December 7th

On Sunday, December 7, 1941, more than 2,400 people died and the United States was propelled out of isolation and into World War II. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is a time to reflect and to remember the brave souls of our country who lost their lives. It also reminds us to connect with the few who are still among us who survived the attack or were alive then and a witness to the history of the time. We are indebted to all who have defended our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Maybe it's one of your patients. Take time to recognize them and what they have done for our country.

Hanukkah Begins at Sundown Today

May this festival of lights bring you health and happiness. Let us all take time to reflect not only on this occasion, but throughout the year, that the lights may guide us toward a future of love, peace and joy. Chag Urim Sameach!

Our Best Attended Pubs & Politics Event Yet!

MSD wrapped the last of the Pubs & Politics of 2023 with an event on December 5 at Iron Hill on the Wilmington Riverfront.  We thank MSDIS and DELPAC for being a sponsor of these events and to the ACP and DAFP for joining us. On behalf of the Medical Society and the Government Affairs Committee, we appreciate all the staff, physician, and legislative attendees who have supported Pubs & Politics this year. We will be scheduling another series in 2024 in all three counties. Do you have a favorite pub or brewery that would be a great location for Pubs & Politics? Let Lisa Gruss (lisa.gruss@medsocdel.org) or Michelle Seymour (Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org ) know.

DHIN Provides Information on Access to Protected Information

In its most recent legislative session, the State of Maryland enacted a law restricting health information exchanges (HIEs) operating within Maryland from providing access to data associated with abortion and abortion-related care to their participants without explicit patient consent. The specific procedure, drug and associated codes that will be blocked from distribution are currently not defined, but are expected to be published in emergency regulations during the month of December. As an HIE registered to do business in Maryland, Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN) is required to comply with these regulations and is in the process of deploying the code needed to ensure that Maryland restrictions on data distribution are followed.

What this means for your practice: Clinical data associated with the following reproductive health services provided at a location in the state of Maryland will be blocked from view in the Community Health Record and not delivered through DHIN’s Results Delivery, ENS or Clinical Gateway services: Mifepristone data, or the diagnosis, procedure, medication and related codes for abortion care and other sensitive reproductive health procedures identified by the State of Maryland’s Department of Health. 

The most recent draft of the applicable codes that was provided to DHIN is available at https://dhin.org/data-senders/regulatory-requirements/. DHIN has begun implementing these protections on new data received by DHIN and expects to complete the restrictions on distribution in the coming weeks. DHIN is also working on the expected requirement to block historical data provided to DHIN after May 31, 2022 and expects to have that data suppressed in the Community Health Record in early 2024. DHIN is working with their partners to modify their consent tool to apply to this specific type of data and permit patients to choose to share this important reproductive health information with the health care professionals and others involved in their care. Further details will be provided early in 2024.

Additional information about these regulations will be available at https://dhin.org/data-senders/regulatory-requirements/ within a reasonable time period after the regulations are published. If you have any questions about DHIN’s compliance, please reach out to DHIN’s Service Desk and you will be connected to the appropriate personnel at DHIN. DHIN Service Desk can be reached at (302) 480-1770 or servicedesk@dhin.org.

Insight into Your Perceptions of DCPAP Services

The Delaware Child Psychiatry Access Program (DCPAP) is a statewide program that provides pediatric primary care professionals with free child psychiatry consultation and behavioral health training. DCPAP is embarking on an important initiative to better understand the perspectives of Delaware physicians and other health care professionals who may be seeking support for their pediatric patients with behavioral health disorders. In partnership with Aloysius Butler & Clark (AB&C), DCPAP is hoping to conduct 30-minute phone interviews with Delaware health care professionals to gain insight into your perceptions of DCPAP services. AB&C is the same organization that assisted MSD in its recent strategic planning initiative. As a thank-you, participating health care professionals will receive a $30 Amazon gift card after completing the interview. AB&C and DCPAP want to assure you that your feedback and personal information will remain anonymous during this interview process. If you are interested in participating, please email David Brond (dbrond@abccreative.com) with your availability and to get the interview scheduled.

Act Now

In response to active exploitation of a cybersecurity vulnerability, Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS’) Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center released a notice (PDF) strongly encouraging organizations to upgrade their devices and prevent further damage to the health sector. Make sure your IT department reads the information and takes necessary action. You are also encouraged to share this message with your network clearinghouses and vendors.

CDC Issues Health Advisory to Clinicians and Health Departments

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and health departments about the occurrence, geographic spread, and sexually associated human-to-human transmission of Clade I Monkeypox virus (MPXV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). MPXV has two distinct genetic clades (subtypes), and cases of Clade I MPXV have not been reported in the United States at this time (a clade is a broad grouping of viruses that has evolved over decades and is a genetic and clinically distinct group). However, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of Clade I MPXV in travelers who have been in DRC. Clinicians should continue to consider mpox when evaluating the cause of rashes. Clinicians should notify their state health department if they have a patient with mpox-like symptoms, which may include a diffuse rash and lymphadenopathy, and recent travel to DRC. Clinicians should also submit lesion specimens for clade-specific testing for these patients. Vaccines (e.g., JYNNEOS, ACAM2000) and other medical countermeasures (e.g., tecovirimat, brincidofovir, and vaccinia immune globulin intravenous) are available and expected to be effective for both Clade I and Clade II MPXV infections. However, vaccination coverage in the United States remains low, with only one in four people who are eligible to receive the vaccine having received both doses of JYNNEOS. CDC recommends that clinicians encourage vaccination for patients who are eligible.

Funds Distributed Among 23 Agencies in Delaware

The American Lung Association in Delaware announced $347,000 in total grants awarded among 23 recipients of the Delaware Division of Public Health Mini-Grants for 2023-2024. The mini-grant program was established to enable Delaware communities to develop custom smoking education and prevention and cessation programs. It is estimated that these programs will educate more than 10,000 Delawareans annually about the dangers of tobacco use. The American Lung Association in Delaware manages the mini-grant program, made possible by the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Tobacco Prevention Community Contract, supported by the Delaware Health Fund. Each recipient was required to address the goals and objectives of “A Plan for A Tobacco-free Delaware.” 

To Address Nurse Staffing Challenges Impacting State-Operated Facilities

To address nurse staffing challenges impacting state-operated facilities, the State of Delaware is implementing an innovative tuition incentive program to enhance the recruitment of Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) in the state’s workforce starting December 1, 2023. Following a public request for proposal process, Delaware’s Department of Human Resources has selected three agencies to train CNAs, with the State covering the tuition cost for CNA candidates of up to $3,000 per student. The three training facilities selected are: Bear Professional Institute, Inc, the Delaware Skills Center, and Sussex County Vocational Technical School District. The program provides a pathway for individuals with some nursing experience to obtain certification while securing employment with the state.

USPSTF Draft Research Plan on Screening for HIV

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted last Thursday a draft research plan on screening for HIV. The draft research plan is available for review and public comment from November 30, 2023, through January 3, 2024. Note the public comment period has been extended from the standard four weeks to five weeks to account for the holidays. To review the draft research plan and submit comments, go here.

USPSTF Seeks Public Comment on Draft Recommendation Statement

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) seeks comments on a draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review on interventions to prevent falls in community-dwelling older adults. The Task Force found that exercise can help prevent falls in adults 65 and older who are at increased risk. Additional interventions might be helpful for some older adults. The draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review are available for review and public comment from December 5, 2023, to January 8, 2024 here. Note the public comment period has been expanded from the standard four weeks to five weeks to account for the holidays.

New Blog! Protecting Diverse Communities from COVID-19, RSV, Flu

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Office of Health Equity presents Conversations in Equity, a collection of blogs dedicated to increasing the awareness of health inequities. They share stories on how their partnerships help address health disparities, to ultimately achieve the vision of ensuring all people have an opportunity to live as healthy as possible. CDC’s Office of Health Equity and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases held a partner call on October 30 to discuss the 2023–2024 respiratory virus season. Topics covered during the call included key information about these conditions and groups at highest risk for serious illness, guidance surrounding prevention and vaccination, and CDC’s efforts around health and vaccine equity. Explore the innovative strategies partners are using to ensure all communities receive current and up-to-date information on COVID-19, RSV, and flu vaccinations in the latest Conversations in Equity blog post.

Traditional Risk Assessment Formulas Likely Have Racial Biases

An artificial intelligence (AI) tool developed using only mammogram image information accurately predicts breast cancer risk without racial bias, researchers reported last Wednesday in Chicago at the Radiological Society of North America meeting. Traditional breast cancer risk assessment formulas use information obtained from patient questionnaires, such as medical and reproductive history, to calculate a patient’s future risk of developing breast cancer. The AI tool consistently outperformed traditional risk models in predicting the risk of developing early-stage ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer over the next five years, regardless of race.

AMA's Commitment to Supporting Implementation of National Governance Policies

The American Medical Association (AMA) released new principles for augmented intelligence (AI) development, deployment, and use - a critical step toward fostering a consistent governance structure for advancements in health care technology. Building upon current policy on AI, the principles serve as the cornerstone for AMA advocacy on AI and underscore the organization's commitment to supporting the implementation of national governance policies that prioritize the development and deployment of AI in a manner that is ethical, equitable, responsible, and transparent. The key principles laid out by the AMA call for comprehensive policies that mitigate risks to patients and physicians, ensuring that the benefits of AI in health care are maximized while potential harms are minimized.

Health Care AI To Be Viewed as Part of Larger Intervention Ensemble

Health IT Analytics (12/1, Kennedy) reported a novel normative framework for health care artificial intelligence (AI)...asserts that medical knowledge, procedures, practices, and values should be considered when integrating the technology into clinical settings. The approach, which was described in an issue of Patterns, is designed to help stakeholders holistically evaluate AI in health care. The novel framework advocates for health care AI to be viewed as part of a larger 'intervention ensemble,' or set of practices, procedures, and knowledge that enable care delivery. Health IT Analytics added that last week, the AMA published seven principles to guide the development, deployment, and use of health care augmented intelligence, also called artificial intelligence.

Hospital Certification Program for Responsible Use of Patient Data

The Joint Commission is launching a voluntary certification program for hospitals and critical access hospitals to demonstrate their responsible use of patients' health data for non-clinical purposes when developing algorithms for AI models or sharing the data with third parties. The Responsible Use of Health Data (RUHD) Certification program will open for applications starting Jan. 1 and should be completed within 90 days. The new certification is based upon the principles of an existing health data use framework from the Health Evolution Forum, and includes requirements that cover: de-identification, data controls, limitations on use, algorithm validation, patient transparency and oversight structure. The program’s goal is to provide an objective evaluation of whether best practices are being observed in the use of data and secondary data. 

White House Addressing Health-Related Social Needs

To enable all people to lead full and healthy lives within their communities, the social and environmental factors that impact health outcomes must be addressed. The Administration’s strategic approach to addressing health related social needs is captured in The U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). This Playbook focuses on solutions to the gap between health and social services by expanding data access and sharing, implementing flexible funding approaches, and supporting backbone organizations. It also highlights federal programs, toolkits, and guidance that front-line workers and organizations can use to improve their delivery of health and social services. Inequities are worsened when SDOH disparities interact with the far-reaching health impacts of climate change including exacerbating chronic medical conditions, causing direct injury and displacement, affecting maternal and child health, contributing to mental health harms, and beyond.

Notably, efforts to address SDOH in health care settings can help to protect those currently at-risk from health harms from climate change. The Office of Climate Change and Health Equity has released a referral guide for health professionals to assist health and human services providers with addressing climate-related threats to their clients’ well-being. The guide includes information about current federal resources that can provide at-risk individuals with utility payment assistance and home weatherization funds. Alongside the actions of the Federal government, health care organizations can make upstream investments in healthy environments for their patients and communities, and to mitigate the harms from climate change. The White House and Health and Human Services Climate Pledge calls on health care organization to commit to emissions reduction and climate resilience.

Public Comment Sought on Draft National Strategy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a national strategy that will drive progress toward the national goal to reduce food loss and waste in the U.S. by 50% by 2030. This action is a continuation of the three agencies’ collaborative efforts to build a more sustainable future. In the U.S., food is the single most common material found in landfills. More than one-third, nearly 100 million tons, of municipal waste stream is organic waste and food comprises sixty-six million tons of that waste. The Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics identifies opportunities to reduce food loss and waste across the entire supply chain. This Strategy is a deliverable in the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in September 2022. 

This effort will also provide social and economic benefits, including the potential to:

• Increase food access for food-insecure Americans and increase the recovery rate and donation of wholesome food, such as through the emergency food system. 
• Create new jobs, industries, and sectors of the economy. 
• Increase supply chain resiliency. 
• Deliver financial savings to households, which can also help address the needs of underserved communities.

The public comment will remain open for 30 days. Share comments through Regulations.gov, Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2022-0415.

Application Deadline Extended to January 31st

The Physicians Foundation has extended its call for nominations for the Leadership Award Program! New or early-career physicians are now encouraged to apply by January 31, 2024. The Physicians Foundation’s Leadership Awards Program recognizes physicians for extraordinary actions in their practice or community. Award recipients will receive a $10,000 scholarship to elevate their efforts to address drivers of health (DOH) or advance innovative solutions to make their communities or practices a healthier place for patients and physicians.

Requirements include:

• Open to physicians who are new or early-career (practicing less than 15 years).
• Demonstrate physician leadership in relevant award category.
• Be nominated by a sponsor (mentor, colleague or peer) in coordination with the nominee. Sponsors should provide a short statement of recommendation.
• Submit a video component, current resume/CV and a statement that briefly describes how the scholarship will allow them to continue making positive, constructive contributions to the medical profession.

Welcome! News Specific for Residents

MSD Mentorship Program

Calling all residents! Do you want to become a mentor for medical students or have a mentor for your future career endeavors? Consider signing up for the MSD mentorship program where you can meet and connect with physicians in this area to help you reach your career goals. See survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSDMentorProgram

DAFP Annual Meeting

The Delaware Academy of Family Physicians Annual Assembly will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Bayhealth SIM Center in Dover. The theme this year is "Improving Health Equity." Save the Date!

Holiday Activities to Enjoy

Finding ways to work wellness into our busy schedules can be hard. If you are finding yourself looking for ways to prioritize your wellness during this holiday season, here is a sample of activities to check out:

• Longwood Gardens: Take a visit to Kennett Square PA for a beautiful holiday light display in the botanical gardens. Timed ticket purchase required.
• Wilmington Riverfront: Enjoy the lights along the Wilmington Riverfront! Meet Santa or play a round of minigolf from 4-7PM. Holiday treats available!
• Blitzen: Visit this local holiday themed pop up Bar in Wilmington, DE now through December 23rd.
• Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration: See festive lights, local vendors, and winter activities at a family friendly event in Rehoboth Beach DE. Admission and most activities are free, however, reservations are strongly encouraged for visits now through the end of the year.

Is your social media habit a healthy one?

Social media can act as a journal. Each post offers a snapshot into the user’s frame of mind at a given moment. A recent study examines how those posts can be used as a barometer of resident physician well-being. For the study, published in JAMA Network Open, researchers analyzed social media content from academic emergency medicine physicians and residents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and determined that there were thematic shifts and increases in language related to anxiety, anger, depression, and loneliness in that trying time frame. Read more.

If you would like to contribute information important to Residents, please contact Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org or call (302) 224-5183.

Don't Miss Out on Your Valuable Member Benefits!

As 2023 comes to a close and as you plan for 2024, consider the invaluable advantages of membership with the Medical Society of Delaware. MSD offers the opportunity for networking, collaboration, and growth that can significantly elevate your practice. From our exclusive networking events to resourceful business insights to serving on MSD and/or state Boards and Commissions representing MSD, MSD provides a supportive community to foster connections and increase opportunities. And don't forget that MSD provides its membership free CME opportunities! By making MSD an integral part of your 2024 strategy, you gain access to a wealth of resources and tailored support that can propel your practice in 2024.

To pay online, log in to the MSD website. If you have questions about your renewal, please contact Michelle Seymour, Membership Manager, at Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org or (302) 224-4905.

Confidential, Voluntary Questionnaire Developed to Capture Information

We continue to move the needle. We are now at 18% of our membership providing this information. The MSD Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is working to support a diverse physician workforce and inclusive organizational culture. Previously, MSD did not collect racial, ethnic, and gender information about 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-answer questionnaire has been developed and will take less than a minute to complete. Your information will remain confidential, however, it will be used in aggregate to assess the diversity of our membership, how that correlates with the diversity of our leadership and to understanding the diversity of the physician workforce in Delaware. Access the questionnaire.

MSD Relaunches it's Mentorship Program - Join the Fun!

The Committee on Membership’s ad hoc work group has relaunched MSD’s mentorship program. All are welcome. You will be paired with a physician who you will meet and connect with based on your desired timelines and desired level of engagement. This program is built for you! Opportunities for individual and group meet-and-greets, check-ins, and virtual and/or in person events are being planned for everyone. You will make a difference! Current members of this workgroup include: Raghda Bchech, MD; Jay Dave, DO; Nicole Kushner, DO & Cydney Teal, MD. For questions contact Michelle.Seymour@medscodel.org

Sign up to participate today! Click the survey link below or scan the QR code with your phone: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSDMentorProgram

"Kind to Kids" - Children, Teens in Foster Care Affected by Trauma

The Medical Society of Delaware (MSD) has selected Kind to Kids as our winter season charity fundraising beneficiary. Our goal is to raise $1,200 to help children and teens in foster care who are victims of child abuse and neglect. Your donation will provide direct support for a child in foster care. Kind to Kids is a foundation that helps meet the needs of children and teens in foster care who are deeply affected by the trauma in their lives. 100% of every dollar donated online will go directly to help a foster child during these difficult times. Please donate now and help us make a difference in the lives of these deserving kids. You can donate online at https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/5051939. Thank you for your support! 

No Newsletter the Week of December 25th

The MSD eNews and Views weekly newsletter will take a year-end break following the December 21st issue. The newsletter will resume with the January 4, 2024 issue. However, any high priority communications will be sent to the membership during the break.

Holiday Celebrations Ideal for Team Building

Holiday celebrations are one good opportunity to connect with colleagues and learn more about members of the team. Use celebrations throughout the year to improve team spirit: birthdays, work anniversaries, new team members, promotions, and retirements. You can also plan potlucks or hold a monthly rotation of events where one group, such as the nurses or doctors, cooks for the rest of the practice.

LEARN MORE:

Toolkit:

• Team Culture

Webinars:

• Building Well-Being Into Culture: The Sanford Clinician Experience
• Creating Processes for Intentional Professional Connection

AMA STEPS Forward^® offers a collection of engaging and interactive educational content designed to help put the joy back into medicine.

A Risk Analysis is Not a Gap Analysis

In September of 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR), entered into a resolution agreement with L.A. Care Health Plan. Included with the publication was the following statement from the director of OCR.  

“Breaches of protected health information by a HIPAA-regulated entity often reveal systemic, noncompliance with the HIPAA Rules,” said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. “HIPAA-regulated entities need to be proactive in ensuring their compliance with the HIPAA Rules, and not wait for OCR to reveal long-standing HIPAA deficiencies.”

Whether you are conducting your security risk analysis internally or outsourcing, make sure the process and content of your report meet the requirements outlined in the guidance provided by HHS. 

Merriam-Webster and Oxford's English Dictionaries Weigh In

As artificial intelligence rose in 2023, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary announced its word of the year for 2023 as "authentic." According to editor at large Peter Sokolowski, in 2023 there was a crisis of authenticity. When we question authenticity, we value it even more. The dictionary's team doesn't delve into the reasons people search for specific words, rather they chase the data on the lookup spikes and world events that correlate. There was no particularly huge boost at any given time, but a constancy to the increased interest in "authentic." We don't always trust what we see or hear anymore and are now recognizing that authenticity is a performance itself. Oxford's 2023 Word of the Year is "rizz," A Gen Z slang term derived from charisma, which went viral after actor Tom Holland claimed to have none and beating out candidates "Swiftie"(a Taylor Swift fan) and "prompt" (instructions given to artificial intelligence programs). Got rizz?

"Gaslighting" was the word of the year for 2022. In 2021, it was "anti-vaxxer." And in 2020, pandemic was declared the top word searched.

Hypothesis is Cinnamon is Source of Elevated Lead Levels

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the advisory of the Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels in Cinnamon Apple Puree Pouches. On Nov. 30, 2023, Austrofood, along with Wanabana USA, the distributor of WanaBana products in the United States, released a statement that reports that Wanabana has conducted a root cause investigation. Based on this investigation, the firm’s leading hypothesis to date is that the cinnamon is the source of the elevated lead levels in the recalled products. The statement released by Wanabana USA and Austrofood states that the cinnamon used to manufacture the recalled products was supplied by Negocios Asociados Mayoristas S.A., operating as Negasmart, a third-party distribution company located in Ecuador. The FDA is continuing to work with Ecuadorian authorities to investigate the source of the contamination and to determine if the cinnamon in the recalled products was used in other products or distributed as a raw ingredient to other countries. The FDA has confirmed that Negasmart does not import cinnamon directly into the U.S.  

Due to Failure to Detect Air in the Line

Eitan Medical, Ltd. is recalling the Sapphire MT Infusion Pump, Sapphire Epidural Infusion Pump, and Sapphire Plus Infusion Pump due to software issues in software version Rev 16.10. Pumps with this software version may fail to detect air in the line when running on battery power. In some cases, the pump may not sound an alarm to let people know there is air in the line. Failure to detect air in the line can lead to blockage in a blood vessel (embolism) causing complications such as unstable blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, or even death. There have been no reports of injury or death associated with this issue. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death.

Due to Compatibility Issues with Cardinal Health Monoject Syringes

Becton Dickinson (BD)/Carefusion 303 is recalling Alaris Infusion Pumps due to compatibility issues with Cardinal Health Monoject syringes. Use of incompatible syringe sizes and models with the BD Alaris Syringe and PCA Modules can impact syringe pump operation resulting in inaccurate fluid delivery, delayed generation of occlusion alarms, and other potential problems. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death. Please be aware, this recall is a correction, not a product removal.

Due to Potential Impact of Downstream Occlusions on Infusion Volume

Baxter International Inc. announced on Friday of last week that it has issued an Urgent Medical Device Correction for the Novum IQ syringe infusion pump. The Correction is due to the potential for an incomplete infusion following one or more downstream occlusion alarms. Baxter notified impacted customers in October and is developing a software upgrade to resolve the issue. There have been no reports of serious injury associated with this issue to date. Baxter has identified that after one or more downstream occlusion alarms occur on the Novum IQ syringe pump, the pump may display an “Infusion Complete” alarm despite fluid remaining in the syringe. This could lead to an underdose and/or interruption of therapy. The difference between the remaining volume to be infused displayed on the pump and the volume left in the syringe is dependent on the number of occlusion alarms encountered during an infusion and the size of the syringe being used.

Bayhealth

Beebe Healthcare

ChristianaCare

TidalHealth Nanticoke

Ralph S. Milner, MD

It is with sadness we share that MSD member Ralph S. Milner, MD passed away on December 3, 2023, due to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. A dedicated and brilliant physician, Dr. Milner was 76. Dr. Milner was a well-known and highly respected pediatric ophthalmologist for over forty years, practicing in Wilmington. Patients traveled from surrounding states to see him for his caring attention and highly skilled approach to care. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 10 at 3 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom, 1801 Baynard Boulevard in Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to Cure PSP. Read obituary.

Antonio C. Narvaez, MD

We also recognize the loss of MSD member Antonio C. Narvaez, MD who passed away at age 83 on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Upon graduating from The University of the East in the Philippines, Dr. Narvaez came to the United States in 1964 and completed his residency at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY. In 1968, he moved to Delaware and was mentored by Herman Rosenblum, MD who influenced and encouraged him to also become a geneticist. Dr. Narvaez was a pediatrician in Wilmington for many years and had his own private practice. He retired in 2007 and spent time pursuing his passion of sketching and drawing portraits, reconnecting with old friends, and spending time with his grandchildren who were his pride and joy. He was a member of St. John the Beloved Parish. Internment took place on December 5th. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dr. Narvaez may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Read obituary.

David D. Chen, MD - IM/Peds, ChristianaCare

Please join MSD in welcoming the newest members of the Medical Society of Delaware. As the third oldest medical society in the country, MSD has an amazing history. Thank you for taking part in our continued success!

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.

• Ellume tests available for those who are blind or have low vision (free at-home COVID-19 tests) https://acl.gov/accessibletests
• Find COVID-19 Vaccines: https://www.vaccines.gov/
• No Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator can help people find current community and pharmacy partners participating in the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program.
• 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
• Federal website for information on navigating COVID: COVID.gov
• CDC Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19
• COVID-19 Therapeutics Locator
• CDC COVID Data Tracker
• CDC will report regional-level test positivity data from the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS)
• COVID-19 by County Community Level Check (# hospital admissions and beds used and total number of new cases)
• (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)