AMA eVoice Weekly Newsletter

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

A lot has happened in the past two weeks since Congress reconvened on Capitol Hill following its summer recess, during which town hall meetings at times resembled hockey games. President Obama made a historic address before a joint session of Congress, the Senate Finance Committee introduced the health system reform proposalit will be debating next week, the House has been busy crafting its own bill for consideration on the floor, and the Census Bureau announced 46.3 million as the new number of uninsured Americans.

The AMA has been just as busy keeping up and influencing the activity in Washington. The AMA has been adamant about promoting its vision for health system reform to Congress and the White House, and in doing so, sent a letter to President Obama and Congress on Sept. 8 urging them to reach an agreement on health system reform that would include these seven critical elements.

In addition, the AMA has spent months talking with the president and senior White House officials about one such key element of health system reform—medical liability reform. And following President Obama's speech to Congress, several AMA leaders, including myself, were featured on national television to discuss health system reform and the AMA's reaction to Obama's address. I was on Fox Business News; AMA Immediate Past President Nancy H. Nielsen, MD, PhD, was featured on CNN's Larry King Live; and AMA House of Delegates Speaker Jeremy A. Lazarus, MD, spoke on MSNBC's Morning Meeting.

The AMA also teamed up with AARP and the American Nurses Association to conduct a telephone survey of patients age 50 and older earlier this month. The results of the poll, released last week, show that the public shares the AMA's concerns about improving our health care system. I found it particularly alarming that about half of people older than 50 are concerned that there won't be enough nurses or doctors to provide care in the future.

In addition, two-thirds of those polled are either very or somewhat concerned that the current system limits their ability to see the doctor of their choice. And almost 80 percent believed that the current insurance system will limit a needed medical procedure or drug for themselves or someone they know. Also last week, a new television ad was released by Americans for Stable Quality Care and the AMA to help take on some of the myths about health care reform.

In the coming months and as health system reform legislation starts to take shape, many might be asking where that leaves physicians, patients and health care. While I can't predict the future, I can tell you about specific aspects of health care reform that warrant some extra attention as the legislative process progresses.

First, in President Obama's address before Congress, he outlined three essential goals vital to reform efforts in this country: ensuring the current system remains secure and stable for those who already have insurance coverage and are happy with it; making insurance coverage affordable and accessible to those who need it; and reducing unnecessary costs and waste in the current system. These are the same core goals that the AMA supports and that the majority of the American people can and do support. We must urge Congress to find common ground in achieving them.

Secondly, with the new Census Bureau data, the plight of the growing number of uninsured in this country should be front and center in the health reform debate. While 46.3 million uninsured is unacceptable for this nation, we must not get caught up with numbers. What's most important is that all Americans should have access to high quality, affordable health coverage. It's simple: when people have health insurance, they're more likely to be healthy. We, as the nation's physicians, should aim for that goal.

That brings me to my third point—medical liability reform. The AMA continues to advocate for proven medical liability reforms that have been enacted in states such as California, Texas and others. We have also been advocating for funding for states to test alternative reforms such as health courts, early offer programs and certificates of merit to dispense with nonmeritorious claims. And during a meeting in May with President Obama, I linked the cost of defensive medicine to desires to "bend the spending curve" and urged consideration of "safe harbors" for physicians adhering to best practice guidelines. He listened.

President Obama recognized in his recent address to Congress that medical liability reform is needed to bring down the cost of health care, and this week he issued a formal directive to the Department of Health and Human Services to begin working immediately to offer state demonstration grants on alternative medical liability reforms. This concept of state pilots to test alternatives had been previously advanced in legislation sponsored by Sen. Michael Enzi, R-Wyo., and Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont. And in July, the House Energy and Commerce Committee adopted an amendment to H.R. 3200 that provided state grants to test early offer and certificate-of-merit programs. We must continue to advocate for medical liability reform. Recent key actions are proof that we are making progress.

The last reality is what happens if Congress does nothing by Dec. 31. Because of the flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula within the Medicare physician payment system, physicians will face a payment cut of more than 21 percent on Jan. 1, 2010, when they care for Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries, and further substantial cuts totaling 40 percent by 2016. This information isn't new. We've heard it before. It's a recurring issue we've faced for years, and prior congresses and administrations just put Band-Aids on a wound that has only grown worse.

Unfortunately, the Senate Finance Committee's plan proposes another short-term remedy, which only leaves the underlying problem in place. It's imperative that Congress eliminate the SGR altogether. Period. Our job is to tell them no more Band-Aids. Just fix it.

There's no doubt the next several months are crucial to our profession and the future of health care. We need reform. We need reform that provides coverage and high quality, affordable health care for all Americans. We need reform because the projected increases in health spending are no longer sustainable. And we need reform because the current system is no longer working for our patients.

This is our opportunity-right now-to address the shortcomings in our current system. We must seize it for America's dedicated physicians and deserving patients. Together, we are stronger.

E-mail comments, questions and replies to Dr. Rohack

1) Senate Finance Committee unveils health reform proposal
U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus, D-Mont., released a health system reform proposal Sept. 16 that the committee will consider next week.

"America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009" is a comprehensive proposal that includes insurance market regulations, income-related subsidies for purchasing coverage and other reforms. Notably, the proposal does not include a public plan option; rather, it creates authority for the formation of a Consumer Owned and Oriented Plan, or CO-OP.

Also, as anticipated and reported previously, the proposal differs significantly from the U.S. House of Representatives health system reform bill in that it would not repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula used to calculate Medicare physician payment updates. Instead, the Senate Finance Committee proposal replaces the scheduled 21 percent cut in 2010 with a 0.5 percent Medicare physician payment update. The package includes several other proposals of concern to physicians as well.

After further review of the 223-page document, the AMA will continue its ongoing discussions with Baucus and other Senate Finance Committee members to strengthen and improve the proposal.

View an AMA statement about the bill.

View the latest on the AMA’s health system reform efforts.

2) AMA president testifies at House hearing on "urgent need for health system reform"
AMA President J. James Rohack, MD, testified Sept. 15 at a hearing convened by the U.S. House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee regarding health system reform. In his statement, Dr. Rohack emphasized the critical elements identified by the AMA as essential to health system reform, touching on key issues such as repealing Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula, enacting medical liability reforms and ensuring that patients are able to privately contract with their physicians.

View Dr. Rohack’s testimony.

3) CMS issues ICD-10 fact sheet
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a fact sheet on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification/Procedure (ICD-10-CM/PCS) coding system that health care organizations will be required to use by Oct. 1, 2013.

The CMS fact sheet says ICD-10-CM/PCS will improve the ability to measure health care services, increase sensitivity when refining grouping and reimbursement methodologies, enhance the ability to conduct public health surveillance, and decrease the need to include supporting documentation with claims.

4) Prepare for H1N1 flu with AMA webinar; registration expanded for AMA members
Hear the most accurate, current clinical guidelines for management of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, including information on vaccine ordering and delivery, as part of "Physicians: Prepare for the 2009 H1N1 flu," an AMA webinar scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. CDT Sept. 22.

Hosted by the AMA in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the webinar also will cover recommendations for physicians from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice and basic epidemiology of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. The AMA advises vaccination for seasonal influenza, and where recommended, vaccination for 2009 H1N1 influenza.

Anthony Fiore, MD, a medical epidemiologist with the CDC, will discuss guidance on CDC recommendations for screening and management of cases of the 2009 H1N1 flu. Raymond A. Strikas, MD, of the HHS’s National Vaccine Program Office, will discuss logistics of vaccine supply and delivery for providers. Litjen Tan, director of the AMA’s medicine and public health department, will moderate the session.

Registration has been expanded to allow additional AMA members to participate free of charge. Reserve your spot.

5) Participate in strengthening the nation’s response to public health emergencies
The Third National Congress on Health System Readiness, entitled "Disaster medicine and public health preparedness in the 21st century," will be held Dec. 1–3 in Washington, D.C.

Join leading experts to review current research and science related to recent disasters and public health emergencies worldwide, and to establish the essential elements of a comprehensive disaster response health system. The congress will also include a special session examining the H1N1 influenza pandemic.

Community and government leaders and stakeholders will convene to:

• Integrate lessons from recent public health emergencies—such as H1N1 influenza, terrorist attacks and natural disasters—into clinical and public health practice.
• Advance health systems to appropriately prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and other public health emergencies.
• Develop a distinct educational framework for all health professionals to ascribe to in catastrophic events.

Learn more and register today.

The American Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Medical Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 18.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

6) See the world: just one benefit of AMA membership
AMA member physicians can take advantage of a wide variety of travel opportunities available through AHI Travel, the AMA’s travel partner.

Members can spend time traveling with their fellow physicians on land- or cruise-based excursions to such countries as South Africa, Italy and China. In 2010, excursions include cruises exploring the waterways of Holland and Belgium, the Yangtze River in China and the passage of Peter the Great in Russia. Tours range from eight to 14 days and include optional excursions to add at your leisure.

Seventeen trips are planned for 2010, and trips are open to all physician members, as well as their spouse or family members. Trips can sell out six months in advance of the departure date, so sign up soon.

Learn more about AHI Travel’s educational and leisure travel destinations available to AMA members.

If you’re an AMA member, don’t pass up this valuable benefit for group discounted rates for travel. Renew your membership. If you’re not a member, join the AMA today and begin receiving them.

7) AMA Foundation seeks everyday heroes in medicine
Recognizing the extraordinary efforts of leaders in the medical community, the AMA Foundation honors those who go beyond the call of duty to improve the health of our nation with the Excellence in Medicine Awards. Presented in association with Pfizer Inc., the awards recognize a select group of physicians and medical students who represent the highest standards of volunteerism, public service and leadership.

Nominations are due Nov. 16. Learn more about how you can nominate a colleague.

8) In JAMA: Black patients have lower rate of survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest
Compared with white patients, black patients who have an in-hospital cardiac arrest are significantly less likely to survive to hospital discharge, having lower rates of successful resuscitation and postresuscitation survival, according to a study in the Sept. 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). However, much of this survival difference was associated with the hospital in which black patients received care.

**** Correction ****
The Sept. 4 edition of AMA eVoice included an incorrect compliance date by which health care organizations must use the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification/Procedure, or ICD-10-CM/PCS, coding system. The correct date is Oct. 1, 2013.

1) Register for upcoming GLMA Conference
The 27th annual Conference of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) will take place Sept. 30–Oct. 3 at the Westin Washington, D.C., City Center.

The conference will help participants identify resources and avenues for health care access for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population, utilize screening tools for at-risk LGBT populations, understand recent advances in health care delivery specific to the LGBT patient population and develop strategies for advocacy for LGBT health care at the local level.

2) Caucus features keynote speaker on LGBT health concerns
The AMA Advisory Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender issues will host a caucus at 6 p.m. Nov. 6 in Houston preceding the Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates.

Shane Snowdon, director of the LGBT Resource Center at the University of California, will speak about current and emerging health concerns facing the lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population, including health risks and disparities, barriers to accessing care, primary care issues and the patient-physician relationship.

Register for the Interim Meeting.

3) Community demographics contribute to hostile climates for LGBT youth, research reveals
Groundbreaking research conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) examines how regional, community-level and school-district level variables relate to hostile school climates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth.

An article about the research, published in the August issue of the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, reveals that youth in rural and impoverished areas face increased levels of bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

1) Vote on resolutions for AMA-IMG Section Virtual Congress
Final versions of AMA-IMG Section resolutions for the upcoming fall congress meeting will be posted online until Sept. 21. View the final versions, then send an e-mail to img@ama-assn.org with either "approve" or "not approve" in the subject line. A simple majority vote will prevail, and only current AMA-IMG members’ votes will be counted.

2) Complete AMA-IMG survey by Sept. 30
The AMA-IMG recently e-mailed a survey to all members. If you have not received it, send an e-mail to img@ama-assn.org with your full name, city and state, and the section will e-mail you a link to the survey.

Responses to the survey are due by Sept. 30 and will be kept confidential. Call the AMA-IMG Section at (312) 464-5678 if you have questions.

3) Register online for the AMA-IMG Section meeting
The AMA-IMG Section has an exciting meeting on tap from Nov. 6–9 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Highlights will include Gerry Dillon, vice president of the United States Medical Licensing Examination, speaking at the AMA-IMG Section Congress, and a lively caucus featuring a town-hall format co-sponsored by the Texas Medical Association IMG Section and the AMA-IMG Section. In addition, AMA President J. James Rohack, MD, has been invited to deliver the keynote address at the Busharat Ahmad, MD, Leadership Program. Guests are welcome to attend.

Register online for the meeting. Call J. Mori Johnson, director of the AMA-IMG Section, at (312) 464-5678 if you have questions or wish to submit a written or verbal organizational report at the meeting.

4) Are you seeking medical licensure?
Are you looking for up-to-date information on every facet of medical licensure? Are you seeking an initial license or updating your existing one? Call (800) 621-8335 and get the AMA’s newly updated 2010 edition of State Medical Licensure Requirements and Statistics, or order your copy online.

Brought to you by the AMA Section on Medical Schools

1) AMA-SMS resolution deadline is next week
The AMA-SMS Governing Council is seeking ideas and actual language for resolutions for the Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates that address areas of importance to academic physicians. Resolutions are due by Sept. 21.

As a reminder, the focus of this year’s Interim Meeting, to be held Nov. 7–10, is on advocacy and legislation. Resolutions for the AMA-SMS June 2010 meeting also will be accepted for discussion at the Interim Meeting.

Send an e-mail to jackie.drake@ama-assn.org with questions or proposed resolutions.

2) In American Medical News: Florida medical school welcomes first class
An article published Sept. 7 by American Medical News reports that the University of Central Florida College of Medicine recently welcomed its inaugural class of 41 students. More than half of the class is female, and 40 percent of the students are minorities. The students will receive full scholarships for all four years of their medical education.

3) Are you seeking medical licensure?
Are you looking for up-to-date information on every facet of medical licensure? Are you seeking an initial license or updating your existing one? Call (800) 621-8335 and get the AMA’s newly updated 2010 edition of State Medical Licensure Requirements and Statistics, or order your copy online.

1) Register, reserve hotel room for AMA-MSS meeting
Online registration for the AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting, which will take place Nov. 5–7 in Houston, is due by Oct. 1. The AMA has reserved a block of rooms at the Hyatt Regency Houston at a discounted rate for meeting attendees; the deadline to reserve a room is Oct. 9.

Be sure to also register for "Health system reform update: A bipartisan discussion," a session sponsored by the AMA’s sections and special groups. Speakers will engage in a candid discussion about the status of health system reform, where it is heading and what it means for physicians and patients. Registration is required to take part in this session.

Register for "Health system reform update: A bipartisan discussion."

2) Deadline approaching to apply for AMA-MSS leadership positions
AMA student members will elect a new AMA-MSS Governing Council chair-elect, a new student member of the AMA Board of Trustees, and new regional delegates and alternate regional delegates for the seven AMA-MSS regions during this fall’s AMA-MSS Assembly Meeting. The deadline to apply for any of these positions is Oct. 1.

Learn more about how to apply for these positions and to download application materials.

3) Submit abstracts for Research Poster Symposium
The AMA-MSS is accepting abstract submissions for the seventh annual AMA-MSS Research Poster Symposium, which will take place Nov. 6–7 during the AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting in Houston. Abstracts are due by 5 p.m. CST Sept. 18.

The AMA-MSS and the AMA Resident and Fellow Section host the poster symposium. Abstracts may be submitted in one of the following eight categories: biochemistry/cell biology, cancer biology, cardiology/vascular biology, clinical/epidemiological/health care, immunology/microbiology, neurobiology/neuroscience, radiology/imaging and surgery. Prizes will be awarded to one winner in each category, with the overall winner receiving a trip to the 2010 AMA-MSS Annual Assembly Meeting in Chicago.

Abstracts also may be entered into an oral presentation competition that will be held separate from the poster symposium.

Learn more about the poster symposium and the oral presentation competition.

4) Participate in exciting media rotation with Discovery Channel
Medical students are encouraged to apply for the AMA/Discovery Channel internship, a four-week program during which one AMA medical student member will help develop a medical education program that will air on the Discovery Channel.

Available only to AMA medical student and resident and fellow members, this exciting opportunity provides hands-on experience in translating scientific data into an entertaining and informational program. The selected student will work primarily at Discovery Communications headquarters in Silver Spring, Md., and travel to relevant on-site and studio shoots for the program. A stipend of $3,000 will be provided to cover living expenses. Dates and length of the rotation are flexible. Applications are due Sept. 30.

5) AMA-MSS national service project focusing on AMA Healthier Life Steps program
Every two years, the AMA-MSS selects a new national service project on which to focus its community service activities, and the section chose the AMA Healthier Life Steps™ Program as its project for 2009-2011.

The AMA is dedicated to helping physicians assist their patients in leading healthier lives. Accordingly, the AMA Healthier Life Steps™ Program provides physicians with the tools they need to support their patients’ efforts to change four key health behaviors: diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption and tobacco use.

During the next two years, medical students from AMA-MSS chapters across the country will use these tools to improve the health of their communities through integration or linking of existing public health, medicine and community health promotion activities in these four health behavior areas.

Learn more about the national service project and to access resources, including project ideas, to help you and your chapter get involved.

6) JAMA: just one benefit of AMA membership
Are you up to date on the issues and trends affecting medicine, health care and public health? The AMA brings that to its members’ front door.

AMA members can look in their mailbox for the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the most comprehensive resource for original research, reviews, commentaries, editorials, essays, medical news and correspondence. An international peer-reviewed general medical journal published 48 times annually, JAMA is the most widely circulated medical journal in the world. Since 1883, physicians and health care professionals around the world have turned to JAMA for groundbreaking research and insightful commentary from leaders across the broad spectrum of health care.

Online content includes PowerPoint image downloads, the ability to save and organize your favorite articles, and JAMA authors discussing their articles—live or via podcast. You can choose to receive the weekly print version, or just access it online. Don’t forget this valuable membership resource that the AMA provides.

View the JAMA Web site.

If you’re an AMA member, don’t lose valuable resources such as JAMA. Renew your membership. If you’re not a member, join the AMA today and begin receiving them.

Brought to you by the AMA Minority Affairs Consortium

1) September is National Cholesterol Education Month
With September observed as National Cholesterol Education Month, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers helpful resources for physicians to share with their patients. Resources cover the need for patients to have their blood cholesterol checked, to learn about lipid profiles and to consider food and lifestyle choices that can help them reach their personal cholesterol goals.

2) Texas high school hosts AMA Doctors Back to School event
More than 600 students of Bel Air High School in El Paso, Texas, received a visit from AMA President J. James Rohack, MD; National Medical Association President Willarda Edwards, MD; and National Hispanic Medical Association President Elena Rios, MD, on Sept. 2 as part of an AMA Doctors Back to School (DBTS) event.

The goal of the DTBS program, which sends minority physicians and medical students into the community as a way to introduce children to professional role models, is to increase the number of minority physicians and ultimately work toward eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities. Doctors Back to School aims to show kids of all ages, especially those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, that medicine is an attainable career option for everyone.

3) In American Medical News: Job-hunting may take some searching
A story published Sept. 7 by American Medical News notes that physician jobs are out there but might not be easy to find. More physicians than ever are seeking employment rather than opening a solo practice, but finding the right job has become more challenging because the usually resilient health sector has not been immune from economic turmoil in this recession, American Medical News reports.

1) Hear bipartisan discussion about health system reform
Join the AMA’s sections and special groups for a candid discussion about the status of health system reform, where it is heading and what it means for physicians and patients. This program, which will take place Nov. 7 as part of the Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates, will consist of AMA leadership and congressional representatives discussing the AMA’s involvement in health system reform.

The Interim Meeting will take place Nov. 7–10 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

Register for the program. Space is limited, so register early.

2) AMA-OMSS meeting set for this fall
The next AMA-OMSS Assembly meeting will take place Nov. 5–7 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, preceding the Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates. Resolutions for this meeting are due Sept. 25, and the AMA-OMSS handbook will be posted on the section’s Web site Oct. 9.

The meeting will include unique education programs that provide insight and perspective on topics such as employment contracting, accountable care organizations, medical staff organization and leadership.

Register for the meeting.

Send an e-mail to Katie Tinney of the AMA-OMSS at Kathryn.Tinney@ama-assn.org by Sept. 25 if you would like to serve as chair or a committee member on the reference committee, committee on late resolutions or tellers committees, or as an advisor.

If you are not an AMA-OMSS representative and would like to become one, download a certification form and fax it to (312) 464-5845, e-mail it to omss@ama-assn.org or mail it to 515 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60654.

3) Feedback requested on working draft of Joint Commission medical staff standard
The AMA is soliciting feedback from its members concerning their level of support for proposed language of Joint Commission hospital accreditation standard MS.01.01.01. Feedback is due by Oct. 15.

A Joint Commission task force convened to implement medical staff standard MS.01.01.01, previously known as MS.1.20, reached consensus and unanimous agreement in March on a completely new "draft" standard that would replace the current standard. Consensus means that each member of the task force agreed to actively support adoption of the recommended new standard. The AMA supports the proposed language for standard MS.01.01.01.

AMA-OMSS representatives can review and provide comment on the working draft standard MS.01.01.01.

If you are not an AMA-OMSS representative and would like to become one, download a certification form and fax it to (312) 464-5845, e-mail it to omss@ama-assn.org or mail it to 515 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60654.

1) Participate in exciting media rotation with Discovery Channel
Residents and fellows are encouraged to apply for the AMA/Discovery Channel internship, a four-week program during which one AMA resident/fellow member will help develop a medical education program that will air on the Discovery Channel.

Available only to AMA medical student and resident and fellow members, this exciting opportunity provides hands-on experience in translating scientific data into an entertaining and informational program. The selected resident/fellow will work primarily at Discovery Communications headquarters in Silver Spring, Md., and travel to relevant on-site and studio shoots for the program. A stipend of $3,000 will be provided to cover living expenses. Dates and length of the rotation are flexible. Applications are due Sept. 30.

2) Be engaged; attend the AMA-RFS meeting
The AMA-RFS will host its 33rd annual interim meeting from Nov. 5–7 at the George Brown Convention Center in Houston. Opportunities include:

• This year’s educational session, "Finding the Perfect Practice, Signing the Right Contract, and Starting your Practice Successfully."
• Running for leadership positions. The AMA-RFS Governing Council chair as well as 15 sectional delegates and alternates to the AMA House of Delegates will be elected at this meeting. The deadline to apply for these positions is Oct. 2. Visit the AMA-RFS Web site for more information.
• Convention committees. Take a more active leadership role at the meeting by becoming a convention committee member. Convention committee activities range from helping formulate AMA-RFS policy to planning social and networking events. Learn more information about the committees.
• Having a say in policy. You can have a significant effect on issues affecting your work environment and the practice of medicine. Significant policies passed at recent meetings include directing the AMA to intensely lobby for meaningful health insurance coverage for children, studying the impact of defensive medicine, securing adequate funding for graduate medical education and studying the use of at-home call. The deadline to submit resolutions for the meeting is Sept. 25.

The deadline to register for the meeting is Oct. 2. Register and to learn more about the meeting.

3) Apply for a seat on the National Residency Match Program Board of Directors
The AMA is seeking candidates for two positions on the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Board of Directors.

Resident physician directors may serve a maximum of one two-year term. The NRMP Board of Directors has governance and oversight authority for the main residency Match and the Specialties Matching Service. It also ensures that all Match participants abide by the policies that govern those matches and informs the medical education community about trends in graduate medical education by conducting and sponsoring research using its Match outcome data.

All new members attend an orientation session in June. In addition, the board meets three times each year, usually in February, May and October. Board members also serve on one or more committees, which may entail additional travel if the work cannot be accomplished by e-mail or telephone conference call.

Visit the NRMP Web site for more information about the Match program and NRMP policies.

Applications are due by Nov. 13. Visit the AMA-RFS Web site to access an application.

1) Call for nominations for the Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award
The AMA Foundation is accepting nominations for the Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award for Excellence in Volunteerism, which recognizes a senior physician who provides treatment to U.S. patients who lack access to health care. The award is part of the AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards, which are presented in association with Pfizer, Inc.

The award will be presented at the Excellence in Medicine Awards banquet and special leadership program on March 1, 2010, in Washington, D.C., during the AMA’s National Advocacy Conference. Nominations are due by Nov. 16.

View nomination materials. Contact Alice Reed at (312) 464-5523 or alice.reed@ama-assn.org if you have questions.

2) Tell us about your senior physicians group
In the last three years, the AMA Senior Physicians Group (SPG) has worked to actively engage senior physicians in the policy-making process to give them a more significant voice in the AMA. As part of that effort, the AMA-SPG Governing Council has spearheaded a project to reach out to a national network of senior physician groups. These smaller, localized senior groups provide a forum for dissemination of important information and a resource for senior participation.

The national network now includes 45 groups representing about 4,000 senior physicians nationwide. View the AMA’s list of senior physician groups throughout the U.S. If you are involved in a senior physicians group that is not listed on the Web site, send an e-mail to alice.reed@ama-assn.org with your contact information.

Brought to you by the AMA Women Physicians Congress

1) September is National Cholesterol Education Month
With September observed as National Cholesterol Education Month, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers helpful resources for physicians to share with their patients. Resources cover the need for patients to have their blood cholesterol checked, to learn about lipid profiles and to consider food and lifestyle choices that can help them reach their personal cholesterol goals.

2) Virginia physicians to celebrate Women in Medicine Month with conference
The Medical Society of Virginia is hosting "Women and the Business of Medicine," a conference set to take place Sept. 25 at the Wyndham Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center in Richmond, Va. Topics covered will include effective discipline and the termination process, negotiating employment contracts, and health care ethics and medical practice.

3) AMA-WPC Caucus set for this fall
The AMA-WPC Caucus will take place Nov. 7 in Houston as part of the Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates and will continue to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the AMA’s Women in Medicine Program.

The event will include the regular caucus business session, a review of items before the AMA House of Delegates, a celebration of the AMA-WPC Physician Mentor Recognition Program mentors and a short presentation by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Details about the meeting will be posted to the AMA-WPC Web site shortly.

4) In American Medical News: Job-hunting may take some searching
A story published Sept. 7 by American Medical News notes that physician jobs are out there but might not be easy to find. More physicians than ever are seeking employment rather than opening a solo practice, but finding the right job has become more challenging because the usually resilient health sector has not been immune from economic turmoil in this recession, American Medical News reports.

1) AMA-YPS meeting set for this fall
Sign up today to help represent the voice and vision of young physicians across the country at the AMA-YPS Interim Assembly Meeting, scheduled for Nov. 5-7 in Houston. With health care on the minds of so many patients and physicians, now is a great time to participate in the AMA-YPS.

The deadline to submit resolutions to the AMA-YPS and to volunteer for the section’s reference, AMA-HOD handbook review or credentials committees is Oct. 2. Attendees must register for the meeting by Oct. 25.

Visit the AMA-YPS Web site to learn more about AMA-YPS committees and how to get involved.

Learn more about writing a resolution.

2) Virtual Mentor explores ethical questions in genetic testing
September’s Virtual Mentor suggests that genetic information could have the potential to limit a child’s future autonomy. In one such case, the author explores whether or not testing a toddler for Huntington’s disease—with a 50 percent chance of having it—is the right thing to do.

While access to such information could bear potential harm, it also presents obvious benefits. This month’s issue takes a closer look at the many ethical questions that surround access to genetic information.

3) Are you seeking medical licensure?
Are you looking for up-to-date information on every facet of medical licensure? Are you seeking an initial license or updating your existing one? Call (800) 621-8335 and get the AMA’s newly updated 2010 edition of State Medical Licensure Requirements and Statistics, or order your copy online.

4) In the AMA GME e-Letter: Do attending physicians need duty hour limits?
The September edition of the AMA’s GME e-Letter links to a story published in the August issue of Pediatrics—the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics—that calls for limits on attending physician duty hours.

The authors state that if the arguments regarding physician fatigue and patient safety are enough of an issue to limit hours for residents and fellows, then it "makes very little sense to make an exception for attending physicians, who are usually older and have greater responsibility." The authors add that arguments in favor of unlimited hours, including physician autonomy, a limited work force, continuity of care and financial impact, are unjustified in light of the increased risk to patients.

View the article, "Attending Physician Work Hours: Ethical Considerations and the Last Doctor Standing."