Medical Society News

May 2021

Dear Dr. {Last Name},

SSVMS is passionate about physician well-being and addressing burnout. In our latest whitepaper, SSVMS found Sacramento is a great place for physicians to practice medicine. Compared to the national level, physicians in Sacramento experience a lower rate of burnout. Against an unprecedented healthcare crisis, physician wellness did not worsen but improved in 2020.   However, there is still work to be done. Joy of Medicine: A Regional Approach to Improving Physician Wellbeing sets forth several recommendations for medical groups, health systems and physician practices to implement so that our region can continue to enhance physician wellbeing. Find out more here.

Carol Kimball, MD, President

COVID-19 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, and Vietnamese. On the back of the button is a barcode that can be scanned for your patients to have immediate access to the FAQ cards. Button supply is limited and available only to SSVMS members.   SSVMS members can email Brandon Craig at bcraig@ssvms.org to order their free buttons.

Free PPE from SSVMS, CMA and CalOES

SSVMS has partnered with CMA and the State of California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) to offer PPE at no cost to physician practices and clinics. To place an order, access CMA’s PPE Relief Portal. Face masks, shields, hand sanitizer, N95 respirators, and more will be sent directly to your practice or clinic for a small shipping fee. Hurry while supply lasts!

Safe Pain Management Poster Campaign

As a partner in the Sacramento County Opioid Coalition, SSVMS is committed to reducing opioid overdose deaths. We have launched a poster campaign to spark conversation about safe pain management between patients and physicians.   Join our campaign by requesting a free poster for your clinic. Both English and Spanish versions of the poster are available in physical and digital forms.   Email mturner@ssvms.org to order your free posters.

New Program: Future of Medicine

2021 Virtual Summer Program June 21st through July 2nd Monday through Friday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm

The Future of Medicine is a free two-week summer program for local high school rising juniors and seniors sponsored by SSVMS. The program will provide insights and exposure to careers in healthcare. The virtual program features interactive talks from local healthcare leaders including medical office staff, technicians, medical assistants, nurses, public health officials, pharmacists, psychologists, dentists, and physicians.    The deadline to apply for the 2021 summer program is June 1, 2021. Spaces are limited. Help us encourage students to register today and build the future of medicine in the Sacramento region!

Make A Plan with Honoring Wishes

People often ask us when is the best time to document end of life care wishes. The short answer is: As soon as possible.    SSVMS is launching the Make A Plan campaign this summer as part of our Honoring Wishes program. The Make a Plan campaign is focused on assisting physicians with documenting how you wish to be treated and cared for when the time comes. SSVMS Honoring Wishes staff and volunteers will be on-site at hospitals and clinics to assist physicians with formalizing their advance care directives.    Interested in having a Make a Plan event at your hospital, clinic or medical practice? Contact Brandon J. Craig at bcraig@ssvms.org.

SSVMS Events

Webinar: Compassion Fatigue: Striking a Balance

Thursday, May 27, 2021 | 6:00-7:00 PM

Physicians will learn how to recognize compassion fatigue and how to push back against it. Taught by Counselor Julie Interrante, MA. CME accreditation pending.

Virtual Event: Balint Groups

Thursday, May 27, 2021 | 6:30pm-7:30pm

Balint groups meet regularly to present clinical cases, better understand the clinician-patient relationship, and enhance the clinician’s ability to connect with and sustainably care for the patient. This confidential and closed group of only physicians will meet for five, one-hour sessions every the fourth Thursday of each month. Register here!

NEW! Sacramento Physician Peer Group

Deanne Nyland, MD, Peer Group Host

Thursday, June 3, 2021 | 6:30pm-7:30pm

Meet monthly with a group of colleagues who understand and identify with what it means to be a physician. Hosted by Deanne Nyland, MD   Click here to see a list of all available physician peer groups.

CMA Events

Virtual Grand Rounds: COVID-19 in Pregnancy and Birth

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 | 12:00-1:30pm

See all upcoming CMA events here >>

Other Events

Webinar: Skills to Survive and Thrive in Private Practice

Thursday, May 6, 2021 | 12:00-1:00pm

Social Media Corner

SSVMS Photo Competition #JoyofPhotography   May is the national month of photography! Share with us the photos you've taken. Your photo may be featured in the July/August issue of SSV Medicine!  Email your entry to mturner@ssvms.org by May 30th!

Dr. Eric William's work featured in our magazine. Your photo may be featured in the next issue of SSV Medicine!   #JoyofPhotography JoyofMedicine ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

In the News

CDC says vaccinated individuals need to wear masks indoors and in crowded settings   CA legislature passes bill, physicians can deduct PPE from state income taxes   2% Medicare sequester cuts delayed through end of 2021   Insurance prior authorizations requirements not as relaxed as thought during COVID-19   Federal Government extends COVID-19 Public Health Emergency to July 19, 2021   Biden administration eliminates training requirement to treat Opioid Use Disorder   CoveredCA opens enrollment so patients can benefit from new stimulus subsidies   Enroll for DHCS fund for improvements to health information exchange systems by September   Read the CMA 2020 Annual Report

Joy of Medicine Corner

Joy of Medicine Wellness Checkup   Just as you put on your PPE before administering medical care, you should care for yourself before you care for others. SSVMS encourages you to schedule a 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.   Learn More>>

Joy of Medicine On Call Podcast Season 4 Episode 3

Married physicians, Dr. Leena Mehta and Dr. Anand Mehta are physicians, parents, and advocates for health policy reform and physician wellness. They share how they have supported each other while they both face the challenge of practicing medicine and raising children during a pandemic. They also share their personal tips for staying healthy through a plant-based diet.

Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine

Read the May/June Issue of Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine

SSVMS Annual Report

As 2020 continuously pivoted, SSVMS acted to support the medical community and the public at large. Check out how through our Annual Report!

Partners in Medicine

Recently, the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society rebranded our annual sponsorship program to be the Partners in Medicine. Although the name has changed, we’re excited to announce the support from these groups has remained steadfast: Diamond Level Cooperative of American Physicians NORCAL Group  Vitalant   Gold Level Ameriprise – Crumley & Associates UC Davis Health   Silver Level Maloof Law Group First Citizens   Bronze Level Jamie Baker & Company   Please consider these groups 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.

#JoyofPhotography| #JoyofMedicine | #SPIRITHeals