|
February 26, 2016 - From the Michigan Osteopathic Association
|
|
| | Dr. David Neff speaks on the Flint Water Crisis panel discussion |
2016 Legislative and
Public Policy Conference
Lansing, MI- The Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) hosted the 29th annual, Legislative and Public Policy Conference at the Radisson Lansing at the Capitol. The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) hosted a pre-conference session on the Flint water crisis. The title of the session; "The Facts, Not the Politics" summed up the spirit. An expert panel discussed chemistry, not crisis management. While the discussion avoided placing blame on any entity, the conclusions were clear- this is a huge infrastructure issue that needs to be addressed as a whole. Lansing Board of Water and Light retired chemist Bill Maier said, "Replacing only part of the plumbing could be worse than doing nothing at all."
The conference attracted a veritable "Who's Who" of Lansing politics and once again featured "Media Pundits: Tackling the Issues and Offering Solutions." The panel of media experts included Tim Skubick, Capitol Correspondent, Michigan Radio Network; Bill Ballenger; Kyle Melinn, MIRS; and Rochelle Riley, Detroit Free Press. The session was highlighted by predictions in the presidential race and the next governor's race. The audience was able to join in as a "Text Poll" allowed attendees to weigh in on the prediction process, with real-time results projected on two-screens in the room. |
| | Members of the MOA Task Force on Safe Opioid Use with Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (left to right) Kris Nicholoff, Exec. Dir. MOA, Dr. Robert G. G. Piccinini, MOA President, Dr. Stephen R. Bell, Gov. Rick Snyder, Dr. David Best, Dr. David Neff |
The MOA was represented on the "Leg Pub" planning committee by Virginia Bernero and Todd Ross resulting in a key MOA issue being a featured session. "Opioid Epidemic: Treatment versus Incarceration" was a discussion regarding the epidemic facing our state and how law enforcement is dealing with the complex issues regarding addiction treatment. The MOA joined the discussion with Drs. Robert Piccinini, David Best and Stephen R. Bell contributing their thoughts on the use of naloxone, prescriptions and Medical-Assisted Treatment. All three physicians are members of the MOA Task Force on Safe Opioid Use. Dr. Bell also served on Governor Rick Snyder's Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force.
|
| |
Dr. Robert G. G. Piccinini introduces Gov. Rick Snyder
|
For the 3rd year in a row, Governor Rick Snyder was the keynote speaker. The governor was introduced by MOA President, Dr. Piccinini. MOA executive director, Kris Nicholoff, addressed the audience as he presented Gov. Snyder with a plaque and thanked the governor for the cooperation his office has had with the MOA in regards to the Opioid Task Force and efforts to reduce the vaccination waiver rates in Michigan.
"MSAE's Legislative and Public Policy Conference provides an exceptional value because of members like the Michigan Osteopathic Association," said Edward Woods III, MSAE's director of Learning and Leadership Experiences. "It's because of their sponsorship MSAE can identify the compelling issues (Affordable Care Act, Flint Water Crisis, opioid epidemic, etc.) facing Michigan and the opportunity to address them. This conference is better because of our partnership with MOA."
The Legislative and Public Policy Conference has become one of the more influential events in the Capital city. Legislators and policy makers are drawn to a crowd made up of the biggest associations in the state. "We are proud to play a part in this great event," said Nicholoff, "It really connects our members with the groups that can help us move our issues forward."
|
|
|
|
Rep. Edward "Ned" Canfield, DO, Appointed to Panel on Flint Water Crisis
The Michigan Legislature announced the formation of the Joint Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency. The group will hold hearings and seek testimony on the issues that led to the situation in Flint and exploring potential solutions to prevent a similar disaster in the future. The Michigan Osteopathic Association's Rep. Edward "Ned" Canfield, DO, has been appointed to the committee. Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof and House Speaker Kevin Cotter announced Tuesday the creation of the panel, which will consist of two Democrats and four Republicans, including Canfield, a first-term representative and Sebewaing physician.
|
|
|
Back row: L to R Dr. Libby Pionk, Jason Oetman, Kimberly Blom, Dr. John Sealey, Dr. Craig Bethune, Dr. Britani Kessler, Dr. Ryan Christensen, Mustafa Ahmadzai- MOA liaison MSUCOM, Duncan McGuire Student trustee Front Row: Scott Abela, Dr. Rachel Young, Dr. C. Christine Kremer, Dr. Patrick Botz, Racha El-Ladki Photograph by Kris Nicholoff
|
MOA Hosts Resolution Workshop
Okemos, MI, Feb 20 - The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) played host to a workshop designed to instruct members on drafting resolutions. "This is the kind of program that connects with the future of our association" said MOA Executive Director, Kris Nicholoff. The Saturday session drew interest from a variety of demographics which resulted in a great balance of mentors and protegees.
The chair of the Interns and Residents Committee, Ryan Christensen, DO, spearheaded the effort. "I think it was an excellent opportunity for passionate people to learn more about the resolution process and to share ideas and collaborate on issues that are important to our patients and members" said Christensen. "We are really excited to see student and younger MOA members gaining experience in the resolution process and demystifying the barriers to meaningful change in our profession. We hope that this will help increase the number of resolutions and show people how easy it is to be involved in their MOA."
The workshop was a first-of-its-kind, but look for another session in the future as news of the program drew more interest. Through the workshop an FAQ was developed and will be posted on the MOA website where proposed resolutions can be submitted online.
|
|
|
This Week: Rachel Young, DO
Dr. Young, what made you become a DO?"I didn't always know that I wanted to be a DO, but I did know that I love people and that I wanted to work with people. And luckily for me, I was accepted into an osteopathic medical school, Michigan State, and as I grew to fully understand what being a DO meant, I couldn't be more excited that I had made that decision. Being a DO is everything to me. It's not just my philosophy with my patients, it's my philosophy about how I live my life. So, for me, being an osteopath is about embodying a mind, body, spirit approach to patient care and to good, healthy living. |
| Dr. Young volunteering at the
MOA/MSUCOM Legislative Flu Day |
As I am growing as a future leader in the osteopathic profession, I look back and see that what really made a difference in getting more involved was that any time that I attended an event or conference, a DO would approach me and say, 'hey, you're a young person, you choose to come here - tell me about why you did that. Tell me about your interests, tell me about what you see for the future of this organization.' And I really felt that my voice was valued. And that is what kept me coming back. The more involved I became, the more amazing mentors I met, the process just snow-balled into me finding new passions and excitement for the profession that I never even knew I had before. And that's what keeps me coming back, that's what keeps me a leader... that's what makes me proud to be a part of the DO family."
If you know of a DO who should be spotlighted for their passion in their profession please contact Todd Ross, Manager of Communications 517.827.0615 - tross@domoa.org |
|
|
Move to change the Interns & Residents Committee to a Stand-alone Council
A proposed change to the Interns and Residents Committee will go before the House of Delegates (HOD) in May. The committee would be changed to a stand-alone council. The Council for Interns and Residents (CIR) would operate with the same mission. The move is designed to raise the profile of the group as the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) continues to engage interns and residents in the association. The HOD will vote on the change at the 117th Annual Spring Scientific Convention May 12 in Dearborn.
|
The 117th Annual Spring Scientific Convention will be May 12-15, 2016. Join us in Dearborn to reconnect with colleagues and meet new friends. To learn more about the line up of speakers and the options for attendees, click HERE
|
|
Dr. Best Guest Columnist
The MOA Task Force on Safe Opioid Use continues to advocate for safe prescription practices and safely treating opioid addiction. As part of the effort David Best, DO, MOA Board of Trustee Member, authored a Viewpoint column in the Feb. 18, 2016 edition of the Lansing State Journal. Dr. Best's column mentions the benefits of Narcan, but he also focuses on the importance of Medical-Assisted Treatment (MAT). The column can be accessed through the Lansing State Journal website, Dr. Best Viewpoint Column |
|
|
 |
 On Monday, February 29 the Michigan Osteopathic Association will host a blood drive at its office in Okemos. There is always a need for your donation, and the Red Cross is especially looking for O+, O- and B- blood types.
WHERE: 2445 Woodlake Circle in Okemos, MI
WHEN: 10 am - 3 pm, Feb. 29th
ATTENTION: To protect the blood supply, the American Red Cross is closely monitoring Zika virus. If you have traveled to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, or South America, please schedule your next blood or platelet donation 28 days after your return to the continental U.S. All other eligibility requirements still apply.
|
|
|
Infectious Diseases, Zika Virus & more: The Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA) offers a webpage with list of resources on infectious diseases. Visit Infectious Disease Resources
Revenue Cycle Management: Employing an RCM tool in your practice supports automation and saves your staff time. E-statements are up to 60 percent less expensive than conventional paper bills. More info at ICSystems
The deadline to apply for a hardship exception is March 15, 2016.
Physician and Hospital Ratings: Whether you like them or not, physician review websites have your name and practice, with your patients rating you. It's good to periodically check the sites to see how you rate and what patients are commenting on. HealthGrades.com is a great place to start.
If you have an article or online resource you would like to share with the DO Family, please contact: Todd Ross, Manager of Communications 517.827.0615 - tross@domoa.org
|
|
|
Feb. 15, 2016 saw the passing of Howard Rossman, DO
Feb. 4, 2016 saw the passing of Gerald Reznick, DO
Feb. 4, 2016 saw the passing of Jack Lighton, DO
Jan. 26, saw the passing of Wayne Meech, DO
Dec. 11, 2016 saw the passing of Joseph T. Rogers, DO
Dec. 1 of 2015 saw the passing of William A. Athens Sr., DO
Nov. 22 of 2015 saw the passing of Jesse J. Cardellio, DO
To see a list of all Michigan Osteopathic Association members who have passed, click HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
The MOA Pulse is a member benefit for sharing news and events. If you have any news items you would like to share, or if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact:
Todd Ross
Manager of Communications
Michigan Osteopathic Association
517/827-0615
|
|
