Enjoy your Tuesday NCMS Morning Rounds.
Feb. 16, 2021
NCMS Statement on COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization
Yesterday, the NCMS issued a statement to the media on COVID-19 vaccine prioritization focused on “those who will fare the worst, must go first.”
Here is the statement:
The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS), representing physicians and PAs throughout North Carolina, is committed to working with the state, local health departments and other partners to ensure COVID-19 vaccinations are administered to as many people as quickly as possible, given the current limited supply of vaccines. While each of us plays a critical part in fighting this virus by getting our shot, we also have a crucial role in ensuring those at increased risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, including those in marginalized communities, continue to be prioritized.
Individuals who have high-risk conditions for severe disease and mortality from COVID-19 should be prioritized. As NCMS President Philip M. Brown, Jr., MD puts it: “Those who will fare the worst, must go first.”
We call on every North Carolinian to help us care for your family, friends and neighbors by prioritizing our limited supply for those who are medically vulnerable to COVID-19. Rest assured, there will be a time for us all to receive our shot.
Until then, and even after, it is imperative we remain vigilant with consistent mitigation efforts. Wear a well-fitting mask when you are with anyone other than those you live with. Maintain physical distance and continue to wash your hands frequently.
We have come this far together, and we will get through this together. Each of us has a part to play in limiting the loss of life and human suffering that COVID-19 can cause. Your trusted hometown medical team is ready to serve you as we have for generations. Call upon us.
Watch an accompanying video message from Dr. Brown.
Medicaid Managed Care Transition Resources
NC AHEC has developed a series of resources based on concerns expressed by the health care community as the state moves to transition to Medicaid managed care as of July 1, 2021. Access the resources here.
If you have questions about the Provider Directory Tool, the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is offering a demo and question and answer session TODAY, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. To get the link to the meeting, please contact Katie Zimmer at [email protected] and Casey Harris at [email protected].
There is an Rx for Inner Peace
The Rx Inner Peace program provides physicians evidence-based stress management and self-care education with the goals of burnout prevention and relief. This program is predominantly online, self-paced and divided into eight learning modules with most lessons less than 15 minutes in length to accommodate busy physician schedules. Lessons include informative lectures, movements to release chronic body tension and pain, relaxing guided meditations, calming breathing techniques, self-regulation tools to decrease stress and anxiety, improve sleep and life balance, and build resilience. Live virtual group and private support sessions for lesson review, Q & A, and life coaching for mindset are also included.
The National Academy of Medicine reports rising levels of physician stress (88 percent), depression (39 percent) and burnout (50 percent) with suicide rates two times the national average. Understanding the importance of these statistics, the Rx Inner Peace program was created to support physicians by providing much needed and deserved self-care education to both prevent and relieve suffering as well as to improve overall well-being.
Get a sneak peek and learn more about the course here.
Read about the course instructor, Robyn Tiger, MD, here.
In the News
Could One Vaccine Prevent Covid-19—and SARS, MERS, and the Common Cold?, Advisory Board, 2-12-21
Learning Opportunity
2021 NC OBGYN Society and NC Section of ACOG VIRTUAL Annual Meeting, March 19-21
Join virtually to learn more about:
• The latest on breast cancer screening, including genetic counseling and imaging;
• Understanding obesity medication management in weight loss management;
• Help Ob/Gyns appreciate the value that APPs can provide for their patients;
• How to recognize what millennial patients value from their providers and practices and identify realistic ways to meet their expectations;
• The latest updates on common STD/I’s with a focus on the impact to the pregnant population.
If you have policies you’d like your NCMS Board of Directors to consider, please complete the Board input form here. Thanks for reading!