Top Stories

Minnesota Physicians Contribute $21 Billion to State Economy

Minnesota's more than 13,000 physicians play a vital role in the state's economy by supporting more than 143,000 jobs and generating $21 billion in economic activity, according to a new economic impact study released April 16 by the American Medical Association.

MMA Member Named Psychiatrist of the Year

The Minnesota Psychiatric Society has named MMA member Dionne Hart, M.D., as its Psychiatrist of the Year for 2014.

National Speakers Signed for Annual Conference

Two national speakers will present at the MMA's Annual Conference taking place Sept. 19 and 20 at Madden's on Gull Lake in Brainerd.

Health Disparities Forum Adds Speakers

Health Commissioner Edward Ehlinger, M.D., will serve as the keynote speaker at an MMA-hosted forum on addressing Minnesota's health disparities and inequities June 17 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Wilder Center in St. Paul.

Health Department and Community Measurement Extend Partnership

Under a new agreement between Minnesota Community Measurement (MNCM) and the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota clinics now have the option of deciding whether they want to provide patient-level data to both entities through the MNCM web portal.

Insights Highlights Inclusive Policy Making

The recent policy decision to not support the current medical marijuana legislation shows how the MMA can be nimble while engaging more members. MMA President Cindy Firkins Smith, M.D., and Board Chair Dave Thorson, M.D., discuss the MMA's new inclusive policy making strategy in Insights.

MMA Launches Online Community to Engage Members

Wonder what your fellow physicians think about administrative burdens or the recent Medicare data dump or medical marijuana? Here's a chance to discuss with doctors these and other health care topics. The MMA is launching an online community via LinkedIn called the "Minnesota Medical Association Physicians' Lounge." The group is invite-only and exclusive to MMA members and staff. We hope to use the online community as a way to engage members on timely topics in Minnesota health care. If you are interested in taking part in the group, send an email to Dan Hauser and he'll send you an invite after confirming your membership.

Value/Satisfaction Survey Garners Great Response

Thanks to the more than 700 members and non-members who took the time to respond to the MMA's recent value/satisfaction survey. Your opinion plays an important role in helping shape the MMA's programs, services and strategies. If you haven't yet taken the survey, there is still time to do so. Please check your email for a special invitation and a link. The deadline is April 21. Once we have all the responses, we will analyze the data and report the results to members through News Now.

PMP and Health IT Event Scheduled for May 13

Physicians can learn more about integrating access to the Minnesota Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) with Health IT at a meeting May 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Roseville Radisson. Hosted by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, the event will feature speakers from the PMP, Health IT software experts and a representative from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Physicians are encouraged to inform others in their clinics/health systems who are involved with clinical workflow integration efforts about the event. To register, click here.

Show Your Creative Side

Do you have a story to tell? A photo you'd like to share? Then Minnesota Medicine is looking for you. Enter your essay, poem or short story in Minnesota Medicine's "Medical Musings" writing contest by May 5. Or enter the best photo you've taken in the annual photography contest by May 12. Winners will be featured in the July issue of the magazine. For more information and to enter, visit the Minnesota Medicine contest website.

The MMA Podcast

Lawmakers are on the Easter/Passover break until April 22. While they're gone, we take a look at the session so far with Eric Dick, MMA's manager of state legislative affairs. Tune into The MMA Podcast for the latest at the Capitol including updates on APRNs, indoor tanning, e-cigarettes, opioids, newborn screening and medical marijuana.

Minnesota Medicine

Rocky Mountain reality
Minnesota can learn from Colorado's experience with medical marijuana.

On the go?

Bring the latest edition of Minnesota Medicine with you: Digital Edition.

Other MMA News

Headlines & Links

Events

June 17 - Health Disparities Forum
Sept 19 -20 - MMA Annual Conference (Brainerd)