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
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ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute is the recipient of The Association of Community Cancer Center’s (ACCC) 2022 Innovator Award for its person-centered model of care that embeds a primary care provider in the cancer center for patients undergoing treatment who do not have a primary care provider. The Graham Cancer Center is among the first cancer programs in the nation to offer a program of this kind to its patients.
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Congratulations to the following physicians as we
celebrate their MSD membership milestone
anniversaries during the month of November.
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30 YEARS
Mart J. Amick, MD
Donald R. Archer, MD
Chandra S. Beesam, MD
Patricia M. Curtin, MD
Gregory W. DeMeo, DO
Robert M. Dressler, MD
Brian J. Galinat, MD, MBA
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Stephen J. Kushner, DO
Joseph I. Ramzy, MD
Michael L. Saruk, MD
Lindsey M. Slater, MD
Robert A. Steele, MD
Michael G. Sugarman, MD
Michael T. Teixido, MD
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20 YEARS
Stephen T. Lawless, MD
Laura B. Moylan, MD
10 YEARS
Suzanne J. Sherman, MD
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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'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! | |
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Kishore Gaddam, MD - Pediatrics, Rainbow Pediatrics
Muhammad W. Liaqat, MD - Nephrology, Nephrology Associates, PA
Jill Mackey, MD - Family Medicine, Delaware Medical Group, LLC
Joseph W. Raziano, MD - Emergency Medicine, Therapeutic Infusions
| 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. | |
Monkeypox Information Finder | |
COVID-19 County Level Check / Transmission Levels | |
Information as of 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 20th | |
COVID-19 Community Levels are a tool provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area. | | |
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New Castle County
Low (Green)
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Sussex County
Medium (Yellow)
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The CDC’s four-tiered system measures the level of community transmission in each county: low, moderate, substantial and high. The CDC’s color-coded map shows how active the virus is where you live. A county’s level of transmission is based on just two metrics: new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people and the positivity rate, both measured over the last seven days. The level of coronavirus transmission is an important determinant of how much risk you’re in, if you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated. | | |
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New Castle County
High (Red)
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COVID-19 Information Finder | |
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. |
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90,000
Number of deaths that could be prevented if 80% of eligible individuals age 5 and older received their COVID-19 booster dose by the end of 2022.
Commonwealth Fund Study
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936,000
Number of hospitalizations that could be prevented if 80% of eligible individuals age 5 and older received their COVID-19 booster dose by the end of 2022.
Commonwealth Fund Study
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$56 Billion
Savings in medical costs in the next six months if 80% of eligible individuals age 5 and older received their COVID-19 booster dose by the end of 2022.
Commonwealth Fund Study
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October 21 - 51st Annual Dr. Margaret I. Handy Annual Memorial Lectureship, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., virtual.
October 21 - 6th Annual Tilton Award Event, University & Whist Club, Wilmington, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Register at Katie.Hamilton@medsocdel.org or (302) 224-5192.
October 22 - 2022 John Scholz Stroke Education Conference, 8:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., presented virtually via zoom and in-person at Christiana Hospital Ammon Center Auditorium in Newark.
October 25 - 26th Annual Delaware Healthcare Forum, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Delaware Technical Community College, Terry Campus, Dover.
October 28 - ConeXiones Mental Health Workshop, 4:00-6:00 p.m., 301 N. Harrison St, Wilmington (no registration required, limit 30 attendees).
October 29 - National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
November 1, 2, 3 - MSD Annual Meeting (Council Meeting, Holding Company Board of Directors Meeting, Educational program), all beginning at 6:00 p.m., virtual.
November 3 - Dementia Care Fall Symposium: Sexuality and Aging in Healthy and Cognitively Impaired Adults, 8:00-11:30 a.m., virtual.
November 5 - MSD "It's OBVIOUS" Campaign for Kids 5k Run/Walk, & Community Health Fair, Rockford Park, 9:00 a.m., 9th St and Tower Rd, Wilmington.
November 5 - MSD Inaugural Reception, Smyrna Opera House, 7 W. South St., Smyrna, 6:00 p.m.
November 9 - Robert O. Y. Warren, MD Memorial Seminar, virtual.
November 11 - ChristianaCare Obesity Summit 2022: Caring for the Obese Patient, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., virtual.
December 8 - Law Offices of Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya Workers' Compensation and Automobile Insurance Seminar, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Christiana Hilton, 100 Continental Dr, Newark.
December 12 - SAVE THE DATE! 2022 Communicable Disease Summit and PrEP Conference, virtual.
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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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