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DIRECTOR’S CORNER
OCMS: A 2021 UPDATE
Cindy Dady, OCMS Executive Director
We are already in the third month of a new year
that has brought us a new legislature at the state and federal level and the wide distribution of the COVID vaccine. At the writing of this article, Michigan had vac- cinated over two million residents. There are many op- tions for those that are eligible to receive the vaccine, especially the staff of private physicians. Physicians who are not affiliated with a hospital system, should have their employees contact a hospital system the employee is associated with, their local health depart- ment or local pharmacy. Go to our website for more information - https://www.ocms-mi.org/public-health.
The Legislative Advocacy department at the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), led by Josiah Kissling and Scott Kempa, has been busy meeting with new
and incumbent legislators for the 2021 session. Topics being discussed include prior authorization, telehealth, GME, and health equity. Current legislation that the state and county medical societies are involved in include House Bill 4359, which would expand the scope of practice for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Recently S. Bobby Mukkamala, MD, MSMS President, provided testimony in opposition of HB 4359, highlighting his personal experiences in
the operating room,
the importance of
physician supervision,
and the distinct differences in education and training between physicians and CRNAs.
MSMS is standing with the Michigan Society of An- esthesiologists (MSA) in opposition to this legislation and will continue to fight its passage. MSMS also sent out Legislative Alerts to the membership urging them to contact their Representative to oppose HB 4359. We ask that members continue to contact their Represen- tative and ask them to oppose HB 4359. (click here to go to the MSMS page)
Finally, membership is one of our top priorities for 2021. We will continue to advocate for, educate, and assist our members. We are thankful for the opportu- nity to continue to represent the physicians of Oakland County. It is never something we take for granted. We hope to come out of this time stronger, and better pre- pared to meet the healthcare challenges ahead.
Best to you –
Cindy Dady, OCMS Executive Director
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Manveen Saluja, MD, OCMS Board Member, was chosen to be part of the new Diversity Champions program of the OUWB Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEIC). The goal of the Diversity Champion program is to train and develop a group of individuals who will actively work to create and nurture an inclusive environment within the OUWB community.
IN MEMORIAM
Roger Byrd, DO passed away on October 22, 2020. Doctor Byrd was a dermatologist who started the practice Rochester Dermatology in the 1970s. He was a resident of Rochester Hills and had been a member of OCMS since 2010.
Nicanor Castedo, MD passed away on January 3, 2021. Doctor Castedo was a psychiatrist who had been a member of OCMS since 1965.
Michael Stone, MD passed away on September 7, 2020. Doctor Stone was an otolaryngologist who practiced at Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants. He resided in Huntington Woods and had been a member of OCMS since 2006.
Eldred Zobl, MD passed away on July 20, 2020. Doctor Zobl was a cardiologist who lived in Bloomfield Hills. He had been a member of OCMS since 1973.
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MARCH/APRIL 2021 | WWW.OCMS-MI.ORG