Keeping you Connected
to the Latest News, Policy
Developments and Events

SSV Medical Society News

SSVMS Medical Society News is a monthly e-bulletin from the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society (SSVMS) containing up-to-date information and breaking news on issues impacting physicians practicing in El Dorado, Sacramento and Yolo counties. To receive your free subscription, contact SSVMS at (916) 452-2671 or info@ssvms.org.

rss

SSV Medical Society News - 2021 - Volume 10 - Issue 12

 
Medical Society News
 
December 2021
 
Greetings!
With the year drawing to a close, I've had time to reflect on a chaotic year and the people who have been getting us through it. Without a doubt, some of the most important and impactful individuals this year have been our local public health officers:
 
  • Olivia Kasirye, MD - Sacramento County
  • Aimee Sisson, MD - Yolo County
  • Nancy Williams, MD - El Dorado County
  • Rob Oldham, MD - Placer County
 
Their dedication to health and safety has saved countless lives during the pandemic. Their hard work and passion has earned my eternal gratitude. Despite this, they have frequently found themselves as the focus of anti-vaccine and anti-mask activists who have been filling public comment with misinformation about the virus, the vaccine, and the efficacy of safety protocols. Perhaps more upsettingly, our public health officers haven't always had the support of the county supervisors, some of whom have used their platform to disseminate unfounded and unsupported conspiracy theories. Our public health officers need our firm and unequivocal support.
 
I ask you to attend your county's Board of Supervisors meetings to support the fact- and evidenced-based protocols recommended by the public health officers.
 
Public comment is typically 2-3 minutes per speaker. Most in attendance won't be convinced to change their ways. But we can still support facts, data, and evidence. We can still support science and medicine. We can still support our public health officers as they've worked to support us.
 
Please find the information on upcoming Board of Supervisors meetings in your county here:
 
Thank you for your consideration and thank you for supporting our wonderful public health officers!
 
Finally, as a personal note, I'd like to thank everyone I've had the pleasure of working with during my term as SSVMS President. We were able to accomplish a lot together in the face of significant barriers due to COVID. The work isn't done, however, and I look forward to continuing it as I transition to Immediate Past President.
 
Carol Burch, MD - SSVMS President
 
Apply to an SSVMS Committee or Volunteer Opportunity
Deadline: Mon, Dec 20
 
Interested in serving on an SSVMS Committee, renewing your commitment to an SSVMS Committee, or volunteering for one of SSVMS's unparalleled community programs? Apply today!
 
CalGrantVax Application Deadline Extended
New Deadline: Fri, Dec 17
 
As California continues its efforts to vaccinate all eligible residents against COVID-19, the state is offering providers up to $55,000 to support vaccination efforts. The application cycle has been extended to December 17, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. (PT) to allow CalVaxGrant applicants more time to begin and/or complete the myCAvax process. Funds are still first-come, first-served.
 
 
Private Practices:
Aid in the Future of Medicine as a Job-Shadow Host
Several Opportunities Available in 2022
 
After the success of our inaugural program, SSVMS is hosting the Future of Medicine again in 2022! In addition to the Summer Program, we'll also be hosting White Coat Week during Spring Break.
 
Please consider offering a student a chance to experience a career in healthcare first hand! We need professionals in healthcare to host students in a job-shadowing position in their place of work. Admitted students will observe only, and adhere to strict rules of confidentiality. 
 
White Coat Week Opportunities
Students will job-shadow over a four-day period from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
 
Spring Break Week I
Mon, Mar 14, 2022 -
Thu, Mar 17, 2022
 
Spring Break Week II
Mon, Apr 11, 2022 -
Thu, Apr 14, 2022
 
Summer Program Opportunities
Students will job-shadow over two days from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
 
Summer Session I
Mon, Jul 7, 2022
Fri, Jul 11, 2022
 
Summer Session II
Wed, Aug 3, 2022
Thu, Aug 4, 2022
 
Report Vaccine Adverse Event with HHS Reporting System
 
Healthcare providers are required to report adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination to VAERS. Learn more about the system and requirements at the HHS VAERS FAQ page.
 
New Affiliate Program with UserWay
 
Has your website been made ADA compliant? Do you know what steps need to be taken? Do you have time to figure that out? Do you know how much time and money it takes to address violations?
 
SSVMS has partnered with UserWay to provide you a resource to bring your website into compliance so you can focus your energy where it matters: your patients.
 
UserWay creates advanced website accessibility solutions that help ensure ADA compliance without refactoring your website's existing code.
 
UserWay is the #1 Web accessibility solution for WCHG & ADA compliance. 
  • Get compliant and stay compliant
  • The most powerful solution for lawsuit prevention and mitigation
  • Trusted by more than 1 million users including many fortune 100 companies.
 
SSVMS members qualify for a 15% discount off the regular rate. Please email info@ssvms.org to receive the code.
 
SSVMS Events
 
Registration Open!
SSVMS Honors Medicine Awards Night
Sat, Feb 26, 2022
 
SSVMS Honors Medicine Awards Night will be in-person! To ensure a safe event, all attendees must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
 
Join us for Dinner, Wine, and a Night of Magic in Medicine as We Honor Physicians Who Make a Difference in Our Community
 
Featuring Magician Kevin Blake as seen on
America's Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
 
Golden Stethoscope Award
JaNanh C. Scalapino, MD
 
Medical Community Service Award
SSVMS Alliance
 
Medical Honor Award
Gary S. Chu, MD
 
Special Recognition Award
Henry Go, MD
 
CMA Events
 
 
Other Events
 
Brought to you by The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP)
Thu, Dec 9 | 12:00pm-1:00pm
 
Sutter Health Virtual Grand Round
Wed, Dec 15 | 12:00pm-1:00pm
 
Brought to you by The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP)
Asynchronous recording
 
Membership Corner
 
Vanessa Walker, DO on the importance of SSVMS membership.
 
I'm a member because...
 
Share with us why you're an SSVMS member! Maybe it's because of SPIRIT, Joy of Medicine, the Museum of Medical History, the camaraderie of your fellow physicians, the practice assistance, or even just using Sammy the Skeleton for demonstrations.
 
Whatever your reason is, please share it with Brandon J. Craig at bcraig@ssvms.org.
 
SSVMS Campaigns and Programs
 
Make A Plan with Honoring Wishes
 
SSVMS invites all physicians and office staff to communicate your end-of-life-care wishes by completing an advance directive.
 
Honoring Wishes provides the Five Wishes advance directive to members at no cost. Don't make your family guess as to what you want or force them to make uncomfortable decisions. Completing this form will save a lifetime of pain for your friends and family by making it clear exactly what you want to happen.
 
Contact Marlee Turner at mturner@ssvms.org to get your advance directive today!
 
Honoring Wishes Quick Tips for Advance Care Planning
From Howard Homler, MD - Honoring Wishes Advisory Committee Member
 
When meeting with a patient about future care, before doing anything else, ask if they have already completed a living will or advanced care plans! If they have, get a copy for their file, and confirm that it fits with their desires.
 
COVID-19 Vaccine Community Letter
 
Over 700 local physicians have signed the plea for the community to be vaccinated. Read the letter here! (Spanish version available here.) Read what the Sacramento Bee had to say about it here.
 
Haven't signed yet? Message Brandon J. Craig at bcraig@ssvms.org to sign today!
 
COVID-19 Vaccine Buttons and FAQ Cards
 
SSVMS's "Got My Vaccine!" buttons promote vaccination and our digital FAQ cards include facts about the COVID-19 vaccine. Our FAQ cards are available at ssvms.org in English, Spanish, Russian, Hmong, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. The buttons have a barcode on the back that gives immediate access to the FAQ cards. Button supply is limited and available only to SSVMS members.
 
SSVMS members, to order your free buttons, email Brandon J. Craig at bcraig@ssvms.org.
 
Social Media Corner
 
There's no use in pretending: 2021 was a challenging year. But as we close it out, let's look back to see where we've been and all that we've accomplished.
 
Over the course of December, SSVMS will be sharing some of our successes from 2021 and we encourage you to do the same! What have you done, either professionally or personally, that you want to brag about? Tell us via e-mail (bcraig@ssvms.org) or by tagging us on social media!
 
#Reflections
 
In the News
 
Guide to Running an Independent Medical Practice
 
The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) created One Step Ahead: An Essential Guide for Running a Successful Independent Medical Practice to help you stay ahead of issues:
 
▪ Human Resources Compliance in the Age of COVID-19
▪ The Patient Experience and Your Bottom Line
▪ Managing the Billing Office
▪ Consent and Privacy in a Virtual World
▪ Standards for Proper Documentation
 
 
Guaranteed Life and Disability Insurance When You Join CAP
 
Did you know medical liability coverage from the Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) not only provides the best protection from malpractice lawsuits but also provides eligibility for new members to purchase $10,000 per month of disability insurance and up to $500,000 of life insurance – all guaranteed with no health exam required and at favorable rates? Plus you automatically receive additional coverages, such as cyber risk liability insurance, employment practices and administrative defense insurance, and more, all at no additional cost to you!
Take advantage of significant savings on your medical malpractice coverage, which includes telemedicine coverage and free tail coverage at retirement, and get the protection you need for your practice and your well-being.
 
 
Other no-cost benefits and services include:
  • Group purchasing program
  • One-on-one practice management consulting
  • Human resources support
  • Customized risk management resources and consultations
 
As a leading provider of superior medical malpractice coverage in California for more than 40 years, CAP remains committed to providing physicians with secure and affordable protection and relevant practice and risk management resources to help you run a safe and successful practice.
 
To learn more about becoming a CAP member, please contact Al Malasig at 650-543-2185 or via email at AMalasig@CAPphysicians.com
 
 
 
SSVMS encourages physicians to schedule a free resiliency consultation with one of our Joy of Medicine psychologists or life coaches. Every physician in the Sacramento region is eligible for up to six sponsored sessions with a provider of your choice.
 
 
Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine
 
Partners in Medicine
 
Please consider SSVMS's Partners in Medicine when in need of services. We look forward to continuing our important relationships with each of these Partners.
 
Medical Society News Sponsored By:
 
The Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society is dedicated to bringing together physicians from all modes of practice to promote the art and science of quality medical care and to enhance the physical and mental health of our entire community.
 
#Reflections | #JoyofMedicine | #SPIRITHeals