Page 23 - 215946_WCMS2Q21_FINAL

first-time. The students plan to host an educational panel event in the next month or two about the different healthcare reform proposals being floated right now nationally. This includes the public option, single-payer, and further reforms to the ACA. Additionally, a few of UM’s medical student chapter members have signed up for MSMS standing committees, including the Bioethics Committee, and they look forward to getting more involved in state initiatives. Lastly, Jesper shared an opinion piece that he and two peers had published in STAT News about the pain of rising anti-Asian racism, how it manifests in medicine, and Asian American medical students’ plea for inclusion. The Council praised the piece and discussed how to bring more attention to these critical issues. There was agreement to review upcoming communication vehicles, such as the WCMS Bulletin and e-newsletters, for circulation to the broader WCMS membership.
COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMET UPDATE – Dr. Marquez summarized that the COVID-19 rates and hospitalizations are rising in a third surge, primarily in younger age groups. On the vaccine front thus far, the county reports an 80% vaccination rate for those over the age of 75 and 54% above the age of 64. Expanded eligibility and clinic hours are beginning for those over the age of 16. Dr. Marquez reports that 33% of Washtenaw residents already have had their first COVID-19 dose. The Council discussed state vs. national case trends and questioned why Michigan’s COVID-19 rates are on the rise.
MSMS BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE
Dr. Junck stated that the Board met yesterday on March 31. Dr. Junck shared that the MSMS building has a bid to be sold for $4.3 million. MSMS currently reports a 15-month cash reserve. Dr. Junck provided a brief summary of the financial summary report provided by an external constulant.
Dr. Junck stated that the three strategic priorities for the Board are COVID-19, practice sustainability, and health care disparities. Current COVID-19 advocacy
is related to vaccine rollout, for practice sustainability the advocacy work centers on prior authorization, and for health care disparities the Society is hosting Monday evening membership talks related to health care inequity and social determinants of health.
In the executive session, discussion was held about the status of the MSMS-county relationship. The perception is that the consulting work seems to have slowed down and stalled. An MSMS staff report was shared with the Board reviewing the “perceived” practice of assigning members to a county in which they may not live or work in an attempt to save money. The memo stated that while it has happened, it was limited and only due to “clerical error.” However, during Board discussion, members did not agree with this staff assessment. The MSMS staff expressed privacy concerns related to the resolution aimed at ending the practice. The resolution originated from Washtenaw and was co-authored by the Saginaw and Ingham delegations. Dr. Junck and other Board members agreed that knowing the county in which a member lives or works is not a privacy issue and the attempt to limit the report seemingly suggests a cover-up. The MSMS attorney has been tasked with reviewing the bylaws. Finally, Dr. Junck detailed the anticipated leadership changes occurring at the House of Delegates, including Dr. Pino Colone becoming the new MSMS President. The Council praised Dr. Junck’s work and expressed appreciation for providing his summary.
MSMS 2021 HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Dr. Koopmann stated that he and Dr. Gray served on the Resolution Review Committee (RRC) and finished up their last meeting earlier this evening. The Committee has been encouraged to not discuss their work. Dr. Koopmann stated the RRC report is expected to be shared with the House soon.
The Council will move forward with holding a delegation review meeting next Wednesday, April 7 beginning at 6:30 PM. Ms. Szlenkier asked if the
Volume 73 • Number 2 Washtenaw County Medical Society BULLETIN 23