Top Stories
Court of Appeals Rules Against Avera Medical Staff
On July 25, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled against the medical staff of Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center and MMA members Steve Meister, MD, and Jane Willett, DO, deciding that the hospital could unilaterally amend the medical staff bylaws that the hospital administration and staff had agreed to in 2010. Read more here.
MMA Studies Physician Aid-in-Dying Issue
A task force of physicians has begun the work of reexamining the MMA's position on physician aid-in-dying. The MMA Board of Trustees created the task force following ongoing discussion and debate that began at the 2015 MMA Annual Conference's "Open Issues" forum, and continued within the MMA's Policy Council. Read more here.
MMA, Coalition Encourage Vaccines for Children
The MMA is part of a nine-member coalition of health care groups that is encouraging Minnesota families to make sure their children are up to date on all of their recommended vaccines before heading off to school this fall. Read more here.
MMA, ZVMS Meet with Congressman in Rochester
Representatives from the MMA and Zumbro Valley Medical Society (ZVMS) met with U.S. Rep. Tim Walz on July 27 to thank him for his help in repealing SGR and his work on the country's opioid epidemic. Members presented Walz with a contribution from AMPAC (the federal political action committee of the AMA) to help in his re-election efforts. Pictured above: Phil Raines (left), MMA's manager of grassroots and political engagement; Mark Liebow, MD, chairman of the ZVMS legislative committee; Walz; Dionne Hart, MD, co-president of ZVMS; and Beth Kangas, executive director of ZVMS.
Two Members Attended RNC in Cleveland
MMA members Laura Dean, MD, and Brian Davis, MD, attended the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, July 18-21. Both Dean and Davis have a long history of political involvement, and served as delegates for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. Dean has been involved in many campaigns in the past, particularly on behalf of her husband, state Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood). Davis ran unsuccessfully for Congress in the 1st Congressional district in 2008.
Prescribers of Controlled Substances Can Start Registering for PMP Aug 1
By July 1, 2017, physicians practicing within Minnesota who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances and who hold a current registration issued by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration need to register and maintain a user account with the Minnesota Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP). This requirement becomes effective on Aug. 1, 2016. For more information visit the PMP website or Board of Medical Practice website. In addition, the MMA has developed a webinar to help physicians better understand the PMP.
Insights: Physicians Need to Assert Leadership to Reverse Opioid Crisis
On April 21, superstar musician and Minnesota icon Prince died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl and the topic of prescription opioid misuse quickly rose to the top of the news cycle. Suddenly, patients seem more focused on the dangers of the painkillers than the benefits. Kim Tjaden, MD, the chair of the MMA's Public Health Committee and a family physician at St. Cloud Medical Group, discusses the issue and how the MMA will address it in the latest edition of Insights. Review the article here and then leave a comment. We'd love to hear your thoughts.
Med Students and Residents: Share Your Research at 3rd Annual Poster Symposium
Want to get feedback from practicing physicians on your research? Submit an abstract to be considered for the MMA's 3rd Annual Poster Symposium at our Annual Conference on Sept. 23 in St. Louis Park. Poster entrants receive free admission to the event. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in and actively pursuing an approved course within Minnesota leading to the degree of doctor of medicine or osteopathy, or engaged in a resident or fellow program approved by the Liaison Committee on Graduate Medical Education. Questions regarding eligibility can be directed to Mandy Rubenstein or call 612-720-5757.
Registration Underway for 2016 MMA Annual Conference
Registration is now open for the 2016 MMA Annual Conference Sept. 23 and 24 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Park Place in St. Louis Park. Early registration discounts are available through Aug. 15. Highlights of the conference include: ZDoggMD, who will discuss and rap about physician burnout and resiliency; Damon Tweedy, MD, who will examine health care disparities; a talent show starring MMA members; policy forums on physician-aid-in-dying and quality measurement; a poster symposium; 6.5 CME credits, awards, 50+ exhibitors and much more. Register here.
Minnesota Medicine

Physicians and photography
The winners of our 2016 photo contest

Cultural connections
Our writing contest winners share stories of encounters with patients from other countries.


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