This Week is Loaded With Events to Recognize

National Women Physicians Day, also known as Women Physicians Day or Women in Medicine Day, is an annual observance held on February 3. This day honors the pioneering achievements and ongoing contributions of female physicians in the field of health care. It commemorates the trailblazing spirit of Elizabeth Blackwell, MD, who, in 1849, became the first American woman to earn a medical degree, paving the way for countless female doctors to follow. This week, be sure to acknowledge the vital roles that female physicians play in patient care, medical research and leadership within the health care field, enhancing the quality and accessibility of health care services. Their expertise and dedication continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of health care.

Groundhog Day is on Friday, February 2, 2024. Though not a federal holiday, Americans tune in to Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter weather. Are you bringing your kids to work this day to "shadow?" By the way, February 2nd is also Job Shadow Day.

National Wear Red Day also falls on Friday, February 2nd. Observed on the first Friday in February each year, Wear Red Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, particularly among women. This annual event encourages people to wear red clothing and accessories to show their support for heart health and to promote heart disease prevention. I wonder if we'll see Punxsutawney Phil in a red coat this year.

"African Americans and the Arts"

History.com indicates Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society—from activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks to leaders in industry, politics, science, medicine, culture and more. The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression." The Delaware General Assembly celebrated Black History Month a week early last week, calling attention to the leadership and achievements of African Americans and urging Delawareans to commemorate Black History Month.

MSD Lobbyist Presented with the DiSabatino Award

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) Annual Dinner took place on Monday, January 29th. It is the place to be in January for high level networking with business leaders, dignitaries and elected officials. MSD representatives had the opportunity to mingle with hundreds of colleagues, friends, and new acquaintances. The keynote speaker for this year was Hervé Hoppenot, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Incyte. The signature event is the presentation of the Josiah Marvel Cup, given this year to Gary R. Stockbridge. The Marvel Cup is awarded annually in honor of the memory of Josiah Marvel, who reorganized and was the first president of the modern-day State Chamber, 1913-1914. It was established by the State Chamber in 1951 to honor a Delawarean who has made an outstanding contribution to the state, community or society. As a tradition, the recipient of the Marvel Cup is kept secret until the night of the dinner.

To the delight of MSD, Robert L. "Bobby" Byrd was presented with the Dick DiSabatino Award. The DiSabatino Award, named for former DSCC Chair Richard DiSabatino, Sr. of EDiS construction, was established in the mid-1990s to recognize contributions to shape opinion and public policy in the state of Delaware. The honor was last presented in 2021 to legislator Margaret Rose Henry. Prior to that, the award was given to former State Representative Joseph G. DiPinto and to John H. Taylor Jr., executive director of the Delaware Public Policy Institute (DPPI). Bob Byrd heads up the lobbying firm Byrd/Gomes Group, which MSD has contracted with for its lobbying expertise. Congratulations, Bob! Well-deserved.

Speak Up for Medicare Reform

The American Medical Association (AMA) and more than 120 other national medical organizations and state medical societies called on Congress to pass legislation to reverse the 3.37% Medicare physician pay cuts that took effect January 1. But Congress continues to delay action, passing a continuing resolution (CR) that funds four appropriations bills through March 1 and the other eight through March 8 to avoid a government shutdown. While that CR did delay cuts to safety-net hospitals, community health centers and more, it did not reverse the physician pay cut. The AMA is fully behind the Preserving Seniors’ Access to Physicians Act of 2023, introduced in the House of Representatives. The measure, H.R. 6683, would cancel the entirety of the 3.37% cut, and a bipartisan group of nearly 200 members of Congress has co-signed a letter urging congressional leaders to expeditiously pass legislation to address the Medicare payment cuts. Physicians and patients can visit the AMA’s Fix Medicare Now website to write their congressional representatives to support this critical legislation. Continually updated with new content, the site contains all the resources you need to advocate on behalf of your practice and your patients, including:

• The ability to take action by emailing members of Congress
• A "share your story" feature
• Toolkits on how to be a more effective advocate on social media
• An interactive timeline that shows how we got here in the first place
• A patient reception-area flyer with a QR code where they can take action
• A robust resources page with background information, charts, advocates' letters to Congress and much more.

Unfortunately, the flawed Medicare physician payment system is not going to fix itself. It's going to take action from advocates like you to force Congress to do the right thing and address these very real and pressing issues. if Congress doesn't act soon, the most recent 3.37% percent cut that went into effect on January 1 will become permanent. 

Please join us in the fight to fix the broken Medicare payment system today by visiting Fix Medicare Now and let Congress know that America's physicians demand action before it's too late! 

Medicare physician payment is among the issues on the agenda at the 2024 AMA National Advocacy Conference, February 12–14 in Washington, D.C. MSD will have representatives attending this annual conference.

Potential Chromium Exposure

As MSD reported in the January 11, 2024, issue of MSD eNews and Views, CDC and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) are advising clinicians to consider the possibility of illness due to lead and chromium exposure in children due to consumption of recalled cinnamon applesauce that were found to have high levels of lead. Multiple lots of the reported products were tested and indicated the products contained extremely high levels of lead (WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches). FDA product testing has also identified high levels of chromium in cinnamon samples and the recalled apple cinnamon puree pouches.

As of January 19, 2024, CDC has received reports of 97 confirmed cases, 253 probably cases, and 35 suspected cases for a total of 385 cases from 42 different states. Of the states reporting cases, Delaware was not listed. Cases experienced signs and symptoms including headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, change in activity level, and anemia. Individuals with high blood lead levels may not be symptomatic and are identified through screening. Be familiar with CDC's testing recommendations for lead, indications for confirmatory testing, and recommended actions based on blood lead levels. CDC recommends a blood lead reference value (BLRV) of 3.5 µg/dL to identify children with blood lead levels that are higher than most. Mean chromium levels in the general US population are below limits of detection (LOD) in whole blood and urine, as reported in the CDC National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. There is no international consensus on a normal or acceptable range of chromium levels, and no established threshold at which toxicity occurs. All Delaware physicians and other health care professionals should report suspected lead poisoning to DPH Office of Lead Poisoning Prevention by emailing HSPContact@Delaware.gov.

Plan to Join Your Colleagues at the Smyrna Opera House

Save the Date! for the MSD 2024 Interim Council Meeting to be held on Thursday, April 18th at the Smyrna Opera House, located at 7 W. South St., Smyrna, DE. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with sign-in and a half-hour cocktail social, followed by the Interim Council business meeting beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. As a member of MSD, this event affords you the opportunity to connect with your peers and meet new colleagues, all the while enjoying fine food and beverage at a historic Delaware location!

If you are interested in serving as a Council member, please contact Mary LaJudice, Senior Director of Corporate Services at (302) 224-5183 or email Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org.

Consider submitting a resolution. Resolutions are a vehicle to submit to Council your issues for change. Learn more about writing a resolution from the MSD Resolution Writing Guide or the brief training video developed. Resolution submission deadline is Friday, April 5th. Please email resolutions to Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org. Watch for more information about registration and plan to attend this year.

CDC Reminder of Recommendations for Seasonal Administration

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend the RSV vaccination (Pfizer Abrysvo) for pregnant people during 32–36 weeks gestation using seasonal administration to protect infants against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) after birth. In most of the continental United States, the RSV vaccine should be given to pregnant people from September 1 through January 31, regardless of year-to-year circulation, when infants would be born during increased RSV activity, and when the vaccination would provide the most benefits to the infant against RSV-associated LRTD after birth. Health care professionals who administer the RSV vaccine to pregnant people after January 31 should encourage patients to check with their insurance plans on coverage details, as coverage and cost-sharing by private insurance plans may vary after January 31. Physicians should consider submitting an insurance test claim to estimate out-of-pocket costs.

CDC recommends protecting all infants against RSV-associated LRTD through either the RSV vaccine for pregnant people (Pfizer Abrysvo) or infant receipt of nirsevimab. Administration of both products is not needed for most infants. For infants age less than 8 months born to unvaccinated mothers, health care professionals should administer nirsevimab from October 1 through March 31; however, health care professionals can administer nirsevimab outside of this timeframe based on local epidemiology.

Last week, CDC advised of reports of Abrsyvo and Arexvy RSV vaccines being administered in error to young children (refer to the January 25th issue of the MSD eNews and Views).

Urging Public to Get Vaccinated

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced on Tuesday six suspected flu-related deaths for the 2023-2024 influenza season. The first recorded death of the season was in December. All decedents were over the age of 55 with one reportedly up to date on their flu vaccination. Three of the decedents were New Castle County residents, two were Sussex County residents and one was a Kent County resident.

Getting the annual flu vaccine is important for all people ages 6 months and older to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death that can result from the flu virus. Hospitalization and death from the flu can occur in previously healthy individuals, though persons with underlying health conditions are at significantly increased risk for serious outcomes. Visit the Influenza Dashboard on the My Healthy Community website for statistical reporting. The dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays at the state and county level, and monthly for other geographies. DPH is reminding the public that it is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu.

OCR Clarifies Obligations to Ensure Religious Non-Discrimination in Patient Visitation

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidance to U.S. hospital and long-term care facility administrators, reminding organizations of their independent obligations under Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations to ensure that facility visitation policies, including during a public health emergency, do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of religion; as well as their obligation not to discriminate on other protected bases under federal civil rights laws, against patients or other individuals receiving care. HHS committed to providing this guidance as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. Under CMS regulations, hospitals, long term care facilities, and critical access hospitals, are prohibited from restricting, limiting, or otherwise denying visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability and are required to have written visitation policies, procedures, and practices regarding such prohibitions. OCR enforces the bar on religious discrimination in these regulations. Civil rights laws also prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, and disability in certain federally funded programs and activities. These laws may also prohibit restrictions on visitation in some circumstances. To help health care facilities understand their obligations, OCR is providing guidance titled FAQs on Patient Visitation at Certain Federally Funded Entities and Facilities. This guidance provides examples demonstrating the importance of considering the religious needs of patients and other individuals when implementing visitation policies and procedures.

With this recently issued guidance, OCR is offering a webinar video conference via https://zoomgov.com (Zoom for government) on Tuesday, February 6 at 2 pm ET to learn about the concerning reports to HHS to lead to this guidance and hear what faith leaders need to know about patients’ rights while receiving care. HHS is committed to providing this guidance as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. To register, click here.

Policies Would Continue to Ensure Strength, Stability of MA & Part D Programs

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Advance Notice for the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Programs that would update payment policies for these programs. The Advance Notice complements a proposed rule, also for CY 2025, that CMS released in November 2023 that would, if finalized, strengthen protections for the millions of people who rely on MA and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. The Advance Notice proposes annual updates to MA payment growth rates and changes to the MA and Part D payment methodologies to improve payment accuracy. MA payments from the government to MA plans are expected to increase on average by 3.70 percent, or over $16 billion, from 2024 to 2025, as proposed. CMS is also detailing improvements to the structure of the Medicare Part D drug benefit for CY 2025 that will result in lower drug costs for millions of people with Medicare through the concurrent release of the Draft CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, in 2025, annual out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000 for people with Medicare Part D. The Advance Notice and the Draft CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions are open for public comment, and CMS will accept comments through 6:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, March 1, 2024. The CY 2025 Rate Announcement and the CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions will be published no later than April 1, 2024.

• CY 2025 Advance Notice
• A fact sheet of the CY 2025 Advance Notice
• Draft CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions
• Fact sheet of the provisions of the Draft CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions

DOI: Another Banner Year for Consumer Protection, Insurer Competition

In 2023, the Delaware Department of Insurance’s 101 team members served Delaware residents and seniors, attracted new companies, oversaw expansions of coverage and enhanced competition, and contributed substantial funds to the state. Data released on Monday this week details how each team contributed to Delaware’s strong insurance environment. Some of the high level accomplishments that were noted include:

• Record-setting Open Enrollment in the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace
• A new carrier to the Marketplace in 2023
• Annual primary care investment projected an increase
• Substantial funding to the state 
• Support for consumers and participation in outreach events
• Commissioner elected Chair of the Northeast Zone of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
• Decrease in workers' compensation insurance rates
• Launch of Delaware Captives 2.0, with 43 new captives licensed

Multinational Marketing Firm Publicis' Role in Opioid Epidemic

Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced a $350 million national settlement with Publicis Health to resolve investigations into the global marketing and communications firm’s role in the prescription opioid crisis. Delaware will receive over $1.5 million from the settlement to help address the opioid crisis. In agreeing to the terms of the settlement, Publicis recognized the harm its conduct caused, and the agreement will give Delaware’s communities hit hardest by the opioid crisis more financial support for treatment and recovery, building lasting infrastructure, and saving lives. The company will also disclose on a public website thousands of internal documents detailing its work for opioid companies like Purdue Pharma and will stop accepting client work related to opioid-based Schedule II or other Schedule II narcotics. 

In a separate announcement, Attorney General Jennings announced a $150 million multistate settlement in principle with opioid manufacturer Hikma Pharmaceuticals for its role in fueling the opioid crisis. Hikma produces a range of branded and generic opioid products and sells hundreds of millions of opioid doses every year. From 2006 to 2021, Hikma failed to monitor and report suspicious opioid orders from potentially illegal distributors, even while its personnel knew their systems to monitor suspicious orders were inadequate and prone to failure. The settlement will provide $115 million in cash and $35 million in opioid addiction treatment medication to resolve claims brought by states and local communities against Hikma. States that do not accept the medication will receive cash in lieu of product.

Increasing the Quality of Care for More People with Medicare

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced increased participation in CMS’ accountable care organization (ACO) initiatives in 2024, which will increase the quality of care for more people with Medicare. For 2024, the ACO Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Health (ACO REACH) Model has 122 ACOs with 173,004 health care professionals and organizations providing care to an estimated 2.6 million people with Traditional Medicare. This model has 1,042 Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, and Critical Access Hospitals participating in 2024 — more than a 25% increase from 2023. Increasing the number and reach of ACOs in underserved communities will help close racial and ethnic disparities that have been identified among people with Traditional Medicare in accountable care relationships. For 2024, the Kidney Care Choices (KCC) Model includes 123 Kidney Contracting Entities and CMS Kidney Care First Practices, which are accountable for the quality and care of their aligned people with Medicare. The KCC Model has more than 9,227 participating health care professionals and organizations, a 10% increase from 2023, serving 282,335 people with Medicare who have chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease in 2024. Additionally, CMS announced that 19 newly formed accountable care organizations in the Medicare Shared Savings Program are participating in a new permanent payment option beginning in 2024 that is enabling these ACOs to receive more than $20 million in advance investment payments for caring for underserved populations. An additional 50 ACOs are new to the program in 2024, and 71 ACOs renewed their participation, bringing the total to 480 ACOs now participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, the largest ACO program in the country.

Explains the Meaning of Value-Based Care, Why VBC Is Important

As part of Health Care Value Week, CMS Innovation Center Director Liz Fowler announced the launch of the Value-Based Care Spotlight. The new site aims to enhance understanding of value-based care (VBC) as a cornerstone of transforming health care with helpful information for both the public, physicians, and other health care professionals. In value-based care, physicians and other health care professionals work together to manage a person's overall health, while considering an individual's personal health goals. The “value” in value-based care refers to what an individual values most. Value-Based Care Spotlight features Patient & Provider Voices, real-world stories that show the meaningful impact VBC has had. Visit the Value-Based Care Spotlight website regularly for new content to be added in 2024.

Total Hip, Total Knees Replacement to Align with AAOS Updates

The Joint Commission revised requirements for its advanced disease-specific care certification for total hip and total knee replacement (THKR) effective July 1, 2024. The changes are in response to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) updated clinical practice guidelines for knee replacement that were released in December 2022. The Joint Commission’s THKR requirements were revised to align with the updated AAOS guidelines.

Apply to Become a Fellow - Deadline is Friday, March 15th

The AMA Center for Health Equity seeks applicants for the Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship program’s 2024-2025 cohort. Application deadline is March 15, 2024. The fellowship runs from September 2024 - November 2025.

The Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship is a collaborative educational initiative designed to enhance physicians’ advocacy leadership skills to improve health outcomes and advance health equity in the areas they serve or may serve. Using an anti-racist, equity-centered learning framework, the fellowship will provide a mentoring and training platform that will equip participants with the foundational skills, tools and knowledge to engage in institutional and political health advocacy. 

Started in 2021, in collaboration with the Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), the fellowship mobilizes physicians to be part of the next generation of advocacy leaders, driving meaningful policy and structural changes that produce equity and justice in the communities they serve. The AMA-SHLI Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship is a unique, first of its kind post-doctoral fellowship open to all physicians and residents who have a demonstrated interest in health equity and health advocacy.

Join the third cohort of health equity-rooted physicians committed to closing the detrimental health gap impacting so many lives. Learn more and apply.

Membership Renewal Was Due January 1, 2024

MSD membership renewals were due as of January 1, 2024. A reminder notice was mailed this week to those who have not yet remitted payment. Please call if you would like to set up installment payments or if your practice hours have decreased, as you may be eligible for a reduced dues rate. You can also conveniently submit payment online (login required). Your membership is important, and MSD is here to help. Contact Michelle Seymour at Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org or (302) 224-4905.

News Specific for Resident Members

Penny for Your Thoughts

MSD is gathering information about our Resident members. If you are open to sharing, please complete the information by clicking the link below and let us know your thoughts about events and things you'd like to see this year!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXqCeDzs1lki1nN5DUDLZsWlByanHvBgdCRNDTytyAktVJAw/viewform?usp=sf_link

MSD Free Lecture Series

Please consider joining the MSD Free Lecture series on Wednesday at the Ammon Center in Christiana Hospital in Newark! This is a great opportunity to listen to some wonderful speakers and promote awareness for issues in Delaware. Register for one or more of the presentations in the lecture series.

• March 6^th, Bullying/Suicide Prevention by Sean’s House
• March 13^th, Violence Intrude Preparedness by Detective Chris Nicholson from DE State Police
• Mach 20^th, Screening of the “HAZING” film by Byron Hurt followed by Q&A with Dr. Mark Borer
• March 27^th, Feel Great and Have Fun with Food and Nutrition presented by Dr. David Donohue, MD



Under-represented in Medicine Pre-Med Symposium

Christiana Care has partnered with the Harrington Trust to develop a regional event for pre-medical students who identify as underrepresented in medicine. Please see flyer for more information or if you know of medical students who may be interested. If you are interested to attend as a resident volunteer, please email Brittany Cavanaugh at brittany.cavanaugh@christianacare.org. Please note, resident volunteer positions are open to Christiana Care residents. 

According to Research, It Depends on Where You Train

How far will your money go during residency? For residency applicants weighing their options ahead of the February 28 deadline for submitting a rank-order list, that question might be top of mind. It’s a question that medical students at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences attempted to shed some light on in a research poster presented at the 2023 AMA Interim Meeting in November. The poster examined PGY-1 salaries from integrated plastic surgery residency programs across the U.S and compared them with cost-of-living data. The research’s findings, which can be broadly applied across residency training institutions, were that rather than having the highest salary, geography played a bigger factor in surplus income. While starting salary may be an incentive residency applicants consider in where they want to train, it is a flawed metric. The research found that first-year integrated plastic surgery residents had an average starting salary of $65,003. The average surplus income, defined as PGY-1 salary minus cost of living, for those residents was $23,632. Residents who trained in areas with lower cost of living had lower salaries, but they also had a higher surplus income. Read more.

Care Teams On the Go

Research shows health at home programs offer increased care capacity, reduced costs and increased patient satisfaction. Organizations building successful health at home programs must develop a mobile workforce—a team who feels confident and comfortable with the in-home experience. Some best practices to use include providing the team with safety training, expanding screening protocols for employees, and equipping the care team with an emergency alert device.

LEARN MORE:

Resource:

The State of Health at Home Models: Key Considerations and Opportunities

Webinar:

Delivering Health at Home Through Innovation and Tech

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

Mastering MIPS in 2024

The static environment presents both advantages and drawbacks, allowing practitioners to focus on refining strategies, but also prompting worries about increased competition and MIPS fatigue. To navigate this, the MIPS Masterclass provides tips for a penalty-free 2024, emphasizing the importance of knowing your score, choosing categories wisely, being data-savvy, fostering teamwork, staying informed, and keeping patient care at the forefront.

Key Takeaways:

• Stability in Performance Threshold: The MIPS quality-improvement program maintains a performance threshold of 75%
• Opportunities for Improvement: With a static performance bar, practitioners can focus on refining quality-boosting strategies, perfecting systems, and enhancing patient care without the pressure of adapting to new challenges.
• Strategic Approach: Despite concerns about potential stagnation, the static threshold offers strategic advantages, such as the ability to plan moves, experiment with new quality initiatives, and collaborate with colleagues to level up MIPS performance.

Click here to read the full Chirpy Bird blog post.

The Roots of WWII Are in Health and Public Health

The Nazis’ efforts to eliminate anyone who didn’t fit into their vision of racial purity were enabled by medical professionals and medical programs in Germany—and, long before, in the U.S. In an interview, American Medical Association (AMA) member Matthew K. Wynia, MD, MPH, professor of medicine and public health and director of the Center for Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Colorado in Aurora, explored why the medical profession’s role in the Holocaust is essential learning for medical students in the 21st century. Dr. Wynia, who previously directed the AMA Institute for Ethics, is co-director of the AMA Truth, Reconciliation, Healing and Transformation Task Force. He also co-edited an issue of the AMA Journal of Ethics, “Legacies of the Holocaust in Health Care,” which explores why medical participation in the Holocaust still matters, how to respond to information gathered in Nazi experiments, and related ethical questions. The matter takes on new importance in light of Economist/YouGov survey results indicating that one-fifth Americans 18–29 years old believe the Holocaust was a myth. Read more.

The Center for Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Colorado presented programming in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 29th. Dr. Wynia, Center Director, presented How Healers Became Killers: The Legacy of Nazi Health Professionals in the Nazi Era for Contemporary Bioethics. Learn how this history changed medicine and research and why it still matters today by watching the program video (60 minutes).

Information on Recent Product Recalls

Contaminated Copycat Eyedrops

FDA is warning consumers not to purchase or use South Moon, Rebright or FivFivGo eye drops because of the potential risk of eye infection. These are copycat eye drop products that consumers can easily mistake for Bausch + Lomb’s Lumify brand eye drops, an over-the-counter product approved for redness relief. South Moon, Rebright and FivFivGo eye drops are unapproved drugs and should not be available for sale in the U.S. They claim to treat eye conditions such as glaucoma, which is treated with prescription drugs or surgery. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately. FDA recommends consumers properly discard these products.

Jeffrey Hawtof, MD

The Beebe Medical Foundation gathered at the historic home of Dr. Richard Beebe to celebrate and confer its 2023 Physician Philanthropy Award to Jeffrey Hawtof, MD, FAAFP. Every year, this award is presented to a Beebe physician who has been recognized by grateful patients, actively refers patients to the Foundation, is a member of the 1916 Club or active donor to the health care system, who attends Foundation events and participates in speaking opportunities in the community to encourage philanthropy, or belongs to a physician group that supports Beebe with sponsorships. Dr. Hawtof has always encouraged others to consider investing in their local nonprofit community health care system, especially for Medical Education. He meets with many of Beebe Healthcare's donors to the R. Randall Rollins Center for Medical Education to learn how they can give toward the Family Residency Program and help the medical students. Dr. Hawtof joined Beebe’s medical staff in 1998. He completed his medical school training at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia and his residency in family medicine at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Va. A true leader, Dr. Hawtof, is a past Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Beebe Healthcare and currently serves as both the Director of Provider Information Technology and the Director of Medical Education for Beebe Healthcare. His emphasis and focus on Beebe’s new R. Randall Rollins Center for Medical Education has been critical to the launch of the program. A practicing physician, Hawtof is board certified in family medicine, a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and sees patients at Beebe Primary Care Rehoboth. Congratulations, Dr. Hawtof! Pictured from left to right, William Chasanov, DO; Bhaskar Palekar, MD; Jeffrey Hawtof, MD; and Katie Johnson, DO.

Imelyn Lahey, MD - Diamond State Primary Care, LLC

Alice Y. Wang, MD - Brandywine Urology Consultants

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!

Churchill C. Franklin, MD

It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of MSD member, Churchill C. Franklin, MD, who passed away on January 21 at the age of 93. Dr. Franklin received his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving with the 2nd Marine Corp based at Camp Lejeune, NC. After completing his military service, he settled in Wilmington, DE then he and his family moved to Newark in 1960 to open his family medicine practice. Dr. Churchill retired from practice in 1992. Service was held on February 1st with a private burial. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Read obituary.

Ali Kalamchi, MD

We also recognize the loss of MSD member Ali Kalamchi, MD, who passed away on January 29 at the age of 78. Dr. Kalamchi was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and was the eldest and head of the family from the beginning. He was a self-trained nationally-ranked 100m sprinter who was set to run in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City before Iraq curtailed participation for political reasons. Following his father’s wishes, he declined a scholarship to MIT to remain in Baghdad and pursue a combined university and medical school degree. Dr. Kalamchi sought a better life abroad, spending the next several years honing his craft as an Orthopedic Surgeon with specialized fellowships in London, Toronto, Edinburgh, and Hong Kong. In 1977, his career brought him to the A.I. DuPont Institute for Children in Wilmington. He was a decorated and distinguished surgeon whose career accolades were only rivaled by his running trophies. During a brief sojourn to Cleveland, Ohio, he was both the Chief of Pediatric Orthopedics at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and the Chief of Orthopedics at Case Western Reserve University Hospital. Upon returning to Wilmington in 1985, he built a thriving private practice. For over a decade, Ali was also a Board Examiner for the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons. Friends may call on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike (Rt. 202 South of Silverside Road), Wilmington, DE 19803 where a service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow. Burial will be private. Additional parking will be available at the Brandywine YMCA rear parking area with a connecting path to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America: https://alzfdn.org/donate/ in honor of Dr. Ali Kalamchi. To send condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com. Read obituary.

Bayhealth Hospital

Beebe Healthcare

ChristianaCare

February 10 - ChristianaCare's Under-Represented in Medicine Pre-Med Symposium, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., John H. Ammon Education Center, Christiana Care Newark Campus.

February 11-13 - Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health 7th Annual Meeting, presented virtually and in person in Arlington, VA on February 11-12, with in-person Congressional visits on February 13.

February 22 - Frank M. and Robert R. Hoopes Medical/Dental Lecture 2024, 6-8:30 p.m., John H. Ammon Medical Education Center, ChristianaCare Newark Campus. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.

March 5 - 2024 State of the State Address by Governor Carney, 2:00 p.m., House of Representatives Chamber in Legislative Hall. The event will be livestreamed on de.gov/sots and on the Governor's YouTube channel.

March 9 - 28th Annual Diabetes Update, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., John H. Ammon Education Center, ChristianaCare Newark Campus. Registration deadline March 1st. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 4.75 AMA PRA Category 1 credit/4.75 ABIM MOC.

March 15 - 6th Biennial Perinatal Palliative Care Symposium: Aspects of Trauma in Perinatal Palliative Care, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., John H. Ammon Education Center, ChristianaCare Newark Campus. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 5.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.

April 13 - SAVE THE DATE! Delaware Academy of Family Physicians Annual Meeting, Bayhealth SIM Center, Dover.

April 17 - 18th Annual Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium Summit, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Chase Center on the Riverfront.

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.

• 2024 Adult Immunization Schedule (for ages 19 years or older) - www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html (includes new recommendations for RSV vaccine, Mpox vaccine, and pentavalent meningococcal vaccine)

• 2024 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule (for ages 18 years or younger) -https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html (includes new recommendations for RSV vaccine, RSV monoclonal antibody, Mpox vaccine, 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and pentavalent meningococcal vaccine)

• Information for from the My Healthy Community Website (updated on Thursdays) - https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/portals/flu/locations/state/seasons/2023-2024/overview
• Find a Flu Shot

• Information for Delaware Medical Professionals - https://publichealthalerts.delaware.gov/mpox/

• Updates to Clinical Testing Guidance Algorithms - CDC has updated several testing guidance pages for patients with acute respiratory illness (1) not being hospitalized, (2) being hospitalized, and (3) hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses are co-circulating. Clinicians can use these updated resources to inform clinical decision making. (12/8/2023)
• 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 uninsured people (or those adults without full vaccine insurance coverage) who are symptomatic or exposed 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)