2019-2020 MSMA Council Meeting Highlights
Contact MSMA's Executive Vice President Patrick Mills or call 800-869-6762.
Meeting of July 2020 - Via Teleconference
Your MSMA Council met by videoconference for the July 2020 meeting due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Your MSMA Council met by videoconference for the July 2020 meeting due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Advocacy and membership are MSMA’s priorities. Advocacy outreach, accomplished with virtual meetings across the state, will inform members and nonmembers how MSMA is representing physicians, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. See schedule on page 1. The MSMA lobby team is also available to present to local societies, medical staffs, and other physician groups. Contact Shantel Dooling (shantel@msma.org) to schedule a meeting.
- We also continue to offer advocacy meetings by communicating directly with chief medical officers at hospitals since they employ about half of the physicians in the state.
- MSMA was one of more than 260 supporting organizations in favor of Medicaid expansion, voted on and passed on August 4.
- MSMA has signed on with ActionPPE, which offers physicians a reliable source of personal protective equipment.
- Your Association is continuing to conduct informational calls with Randall Williams, MD, Director of Missouri DHSS on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m.
- #MaskUpMO is a social media campaign initiated by MSMA. MSMA has sent a letter to Governor Parson, co-signed by the Missouri Nurses Association, asking him to consider a mask requirement. A downloadable #MaskUpMO poster is available on MSMA’s website.
- MSMA continues to work with Arizona and Wisconsin in developing an Association Health Plan to be in place by January.
- Mark your calendars for MSMA’s White Coat Day, scheduled for March 2, 2021.
- George Hruza, MD, stated that this is an unusual year to be MSMA President, as his travel has been limited. He is optimistic that he will be able to travel in his role as MSMA President before his year is over. With MSMA’s support, Dr. Hruza has been working with the IMG section to support federal visa legislation that would help bring physicians to underserved areas in Missouri.
- New websites have been created for promoting free membership to residents and students. There is also a new member-to-member forum, which utilizes slack.com. For further information, please contact Haley Wansing (hwansing@msma.org).
- MSMA personnel and members have delivered lunch for frontline COVID workers through our DocPlates program on a request basis.
- Membership dues for Active Members ($395) and Young Physician Members ($100, $200 and $300 in the first, second and third years of practice, respectively) will be maintained for 2021. The Council approved increasing Honor Member dues to $100 and Affiliate Member dues to $150.
- Resolutions #2 through #12 were referred to Council due to the cancellation of the 2020 Annual Convention. You can find them at www.msma.org/resolution-actions.
- The next Council meeting will be October 17, 2020.
Meeting of January 2020- Jefferson City
The MSMA Council met via conference call for its January 11, 2020, Meeting due to inclement weather. Below are the highlights.
Advocacy
Ravi Johar, MD, reported that MSMA staff have read 1,500 bills and are following 400 bills that affect healthcare. He encouraged members to sign up for Physician of the Day, and to consider allowing a medical student to shadow. White Coat Day at the Capitol will be March 3, 2020. Phone2Action is a good tool for physicians to connect with legislators. Currently, there are 120 physicians signed up.
The Council approved that Resolution #1, which addresses the issue of tackle football below high school age, not be adopted. Members were also updated on the E/M coding revision and Texas v. Azar challenge to the ACA.
Other updates included marketing efforts, membership outreach, Medicaid expansion, and a healthcare collaboration with Missouri Hospital Association.
James DiRenna, Jr., DO, MSMA President, reported on his travels throughout the state, as well as other states. He encouraged members to keep in touch with their legislators. MSMA’s Annual Legislative Award be presented to Representative Robert Ross and Senator Bill White. The MSMA Constitution and Bylaws will be changed to reflect the addition of the Women Physicians Section, which was added at the 2019 Annual Convention.
Annual Convention and CME
The Actions and Resolutions from the 2019 Annual Convention can be found online at msma.org/annual-convention. Peggy Barjenbruch, MD, outlined general session topics for the upcoming Annual Convention including Vaping, Science of CBD, Stop the Bleed, Artificial Intelligence, and Missouri Medicaid. The report also reviewed recent accreditation decisions. Betty Drees, MD, reported on the restructuring of the Annual Convention. A proposal will be presented at the July MSMA Council meeting.
MSMA Insurance Agency
George Hubbell, MD, reported that the agency continues to meet member needs, urged them to utilize the agency for any insurance coverage, and encourage their colleagues to do likewise. The Council also discussed the status of MPM-PPIA/Physician Standard Insurance Company.
Physicians Health Program
Bill Woods, MD, offered the report as Chair of the Physicians Health Committee. Due to the resignation of Executive Director Bob Bondurant as of December 31, 2019, Acting Executive Director Mary Fahey has been named Bob’s replacement. The organization chart has been changed so that the Physicians Health Committee will oversee the operations of the MPHP; the finances will be overseen by the MSMA EVP, both will report to the Physicians Health Foundation board.
Dr. Woods outlined the Safe Haven system that is used in some states, which would allow those seeking voluntary help from MPHP from reporting this to the Board of Healing Arts, as long as they are actively involved in the program. MPHP staff will research the issue and come up with recommendations to be presented at the next Council and the Physicians Health Foundation board.
Membership
Joseph Corrado, MD, reported that the Committee had met on January 7 via conference call. He reviewed current membership numbers, the results of the Councilor-signed recruitment letters, recent advocacy events, and other marketing strategies. Staff will be connecting with hospital Chief Medical Officers. He encouraged everyone to sign up for the Advocacy App Phone2Action.
Publications
The Council gave its approval of Missouri Medicine’s 52-member Editorial Board to serve in 2020. The Editorial Board provides peer-review and submits articles to the Journal.
Alliance
Gill Waltman reported on the fall conference in Hannibal in October. She thanked all who contributed to the 2019 Alliance Holiday Sharing Card, which raised over $3,200. Sue Ann Greco, St. Louis, will be installed as AMA Alliance President next June.
AMA Report
Elie Azrak, MD, reported that the delegation represented Missouri at the AMA interim meeting in San Diego in November. A resolution put forth at the 2018 MSMA Annual Convention resulted in a change in AMA policy, which addressed the inclusion of health system science subjects in medical curricula and LCME accreditation. AMA members are encouraged to read and comment on resolutions, which can be accessed online.
Reports of Councilors – Selected
District 3
I.J. Singh, MD, reported that the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society will install Jason Skyles, MD, as the 2020 SLMMS President. Four physicians were presented with awards, including Sam Page, MD, who received the Schlueter Award and Bill Huffaker, MD, who received the President’s Award. Dr. Singh also offered an update on the Choosing Wisely program.
District 5
Lisa Thomas, MD, reported that the Boone County Medical Society had a successful residency forum in October. They will be offering a second session on financial, legal and insurance issues for medical students and residents. BCMS held its annual installation of officers and gala on February 1. The BCMS Alliance has been reorganized under the direction of Mary Katherine Heimburger and Donna Corrado, and will be renamed as Central Missouri Medical Alliance. The BCMS board approved a contribution to the MPHP in 2019.
District 8
Matt Stinson, MD, reported that the Greene County Medical Society held a medical marijuana discussion led by Lyndall Fraker of DHSS. Kayce Morton, DO, will be taking over the GCMS presidency. Dr. Hover expressed his appreciation for the social and recruiting events hosted by the Alliance.
District 9
Lirong Zhu, MD, reported that David Barbe, MD, had been named the President-Elect of the World Medical Association. She stated that new members had joined at Mercy Clinic-Rolla and Phelps Health, and they anticipate more new members in the coming months. They are seeking to fill the vacancy of Vice Councilor-District 9.
Women Physicians Section
Joanne Loethen, MD, reported that they have had three conference call meetings since inception of the new section. They will have an information mixer on Friday, April 3, in St. Louis during the Annual Convention. They are looking at having networking events across the state in 2020.
Medical Student Section
Scott Berndt reported that two legislative bills are proceeding in support of the resolution that the MSMA Council passed at AC 2019 regarding adverse events suffered by children of incarcerated parents, which was sponsored by the Medical Student Section.
The MSMA Council met via conference call for its January 11, 2020, Meeting due to inclement weather. Below are the highlights.
Advocacy
Ravi Johar, MD, reported that MSMA staff have read 1,500 bills and are following 400 bills that affect healthcare. He encouraged members to sign up for Physician of the Day, and to consider allowing a medical student to shadow. White Coat Day at the Capitol will be March 3, 2020. Phone2Action is a good tool for physicians to connect with legislators. Currently, there are 120 physicians signed up.
The Council approved that Resolution #1, which addresses the issue of tackle football below high school age, not be adopted. Members were also updated on the E/M coding revision and Texas v. Azar challenge to the ACA.
Other updates included marketing efforts, membership outreach, Medicaid expansion, and a healthcare collaboration with Missouri Hospital Association.
James DiRenna, Jr., DO, MSMA President, reported on his travels throughout the state, as well as other states. He encouraged members to keep in touch with their legislators. MSMA’s Annual Legislative Award be presented to Representative Robert Ross and Senator Bill White. The MSMA Constitution and Bylaws will be changed to reflect the addition of the Women Physicians Section, which was added at the 2019 Annual Convention.
Annual Convention and CME
The Actions and Resolutions from the 2019 Annual Convention can be found online at msma.org/annual-convention. Peggy Barjenbruch, MD, outlined general session topics for the upcoming Annual Convention including Vaping, Science of CBD, Stop the Bleed, Artificial Intelligence, and Missouri Medicaid. The report also reviewed recent accreditation decisions. Betty Drees, MD, reported on the restructuring of the Annual Convention. A proposal will be presented at the July MSMA Council meeting.
MSMA Insurance Agency
George Hubbell, MD, reported that the agency continues to meet member needs, urged them to utilize the agency for any insurance coverage, and encourage their colleagues to do likewise. The Council also discussed the status of MPM-PPIA/Physician Standard Insurance Company.
Physicians Health Program
Bill Woods, MD, offered the report as Chair of the Physicians Health Committee. Due to the resignation of Executive Director Bob Bondurant as of December 31, 2019, Acting Executive Director Mary Fahey has been named Bob’s replacement. The organization chart has been changed so that the Physicians Health Committee will oversee the operations of the MPHP; the finances will be overseen by the MSMA EVP, both will report to the Physicians Health Foundation board.
Dr. Woods outlined the Safe Haven system that is used in some states, which would allow those seeking voluntary help from MPHP from reporting this to the Board of Healing Arts, as long as they are actively involved in the program. MPHP staff will research the issue and come up with recommendations to be presented at the next Council and the Physicians Health Foundation board.
Membership
Joseph Corrado, MD, reported that the Committee had met on January 7 via conference call. He reviewed current membership numbers, the results of the Councilor-signed recruitment letters, recent advocacy events, and other marketing strategies. Staff will be connecting with hospital Chief Medical Officers. He encouraged everyone to sign up for the Advocacy App Phone2Action.
Publications
The Council gave its approval of Missouri Medicine’s 52-member Editorial Board to serve in 2020. The Editorial Board provides peer-review and submits articles to the Journal.
Alliance
Gill Waltman reported on the fall conference in Hannibal in October. She thanked all who contributed to the 2019 Alliance Holiday Sharing Card, which raised over $3,200. Sue Ann Greco, St. Louis, will be installed as AMA Alliance President next June.
AMA Report
Elie Azrak, MD, reported that the delegation represented Missouri at the AMA interim meeting in San Diego in November. A resolution put forth at the 2018 MSMA Annual Convention resulted in a change in AMA policy, which addressed the inclusion of health system science subjects in medical curricula and LCME accreditation. AMA members are encouraged to read and comment on resolutions, which can be accessed online.
Reports of Councilors – Selected
District 3
I.J. Singh, MD, reported that the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society will install Jason Skyles, MD, as the 2020 SLMMS President. Four physicians were presented with awards, including Sam Page, MD, who received the Schlueter Award and Bill Huffaker, MD, who received the President’s Award. Dr. Singh also offered an update on the Choosing Wisely program.
District 5
Lisa Thomas, MD, reported that the Boone County Medical Society had a successful residency forum in October. They will be offering a second session on financial, legal and insurance issues for medical students and residents. BCMS held its annual installation of officers and gala on February 1. The BCMS Alliance has been reorganized under the direction of Mary Katherine Heimburger and Donna Corrado, and will be renamed as Central Missouri Medical Alliance. The BCMS board approved a contribution to the MPHP in 2019.
District 8
Matt Stinson, MD, reported that the Greene County Medical Society held a medical marijuana discussion led by Lyndall Fraker of DHSS. Kayce Morton, DO, will be taking over the GCMS presidency. Dr. Hover expressed his appreciation for the social and recruiting events hosted by the Alliance.
District 9
Lirong Zhu, MD, reported that David Barbe, MD, had been named the President-Elect of the World Medical Association. She stated that new members had joined at Mercy Clinic-Rolla and Phelps Health, and they anticipate more new members in the coming months. They are seeking to fill the vacancy of Vice Councilor-District 9.
Women Physicians Section
Joanne Loethen, MD, reported that they have had three conference call meetings since inception of the new section. They will have an information mixer on Friday, April 3, in St. Louis during the Annual Convention. They are looking at having networking events across the state in 2020.
Medical Student Section
Scott Berndt reported that two legislative bills are proceeding in support of the resolution that the MSMA Council passed at AC 2019 regarding adverse events suffered by children of incarcerated parents, which was sponsored by the Medical Student Section.
Meeting of January 2019 - Jefferson City
MSMA Council met via conference call for its January Council Meeting due to inclement weather. Below are the highlights.
Advocacy
MSMA President Joseph Corrado, MD, is representing MSMA around the state, visiting at nearly all county medical society meetings. He reminded members to attend the White Coat Rally Day on March 5. You can sign up at www.msma.org/white-coat-rally. MSMA intervention helped end Medicaid’s Opioid Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) program on Opioid Prescription Intervention and its mass letter campaign. Opioid letters have now stopped, thanks to the involvement of MSMA at the committee meetings in Jefferson City. MSMA has thanked Governor Parson for his approach in holding opioid prescribing committee hearings in lieu of the letters. MSMA will remain involved and work with OPAC.
Annual Convention
MSMA’s 161st Annual Convention registration is open and participants need to make hotel reservations by March 4. Six General Sessions will feature topics on Near-Death Experiences, Non-Opioid Pain Medicine, Physician Suicide, Alcoholism, Generational Differences, and Physician Employment Negotiations. Visit www.msma.org/annual-convention for more information.
SHINE
Show-Me Health Information Network (SHINE) is growing throughout Missouri. A Kansas City health system, Prime Health, which includes St. Joseph Health Center, St. Mary’s-Blue Springs, and the three hospitals on the Kansas side, have signed up to utilize the HIE. This is the second health system in Kansas City, with St. Luke’s already being on board. There are a number of independent physicians in Joplin who are expressing interest.
Association Health Plan
MSMA has joined other state medical associations in forming a nationwide Association Health Plan (AHP) to benefit members. Active MSMA members who are interested in learning more about participating in the AHP, visit www.msma.org/AHP for more information.
Resolutions
Resolution #6 – Medical Records Custodial Storage
Because there are vendors who handle medical records and storage, the resolution was not adopted. MSMA will publicize information regarding the storage of medical records upon retirement or relocation in Progress Notes and on www.msma.org.
Alliance
MSMA Alliance President Gillian Waltman thanked all who participated in the Holiday Sharing Card campaign, and reported that more than $3,000 was raised among 38 participants. The Show-Me Alliance News and Missouri Medicine listed those who contributed. During MSMA’s Annual Convention, the Alliance will host a fundraiser with the theme “The British Invasion” on Friday night. Tickets may be purchased in advance, and funds raised would benefit MSMF.
Reports
The Council approved the following reports: Commission on Continuing Education, Physicians Health Committee, Publications Committee and Editorial Board, Actions and Recommendations on Resolutions from the 2018 Annual Meeting, and the AMA Report.
MSMA Council met via conference call for its January Council Meeting due to inclement weather. Below are the highlights.
Advocacy
MSMA President Joseph Corrado, MD, is representing MSMA around the state, visiting at nearly all county medical society meetings. He reminded members to attend the White Coat Rally Day on March 5. You can sign up at www.msma.org/white-coat-rally. MSMA intervention helped end Medicaid’s Opioid Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) program on Opioid Prescription Intervention and its mass letter campaign. Opioid letters have now stopped, thanks to the involvement of MSMA at the committee meetings in Jefferson City. MSMA has thanked Governor Parson for his approach in holding opioid prescribing committee hearings in lieu of the letters. MSMA will remain involved and work with OPAC.
Annual Convention
MSMA’s 161st Annual Convention registration is open and participants need to make hotel reservations by March 4. Six General Sessions will feature topics on Near-Death Experiences, Non-Opioid Pain Medicine, Physician Suicide, Alcoholism, Generational Differences, and Physician Employment Negotiations. Visit www.msma.org/annual-convention for more information.
SHINE
Show-Me Health Information Network (SHINE) is growing throughout Missouri. A Kansas City health system, Prime Health, which includes St. Joseph Health Center, St. Mary’s-Blue Springs, and the three hospitals on the Kansas side, have signed up to utilize the HIE. This is the second health system in Kansas City, with St. Luke’s already being on board. There are a number of independent physicians in Joplin who are expressing interest.
Association Health Plan
MSMA has joined other state medical associations in forming a nationwide Association Health Plan (AHP) to benefit members. Active MSMA members who are interested in learning more about participating in the AHP, visit www.msma.org/AHP for more information.
Resolutions
Resolution #6 – Medical Records Custodial Storage
Because there are vendors who handle medical records and storage, the resolution was not adopted. MSMA will publicize information regarding the storage of medical records upon retirement or relocation in Progress Notes and on www.msma.org.
Alliance
MSMA Alliance President Gillian Waltman thanked all who participated in the Holiday Sharing Card campaign, and reported that more than $3,000 was raised among 38 participants. The Show-Me Alliance News and Missouri Medicine listed those who contributed. During MSMA’s Annual Convention, the Alliance will host a fundraiser with the theme “The British Invasion” on Friday night. Tickets may be purchased in advance, and funds raised would benefit MSMF.
Reports
The Council approved the following reports: Commission on Continuing Education, Physicians Health Committee, Publications Committee and Editorial Board, Actions and Recommendations on Resolutions from the 2018 Annual Meeting, and the AMA Report.
