Juneteenth Federal Holiday |
MSD Offices Closed on Monday |
June 19th, or Juneteenth, is a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the US, established by President Joe Biden in 2021. It was on June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was two and half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Although there are several versions handed down attempting to explain this delay, the Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. Observance of Juneteenth is about the journey and achievement of African Americans, from a horrific period of sanctioned enslavement to the pinnacle of human endeavors. Learn more about Juneteenth and how you can celebrate in the workplace, in your community, and at home. In honor of the Juneteenth holiday, which falls on Sunday, MSD offices will be closed on Monday, June 20th.
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COVID-19 Vaccination in the Pediatric Population |
Earliest Vaccine Administration Expected No Sooner Than June 21 in DE |
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) medical advisory committee, Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), on Tuesday unanimously recommended Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine for use in children and adolescents ages 6 to 11 and 12 to 17. This still requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sign off. Vaccine is not yet available in Delaware. VRBPAC met Wednesday and also recommended Moderna's vaccine for children ages 6 months through 5 years old and Pfizer's vaccine for children ages 6 months through 4 years old.
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) anticipates parents may hear the news and begin calling practices for information as early as today regarding vaccine availability. DPH is providing the information below that you can share with families and help manage expectations. Feel free to share this information on your website or patient portal so your patients remain informed. You may also wish to clearly indicate whether you do or do not plan to offer vaccines for the youngest children. Physician offices that are not planning to vaccinate children can direct patients to a DPH clinic, a physician or other health care professional who has agreed to vaccinate non-patients (physicians and other health care professionals who are vaccinating will be listed this weekend on de.gov/youthvaccine), or to vaccines.gov to locate a participating pharmacy (Note: Not all pharmacies will vaccinate children under the age of 3. The website vaccines.gov will list minimum threshold there).
Vaccine for Infants and Children UPDATE
On June 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) medical advisory committee (VRBPAC), authorized Moderna’s vaccine for children ages 6 months through 5 years old and Pfizer’s vaccine for children ages 6 months through 4 years old. Formal sign off from the FDA Director, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is still needed before vaccine administration can begin. Currently the CDC’s advisory committee is scheduled to meet on June 17 and 18 to discuss this. The first shipments of vaccine will arrive in Delaware on June 20th, and the earliest that vaccine administrations are expected to begin is June 21st (though this may vary by site). Not all physicians ordered vaccine for this first wave. The Division of Public Health has placed information about these pediatric vaccines on de.gov/youthvaccine. Information on available vaccine locations will be updated on this page in the next few days. New locations will be added regularly.
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Pfizer Medical Updates & Immunization Site Training Offered |
Education for Physicians and Staff on Proper Use of COVID-19 Vaccine |
Pfizer is providing a series of updates and immunization site trainings to educate physicians and immunization staff personnel on the proper use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Session topics include:
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Potential new vaccine presentation ("Maroon Cap") for individuals 6 months through 4 years of age (the vaccine has not been authorized or approved for use in individuals younger than five years of age in the US; however, the US Government has requested that Pfizer begin training on the "Maroon Cap" presentation of the vaccine;
- FDA approvals and authorizations, including recent authorizations (extended expiry for Purple, Orange, and Gray Cap);
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Now available: Gray Cap, Comirnaty®;
- Use of each vaccine presentation including storage, handling, preparation, and administration; and
- Question and answer session.
Find session dates, times and links at: Terms of Use | Pfizer Medical Information - US (Schedule through July 8, 2022*. Please check back for future training session information.) Next session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14th. Sessions will be updated to reflect the latest information. Continuing medical education is NOT associated with this event.
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AMA House of Delegates Adjourns at Annual Meeting in Chicago |
The Medical Society of Delaware was represented at the Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA), which took place June 10-15, 2022, in Chicago. In a speech to physician and medical student leaders from across the country, American Medical Association President Gerald E. Harmon, M.D., unveiled the AMA Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians, an ambitious roadmap to renewing our country’s commitment to physicians—and ensuring their needs are met—so patients can receive the high-quality care they deserve. Envisioned and built against the backdrop of COVID-19 challenges that stretched our health care system to the brink, including increased physician burnout, unabated and onerous prior authorization requirements, and no permanent fix to ensure telehealth coverage for patients, the Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians focuses on five key goals to re-build health care so that it works better for physicians and all those they serve:
- Supporting telehealth to maintain coverage and payment;
- Reforming Medicare payment to promote thriving physician practices and innovation;
- Stopping scope creep that threatens patient safety;
- Fixing prior authorization to reduce the burden on practices and minimize care delays for patients; and
- Reducing physician burnout and address the stigma around mental health
Additional details on the AMA Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians can be found at www.ama-assn.org/recovery. A video highlighting the Recovery Plan is also available by clicking here.
Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., an anesthesiologist from Wisconsin, became the first openly gay person to be AMA president-elect during the 2022 AMA Annual Meeting. Four trustees were also elected. See the full election results.
Among the notable issues addressed at the meeting:
- Addressing public health disinformation by health professionals
- Medicare drug price negotiation
- Regulating ghost guns
- Legal protections against criminalization of reproductive health services
- Urging the Food and Drug Administration to swiftly review and approve over-the-counter status for oral contraceptives
- Declaring climate change a public health crisis
- Clarifying the terms used in physician and non-physician training
- Banning cannabidiol ads in places that children frequent
- Preventing loss of insurance coverage after the COVID -19 public health emergency ends
- Decreasing bias in evaluations of medical student performance
- Ensuring accessibility of quality child care for physicians in training
Catch up with the daily highlights from the AMA House of Delegates meeting, which concluded on June 15th.
Pictured is Delaware Delegate to the AMA House of Delegates, Janice E. Tildon-Burton, MD, addressing the Southeastern Delegation at its annual breakfast meeting.
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Director of the Division of Public Health |
Looking for a Leader to Bring Passion, Vision and Talent to Public Service |
Last month Delaware learned of Dr. Karyl Rattay’s announced departure as Director of the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) effective June 30, 2022. As Delaware’s State Health Official, Dr. Rattay leads nearly 1,000 employees who promote health, reduce health inequities, and protect Delawareans from disease, environmental hazards, and public health emergencies.
The last two and half years have shown the critical importance of this role. The Delaware Division of Public Health, as well as the Medical Society of Delaware which works closely with the agency, are excited to find a leader who can bring passion, vision, and talent to public service, such that Dr. Rattay has done for over 13 years. For those who may have interest to step into this vital role, please visit the following website for more information and to apply:
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CDC Health Update: U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak is Rising |
Monkeypox Rashes in Recent Cases Have Differed from Africa Observation |
Since May 2022, monkeypox cases, which have historically been rare in the United States, have been identified in 18 states and territories among both persons returning from international travel and their close contacts domestically. Globally, more than 1,600 cases have been reported from more than 30 countries; the case count continues to rise daily. In the United States, evidence of person-to-person disease transmission in multiple states and reports of clinical cases with some uncharacteristic features have raised concern that some cases are not being recognized and tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Update issued serves to alert physicians and others to clinical presentations of monkeypox seen so far in the U.S. and provide updated and expanded case definitions intended to encourage testing for monkeypox among persons presenting for care with relevant history, signs, and symptoms. It also updates the CDC Health Advisory issued May 20th titled Monkeypox Virus Infection in the United States and Other Non-endemic Countries—2022. In people with epidemiologic risk factors, rashes initially considered characteristic of more common infections (e.g., varicella zoster, herpes, syphilis) should be carefully evaluated for concurrent characteristic monkeypox rash (see images below) and considered for testing. In some of the new cases, monkeypox has caused people to develop what looks like a pimple or blister, rather than a widespread rash.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) is considering renaming monkeypox after international scientists and others stated the current name is stigmatizing and is hampering response to the outbreak. The current name doesn’t fit with WHO guidelines that recommend avoiding geographic regions and animal names.
WHO will convene an emergency committee of experts on June 23rd to determine if the expanding monkeypox outbreak that has mysteriously spread outside Africa should be considered a global health emergency.
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CDC Rescinds Mask Advice on Monkeypox |
Confusion in Interpreting that Masks Prevent Monkeypox Transmission |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel alert advising the public to practice enhanced precautions to prevent monkeypox transmission, such as washing hands and avoiding close contact with sick people. Among their recommendations was mask wearing. The CDC indicated the mask recommendation has been removed because it was causing confusion. The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) both emphasized that the virus is primarily transmitted through close contact, such as skin-to-skin contact, with someone who is infected with monkeypox. The travel advice from the CDC to utilize masking gave the impression the infection was transmitted by casual respiratory contact. The monkeypox virus can be transmitted from person to person from direct contact with monkeypox lesions or bodily fluids from an infected person or from materials that have come into contact with the virus, such as bedsheets and clothing. The virus can also spread from respiratory droplets from prolonged, close, face-to-face contact. These respiratory droplets can also come from coughing or sneezing, neither of which is a symptom of monkeypox; however, this is not the predominant means of transmission in this current outbreak. Refer to the CDC website with information on monkeypox transmission.
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Labcorp Granted EUA for VirSeq SARS-CoV-2 NGS Test |
Test Results May Help in Deciding Appropriate Clinical Care for Patient |
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Laboratory Corporation of America (Labcorp) VirSeq SARS-CoV-2 NGS Test on the PacBio Sequel II sequencing system. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has mutated over time resulting in genetic variation in circulating virus strains, also called lineages. The Labcorp VirSeq SARS-CoV-2 NGS Test is:
- The first COVID-19 test authorized for the identification and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 Phylogenetic Assignment of Named Global Outbreak (PANGO) lineages.
- A next-generation sequencing (NGS) based test authorized for testing patient respiratory samples (such as anterior nasal or nasopharyngeal swab samples) identified as SARS-CoV-2 positive using Labcorp’s COVID-19 RT-PCR Test and Labcorp SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A/B Assay.
- Intended to be used when a health care provider decides, based on a patient’s medical history and other diagnostic information, that the test results may help in deciding the appropriate clinical care for the patient.
- The test can be performed at certain laboratories designated by Labcorp that are certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) that meet the requirements to perform high-complexity testing.
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Blood Test May Help Measure COVID-19 Immunity |
Test Involves Taking Small Blood Sample and Mixing with Virus Proteins |
A newly developed blood test that measures a specific immune response in the body could help [physicians] gauge how much protection a person has against COVID-19, according to a study. The test involves taking a small blood sample at a clinic and mixing it with snippets of proteins from the virus, in which researchers then look to see if the so-called T cells are activated in the sample. The findings were published in Nature Biotechnology.
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US Lifts COVID Testing Requirement for Those Returning to US |
Ends One of the Last Pandemic-Related Travel Requirements |
International travelers flying to the United States will no longer need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test before boarding their flights, ending one of the last pandemic-related travel requirements. The requirement was lifted effective Sunday, June 12. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will reassess the decision in 90 days and would reinstate the requirement if necessary. In April the requirement that people wear masks on airplanes, buses, and in other public transportation settings was dropped after a federal judge ruled the CDC overstepped its authority by putting the mandate in place.
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New Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFAS Chemicals |
$1 Million Available to Address PFAS and Other Contaminants in Water |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released four drinking water health advisories for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), referred to as "forever chemicals," in the latest action under President Biden’s action plan to deliver clean water and EPA Administrator Regan’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The EPA also announced that it is inviting states and territories to apply for $1 billion – the first of $5 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant funding – to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water, specifically in small or disadvantaged communities. EPA is issuing interim, updated drinking water health advisories for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) that replace those the EPA issued in 2016. The updated advisory levels, which are based on new science and consider lifetime exposure, indicate that some negative health effects may occur with concentrations of PFOA or PFOS in water that are near zero and below EPA’s ability to detect at this time. PFOA and PFOS have been voluntarily phased out by U.S. manufacturers, but there are a limited number of ongoing uses (such as in cardboard packaging, carpets, and firefighting foam) and the chemicals remain in the environment because they do not degrade over time ("forever chemicals"). The compounds have been used in consumer products and industry since the 1940s. The EPA said it expects to propose national drinking water regulations for PFOA and PFOS later this year, with a final rule expected in 2023.
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FDA Approves First Systemic Treatment for Alopecia Areata |
Alopecia Affects More Than 300,000 People in the US Each Year |
On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Olumiant (baricitinib) oral tablets to treat adult patients with severe alopecia areata, a disorder that often appears as patchy baldness and affects more than 300,000 people in the U.S. each year. Today’s action marks the first FDA approval of a systemic treatment (i.e. treats the entire body rather than a specific location) for alopecia areata. Alopecia areata, commonly referred to as just alopecia, is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own hair follicles, causing hair to fall out, often in clumps. Olumiant is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor which blocks the activity of one or more of a specific family of enzymes, interfering with the pathway that leads to inflammation.
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CDC 2022 Recommended Immunization Schedules |
Now Available for Ordering |
Printed copies of the 2022 Recommended Immunization Schedules are now available for ordering. The schedules’ format has been changed to a landscape style booklet. The booklets include an appendix that contains guidelines for contraindications and precautions to commonly used vaccines. Visit the Immunization Schedules Homepage to view, download and print the 2022 schedules. The schedules are also available for ordering at Publications on Demand.
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HHS Issues Guidance on HIPAA and Audio-Only Telehealth |
Using Remote Technologies Providing Audio-Only Telehealth Services |
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), issued guidance on how covered health care providers and health plans can use remote communication technologies to provide audio-only telehealth services when such communications are conducted in a manner that is consistent with the applicable requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules, including when OCR’s Notification of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth is no longer in effect. This guidance will help individuals to continue to benefit from audio-only telehealth by clarifying how covered entities can provide these services in compliance with the HIPAA Rules and by improving public confidence that covered entities are protecting the privacy and security of their health information. The Guidance on How the HIPAA Rules Permit Health Plans and Covered Health Care Providers to Use Remote Communication Technologies for Audio-Only Telehealth may be found at: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/hipaa-audio-telehealth/index.html.
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National Campaign to Boost Primary Care Access |
Competition to Inspire Innovation for Access at HRSA-Supported Health Ctrs. |
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with the Healthcare Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), announced the launch of a national competition offering a total of $1 million to spark health care innovation focused on boosting primary care access at HRSA-supported health centers. The Building Bridges to Better Health: A Primary Health Care Challenge initiative encourages competition participants to develop low-cost, scalable solutions to help HRSA-supported community health centers improve patient access to primary care and strengthen the link between health care and social services.
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Benefits of Individual Coverage HRA for Employers |
A Perfect Solution to Contain Benefit Costs or Provide Coverage |
An Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) may be a perfect solution for employers looking to contain benefit costs or groups who currently do not offer any coverage. ICHRAs allow employers to maintain coverage options as well as attract and retain employees. Register now to join the webinar on June 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to learn more. Read more about ICHRAs and whether it is a fit for your group. The Medical Society of Delaware Insurance Services offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit the website at www.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Sharon Ruth at (302) 397-0173.
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The Foundations of Racism in Medicine |
Physicians and Staff Invited to Webinar Presented by the AMA |
On June 29th from 7 - 8:30pm ET the American Medical Association (AMA) will host a 90-minute webinar on the foundations of racism in medicine. Dr. Emily Cleveland Manchanda, the Director for Social Justice Education and Implementation at the AMA, will give a 60-minute didactic presentation followed by 30-minutes for Q&A. The presentation will include descriptions of:
- Basic terminology around race and racism
- Manifestations of racism in medicine at interpersonal, institutional, and systemic levels
- Recommendations for additional reading and learning for physicians to continue their health equity education
The webinar will be uploaded to AMA’s EdHub and 1.0 CME credit will be offered.
If you are interested in attending this webinar, please register here. Registration is required to access the Zoom link for this event. Log-in or new account creation is required to register.
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Upcoming Mid- and Downstate Presidential Receptions |
A Series of Social Events for Everyone - REGISTER NOW! |
MSD has planned several upcoming social events for you to attend. It's been a while since we got together in person, let's discover what everyone has been doing over the past two years! |
Come mingle with the President! In light of COVID-19 safety concerns at the time, MSD did not plan a social event in conjunction with our November 2021 Annual Meeting. Our goal was to plan three social events for some time in 2022 when we all felt more comfortable in those in-person social gatherings. That time has come. You and your guest have the opportunity to attend one of the upcoming in-person Presidential Receptions that have been arranged at locations across the state. Find a date and location convenient for you! All events begin at 6:00 p.m. Dress is business casual.
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Thursday, June 30 @ Maple Dale Country Club in Dover
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Wednesday, September 21 @ JD Shuckers in Georgetown
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International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine |
August 18-20, Washington, DC |
Join global nutrition experts in person to learn the latest in nutrition education and enjoy delicious meals and networking opportunities. Leading health care experts from around the world will share engaging lectures on the latest research behind the power of nutrition. This program is jointly provided by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, with up to 20 continuing medical education credits available. Seating is limited. Register with the code MSD for 10% off the cost of full admission, just for Medical Society of Delaware members. Review the full schedule and reserve your spot at PCRM.org/ICNM.
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Thinking of Retirement? Master Your Financial Plan |
Recommended for Physicians |
MSD is pleased to bring you a complimentary virtual session for financial planning for retirement on Thursday, September 22nd from 6 - 7:30 p.m. This event is recommended for physicians with presentations by:
- Diamond State Financial Group - "Through the Maze: Understanding Social Security and Medicare"
- USI - "Understanding and Navigating Medicare"
- MSDIS - "Medical Malpractice Tail Coverage
- Cover & Rossiter - "Breaking Down the Sale of Your Practice"
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On Wednesday, Beebe Healthcare leaders defined a new vision and strategic plan for the health care system on the steps on the historic Shaw Building on Savannah Road. The Beebe Board of Directors and Executive Management created a Strategic Planning Committee that conducted interviews with community members, leaders, team members, and physicians in development of the plan. At the crossroads of community growth and health care evolution, Beebe leadership felt now was the time to reveal this five-year strategic plan. Board member Sara Larch spoke on behalf of the Beebe Healthcare Board. Paul Peet, MD, President of the Medical Staff, represented the physicians and practitioners. Tom Protack, President, Beebe Medical Foundation, represented the philanthropic arm of Beebe and the community, and David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare, concluded the announcement. Read more for an overview of the strategic goals.
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ChristianaCare and Tower Health announced that ChristianaCare will purchase the former Jennersville Hospital location in West Grove, Pennsylvania from Tower Health, with the closing expected in approximately 30 to 60 days. The purchase will include the hospital and Tower Health’s interest in two office buildings, and an additional 24-acre parcel of land. The new name for the campus will be ChristianaCare West Grove Campus. Jennersville Hospital has been closed since December 31, 2021. The acquisition does not include any personnel or practices that are currently operating.
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COVID-19 Information Finder |
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Vandana Bandari, MD - Internal Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
Olivia A. Gad, MD - Internal Medicine, Center for Hope & Healing
Nessreen Ghanem, DO - General Surgery Resident, Bayhealth
Natalie Sato Thom, MD - Family Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
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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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Stephanie A. Caterson, MD - Plastic Surgery, ChristianaCare
Tyler Faimon, DO - Internal Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
Ahila L. Kugan, MD - Pediatrics, Brandywine Pediatrics
Velma P. Scantlebury, MD - Transplant Surgery, General Surgery
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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 member(s) listed above.
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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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$321 billion
National cost of Alzheimer's and other dementias in 2022.
Alzheimer's Association
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2/3
Number of Americans with Alzheimer's who are women.
Alzheimer's Association
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19,000
Number of Delawareans living with Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's Association
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October 5&6 - Delaware Academy of Medicine/Delaware Public Health Association and Delaware Chapter of the American Planning Association Joint virtual 2022 Fall Conference.
October 22 - 2022 John Scholz Stroke Education Conference, 8:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Registration will open on August 22nd.
November 1, 2, 3 - SAVE THE DATES! MSD Annual Meeting (Council Meeting, Holding Company Board of Directors Meeting, Educational program), all beginning at 6:00 p.m., virtual.
November 5 - MSD "It's OBVIOUS" Campaign for Kids 5k Run/Walk, Rockford Park, 9:00 a.m., 9th St and Tower Rd, Wilmington.
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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. |
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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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Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved. |
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