"Invest in Our Planet"

Designated as April 22nd, Earth Day is an annual event focused on environmental protection. A healthy planet is vital to a healthy population. Physicians should consider research from earth sciences to understand why some health issues start or worsen.

The theme for Earth Day 2023 is "Invest in Our Planet." It is focused on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and citizens to do their part - everyone accounted for, everyone accountable. Together, we must invest in our planet. Take action.

National Volunteer Week: April 16-22

National Volunteer Week provides the opportunity to recognize the impact your volunteer service makes and the power of our members serving the Medical Society of Delaware. MSD would like to recognize and thank all those who volunteer on a committee, Board, the Council, and at the state and national levels who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference for the patients of Delaware and the betterment of health care in our state. THANK YOU! If you would like to get involved, start by familiarizing yourself with the numerous MSD committee opportunities.

Saturday, April 22nd, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 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. Prescription Drug Take Back Day is operated locally by the Delaware Division of Public Health. Find a local collection site near you. In addition to participating sites, permanent medicine drop-off locations are available year-round. Disposal for sharps and needles will be available at select locations, as well as Overdose Response Education with free Narcan kits. Read more.

Resolutions Adopted; Additional AMA Delegation Members Identified

MSD held its 11th Interim Council Meeting at the Smyrna Opera House on Thursday, April 20th. Guests included Marilyn J. Heine, MD, American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees member; AMA Field Representative Joaquin Falcon; and Mr. David Brond, Vice President of Strategy and Planning at Aloysius, Butler and Clark who provided an update on MSD's Strategic Planning initiative. In addition, Kim Gomes of the BrydGomes Group was in attendance. The three resolutions presented were debated by the Council and adopted, with Resolution 02-I2023 adopted with amendments. Adopted Resolution 01-2023 allows for the addition of two physicians to Delaware's Delegation to the AMA, with the Council voting in Cedric Barnes, DO to the AMA Minority Affairs Section and Shalini Shah, MD as the representative to the AMA Private Practice Physician Section. Read the Interim Meeting Report.

All Members Asked to Provide Input to Direct MSD's Goals

MSD has embarked on the development of a three-year strategic plan for the organization. MSD has engaged Aloysius, Butler, and Clark (AB&C), a marketing communications and research agency to help facilitate this initiative. We're looking for all our members' input and perspectives as we develop our strategic plan for MSD. To achieve this, we ask that you complete a very brief survey, less than 5 minutes to take, to capture your opinions. AB&C is administering the confidential survey. The first 100 participants completing the survey and including an email address at the end of the survey will be eligible for a drawing for one of two $100 Amazon gift cards. Your opinions and insights are important and we encourage you to complete the survey as soon as possible, but prior to April 30th. Please know that we respect your privacy. Your answers will only be viewed by AB&C. Your email address will not be used for any third-party solicitation purposes. Access the survey.

Confidential, Voluntary Questionnaire Developed to Capture Information

The MSD Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is working to support a diverse physician workforce and inclusive culture. Prior to 2021, MSD did not collect information on racial, ethnic, and gender identification of our members. As a starting point toward understanding and improving our membership diversity, your help is greatly appreciated in submitting this information. A brief, four-question questionnaire has been developed and will take less than a minute to complete. Your information will not be made public but will be used in aggregate to assess the diversity of our membership with the goal of understanding the diversity of the physician workforce in Delaware. Access the questionnaire.

Impersonation of DEA Agents

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is warning the public of a widespread fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate DEA agents in an attempt to extort money or steal personal identifiable information. DEA personnel will never contact members of the public or medical practitioners to demand money or any other form of payment, will never request personal or sensitive information, and will only notify people of a legitimate investigation or legal action in person or by official letter. No federal law enforcement officer will demand cash/gift cards. You should only give money, gift cards, personally identifiable information, including bank account information, to someone you know. Anyone receiving a call from a person claiming to be with DEA should report the incident to the FBI on the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Deadlines for Action Approaching

The two recreational marijuana bills have been delivered to Governor John Carney to take action. The Governor could sign either bill into law, veto them, or take no action in which case they would be ratified without his signature. House Bill 1, which removes penalties for adults who possess small amounts of marijuana, made it to the Governor Tuesday of last week. House Bill 2, which regulates a legal marijuana growing-and-selling industry, was delivered to the Governor last Friday morning. Under state law, the Governor has ten days, excluding Sundays, from receipt of a bill to take action before a bill becomes law. The deadline for action on HB 1 would be Saturday April 22nd, and Wednesday April 26th for HB 2. Read more.

Analysis of Sewer Samples to Determine Trends and Other Health Concerns

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer announced wastewater samples will be collected weekly from up to 20 locations across New Castle County as part of a six-month pilot program. The samples would be analyzed for fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamines and nicotine.

Supreme Court Extends Stay on Decision To Friday

In a brief order, Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. announced that the Supreme Court would extend its stay through Friday evening, giving more time to decide whether the key abortion drug mifepristone should remain available nationwide. A Texas judge previously ruled to suspend the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of the medication.

Federal Judge Ensures Mifepristone Access in Delaware

Last Friday, Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced that Judge Thomas O. Rice of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington issued an order reiterating that his injunction protecting access to mifepristone in 17 states — including Delaware — and the District of Columbia remains in full force notwithstanding recent orders by two courts in Texas.

"Dreamers" Can Access Government-Funded Insurance Programs

Last week, President Biden announced that hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children will be able to apply for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) health insurance exchanges. The action will allow participants in the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, to access government-funded health insurance programs. Other classes of immigrants, including asylum seekers and people with temporary protected status, are already eligible to purchase insurance through the marketplaces of the ACA.

HHS Encouraging States to Apply for New Medicaid Reentry Opportunity

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced a new opportunity for states to help increase care for individuals who are incarcerated in the period immediately prior to their release to help them success and thrive during reentry. This would allow state Medicaid programs to cover services that address various health concerns, including substance use disorders and other chronic health conditions.

Easier Access to Coverage, Expanded Behavioral Health Care Access

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced measures that will make coverage more accessible, expand behavioral health care access, simplify choice, and make it easier for millions of Americans to select a health plan in 2024.

Those 65+, Immune-Compromised Can Receive 2nd Updated Booster Shot

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccines to simplify the vaccination schedule for most individuals. This action includes authorizing the current bivalent vaccines (original and omicron BA.4/BA.5 strains) to be used for all doses administered to individuals 6 months of age and older, including for an additional dose or doses for certain populations. The monovalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States.

To Maintain Access to COVID-19 Care for the Uninsured

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the "HHS Bridge Access Program For COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Program" to maintain broad access to COVID-19 vaccines for millions of uninsured Americans. The program will create a unique $1.1 billion public-private partnership to help maintain uninsured individuals’ access to COVID-19 care at their local pharmacies, through existing public health infrastructure, and at their local health centers after the federal government no longer pays for or distributes them, a transition expected this fall.

To Reduce Risk of Infection Following Stem Cell Transplantation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Omisirge (omidubicel-onlv), a substantially modified allogeneic (donor) cord blood-based cell therapy to quicken the recovery of neutrophils (a subset of white blood cells) in the body and reduce the risk of infection. The product is intended for use in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with blood cancers planned for umbilical cord blood transplantation following a myeloablative conditioning regimen (treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy). 

Hepatitis C infections are on the rise in the U.S. Patients with hepatitis C often have no symptoms. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends testing all pregnant patients for hepatitis C during each pregnancy. Hepatitis C can be cured. Early detection can save lives. Talk to your patients about hepatitis C testing. Read more.

Managing Threats and Protecting Patients

From small, independent practitioners to large, university hospital environments, cyber-attacks on healthcare records, IT systems, and network connected medical devices have impacted even the most hardened systems. Given the increasingly sophisticated and widespread nature of cyber-attacks, the health care and public health sector must make cybersecurity a priority and make the investments needed to protect its patients. Like combatting a deadly virus, cybersecurity requires mobilization and coordination of resources across myriad public and private stakeholders [including hospitals, IT vendors, connected medical device manufacturers, and governments (state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal)] to mitigate the risks and minimize the impacts of a cyber-attack. The Department of Health and Human Services released Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices: Managing Threats and Protecting Patients, which outlines the top five threats facing the health care sector and 10 practices to combat them.

Class I Recall - May Delay or Interrupt Treatment

Fresenius Kabi USA, is recalling the Ivenix Infusion System due to a leak in the system that allows fluid to enter the Administration Set Loading Area near the Air Detector. The leak damages the electrical system, leading to loss of power and failure of the system’s Set Identification (Set ID) sensor. Depending on the timing of the failure, this can delay or interrupt treatments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries, serious health consequences, or death.

Being a Physician Today is Challenging

As The Physicians Foundation begins their 20th-anniversary year, they look to meet the challenges of the future. The U.S. health care system has rapidly evolved over the past two decades, and The Physicians Foundation has remained steadfast in supporting physicians as you navigate these changes and continue to strengthen your relationships with patients. Read more.

The Physicians Foundation has also launched Let’s Take 5 to Address Drivers of Health, a new campaign to support physicians in addressing their patients’ drivers of health (DOH), such as food security and transportation access. 

All Counties Continue at Best Ever

The 2023 “State of the Air” report, released by the American Lung Association, finds that Delaware’s air quality showed mixed results for some of the most harmful and widespread types of air pollution: fine particle pollution and ozone smog. Nationally, the report found that nearly 120 million people, or more than one in three, in the U.S. live in counties that had unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. Read more.

In the Areas of Physician Care, Grassroots, or Education/Research

To celebrate their 50 years of using quality improvement science, education, and collaboration in health care and communities, Quality Insights is pleased to offer grant opportunities totaling $100,000 to spark innovation or give a boost to promising projects. Please review for consideration of applying for a grant in the area of physician care, grassroots, or education/research. This grant program is available to non-profit organizations and educational institutions in Delaware and certain other states and territories. Quality Insights estimates eight to fifteen awards in amounts up to $20,000. An FAQ document, submission guidelines, and application are available at their website. Grant submission opens on 4/11/2023 and ends on 6/30/2023.

What's the Secret to a Successful Night Shift?

Your first night shifts as a resident physician may differ from any prior experiences in your medical training. The stakes are high, and with reduced staff, the workload can be heavy. How can you make your first night of care delivery successful as a PGY-1? Read more.

First Luncheon of 2023 Held

Members of the Physician Emeritus Section gathered for their first luncheon meeting of the year on April 11th at the University and Whist Club. Steven Dellose, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, PA and longtime MSD member presented on The Transformation to Outpatient Total Joint Replacement. Dr. Dellose discussed the many advancements and changes in the techniques, protocols, and technologies of joint replacement surgeries. The group will meet again in Sussex County at the end of the month at the 1776 Steakhouse Restaurant and also in June and October in Wilmington. For more information, please contact Michelle Seymour at 302-224-4905 or michelle.seymour@medsocdel.org. Pictured are from left to right, Ali Z. Hameli, MD, Chair of the Physician Emeritus Section and Steven Dellose, MD.

Beebe Healthcare

Local author Will Freshwater held a book signing event and reading at The Pines in Rehoboth Beach on Saturday, March 25. The evening highlighted Will’s Provincetown Series, which includes Favorite Son, The Light Reflected, and soon to be released Dark Horse. Will donated 100% of all the proceeds from his book sales at the event to Beebe Medical Foundation, which will be designated to Beebe’s LGBTQ Fund. Read more.

ChristianaCare

To inspire the next generation of students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and learn about the power of genomic science, ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute has launched a new Learning Lab on its premises that offers educational programming about revolutionary CRISPR gene editing technology.

Going, going, gone! Only a small number of tickets are available to watch the Wilmington Blue Rocks take on the Aberdeen Iron Birds on Tuesday April 25, 2023. Game time is 6:35 p.m. at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington. This is a MSD member only event. Tickets are free for MSD members and will be provided via email prior to the event date. All MSD members must be current & membership dues for 2023 paid. Register

No cost CME! Quality Insights and AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware present the web series: Evidence-Based Interventions to Improve Wellness, Disease Management, and Health of Delawareans. The next live, interactive webinars will be held Tuesday, April 25; and Tuesday, May 30, from 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m. These webinars will provide overview of critical topics to the Medicaid population, evidence-based interventions, and case scenarios. The information presented is appropriate for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other clinical support staff. The Medical Society of Delaware has approved this continuing medical education activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Click to learn more and register.

You're Invited to a Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) webinar taking place on Wednesday, April 26th at 11 a.m. ET. This special webinar will have discussion about the recent removal of the DATA Waiver (X-Waiver) requirement and dispel myths about MOUD prescribing. The DEA has agreed to meet with Delaware physicians/prescribers to go over exactly what this means and will answer questions. Register in advance for this webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BSzzgtbfReaDeZ309_JVSg

Register for the Delaware Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion CME Webinar, "Health Literacy and Pediatric Anesthesiology." This webinar will take place on Thursday, April 27th at 5:30 p.m.

2023 National Minority Health Month Series - "Achieving Global Health Equity: The Role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities." Friday, April 28th from 4-7 p.m., Delaware State University, Dover. Click for details.

2023 National Minority Health Month Series - "Global Health Equity: The Critical Role of Blacks in Medicine." Sunday, April 30th, 3-4:30 p.m., Wilmington Public Library. Click for details.

To kick off Hepatitis Awareness Month, the Hepatitis B Foundation and HepB United are hosting a webinar on Monday, May 1 at 3:00 pm ET titled "Universal Adult Hepatitis B Recommendations are Here - Best Practices for Implementing Universal Screening and Vaccination". Panelists will share best practices for implementing the updated hepatitis B adult screening and vaccination recommendations within their communities, challenges they have faced, and resources that are available to leverage the recommendations. This event is being sponsored in part using funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition a second webinar is planned for Thursday, May 11th from 3:30-4:40 pm ET entitled "Hepatitis C Virus: Barriers to Treatment and Community-Focused Primary Care."

The Delaware Academy of Family Physicians (DAFP) is also looking to strengthen its programs and offerings to the primary care community. To help them address the concerns of primary care access and physician shortages, the DAFP Research & Education Foundation (REF) is a 501(c)(3) corporation and the philanthropic arm of the Delaware Academy of Family Physicians. The DAFP REF offers important programs to encourage medical students and residents to come to Delaware to explore the world of residents to come to Delaware to explore the world of primary care and consider becoming a family physician in our state to improve access to care and provide patient education for our Delaware communities. To support these programs the DAFP Research & Education Foundation invites you to join us as a golfer and/or sponsor to our 2023 DAFP Healthcare Heroes Golf Outing being held on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the White Clay Creek Country Club in Wilmington, DE. A Shotgun start will be at 10:00am. Learn more and register. Sponsorship information.

Congratulations to the following physicians as we

celebrate their MSD membership milestone

anniversaries during the month of May. 

Reynold S. Agard, MD - Internal Medicine, Premiere Physicians, PA

Harrison Eckert- PCOM Class of 2023 (FM Residency at Beebe Healthcare)

Ethan F. Keller - St. George's University SOM Class of 2023 (IM Residency at Bayhealth)

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 or if you know of someone interested in joining MSD. You could be eligible for a membership dues referral discount!

On January 30, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced its intent to end the national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic on May 11, 2023. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has resources available to help you prepare for the end of the PHE, some of which have been updated based on recent action by Congress. The following materials reflect recent changes and are currently available on the CMS Emergencies Page:

• Provider-specific fact sheets for information about COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) waivers and flexibilities: https://www.cms.gov/coronavirus-waivers
• Acute Hospital At Home: https://qualitynet.cms.gov/acute-hospital-care-at-home
• Loss of Medicaid or CHIP coverage
• FAQs on COVID-19 (released March 29, 2023)

Updates will continue to be provided as we approach the end of the PHE. You are encouraged to regularly visit the CMS Emergencies Page for the most up to date information.

• (Delaware) General Questions: call 211 or email DPHCall@delaware.gov or Vaccine@delaware.gov for vaccine-specific questions.
• Latest information on Delaware's response (testing, treatment, vaccination): de.gov/coronavirus (Updated 2/2023)
• CDC COVID-19 Testing Locator Website (no-cost COVID-19 Testing. launched 1/2023)
• Delaware "My Healthy Community" COVID-19 Dashboard (updated weekly on Wednesdays)
• COVID-19 by County Community Level Check (# hospital admissions and beds used and total number of new cases)
• COVID-19 Community Transmission (based on cases per 100,000 people and positivity rate, both measured over the last 7 days)
• DPH Public Health Alerts: de.gov/publichealthalerts
• Federal website for information on navigating COVID: COVID.gov
• CDC COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Calculator
• COVID-19 Therapeutics Locator
• CDC COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review.
• FDA At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests provides a list of all FDA-authorized at-home over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests
• Subscribe to the COVID-19 Update podcast - on Apple Podcasts or Simplecast.  

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.