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MMA Sets 2015 Legislative Priorities

On Dec. 8, the MMA Board of Trustee's executive committee signed off on six priorities for the upcoming legislative session. They include reforming the prior authorization process; extending the primary care payment bump within the Medical Assistance program; increasing funding for loan forgiveness for newly graduated physicians who practice primary care in rural and under-served areas; supporting legislation that expedites multi-state licensure; further regulating e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products; and continuing support for the provider tax repeal. Read more here.

Member Proposals from Annual Conference Become MMA Policy

The MMA has adopted new policies that grew out of ideas submitted by MMA members as part of the new open-issues forum held at the 2014 Annual Conference in September. The policies address climate change; aligning MMA policy on abortion with AMA policy; placing age limits on tobacco and e-cigarette sales; reporting requirements for the National Practitioner Database; hospital admitting privileges; and use of APRNs. Read more here.

Population Health Improvement Awards go to 12 Groups

The state has awarded 12 Accountable Communities for Health with more than $4 million to demonstrate how health care leaders and community organizers can collaborate to improve population health. Read more here.

Medical Students Elect 2015 Leaders

Students from Minnesota's three medical schools elected 2015 leaders for the MMA's Medical Student Section on Dec. 6 in Minneapolis. Read more here.

Membership Renewal Reminder

MMA needs your support. Help us champion a pro-physician agenda at the Legislature, with state agencies, in the courts and with insurance companies by renewing your membership now. You may be able to use 2014 funds, so you won't have to worry about it in 2015. If you are not a member, here's your chance to make a difference for your practice, your patients and your profession. Renew or join now by calling 612-362-3782 or e-mail us.

Mayo Clinic is 10th Best Place to Work Says Fast Company

The Mayo Clinic ranks as the 10th best place to work in the United States, according to Fast Company's Top 50 Places to Work list. Google finished first.

Minnesota Ranks Sixth in Health, Drops Three Spots

Minnesota ranked sixth among all 50 states for overall health according to the latest edition of America's Health Rankings, a national comparative health index sponsored by the United Health Foundation in partnership with the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention. The state ranked third in 2012 and 2013. We lead the nation, however, in fewest cardiovascular deaths per 100,000 people.

Attention Medical Students, Residents and Fellows

Minnesota Medicine plans to highlight the work of Minnesota medical trainees in its April 2015 issue. The journal will publish select abstracts of original research and clinical vignettes. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 23. Find out more online.

In The News

Several MMA members including Board Chair Douglas Wood, MD, and Mayo CEO John Noseworthy, MD, were quoted in the Minneapolis Star Tribune's series on the future of Mayo Clinic, which appeared Dec. 7-9.

KSTP-TV interviewed member Will Nicholson, MD, for its Dec. 9 story on independent practice for advanced practice registered nurses.

Member Tom Arneson, MD, spoke about medical cannabis dosages in an interview with Minnesota Public Radio on Dec. 11. Arneson is the lead research authority on medical cannabis for the Minnesota Department of Health.

Inspiring Physicians

More inspiring physicians are highlighted on the MMA website. They include an orthopedic surgeon who is helping Hondurans get health care; a family physician who really lives the green lifestyle; and a battle-tested Mayo physician.

Digital Rounds - The MMA Blog

For physicians approaching retirement, a metro-area physician/financial planner has three financial planning tips for you to consider: Build a cash reserve; invest in charitable gifting and project your safe retirement withdrawal rate. Read more here.

Minnesota Medicine

Reluctant reflections
An oncologist's take on how physician and patient burnout might be prevented

On the go? Get the latest edition of Minnesota Medicine in one place in its Digital Edition.

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March 11, 2015 - Day at the Capitol (St. Paul)

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