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Caduceus
Newsletter: Spring 2009.11, Week of
March 23 Dr.
Stan Eisen, Director Home
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Caduceus
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1. ACS/BBB/PHP
(American Chemical Society, Beta Beta Beta/Preprofessional Health
Programs) Activities. |
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2. Association
of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) E-Newsletter, Issue #
22, January 2009. |
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Issue 22 • January
2009 Dear Stan Eisen,
Welcome to AANMC's "2009 Inaugural" Issue In
This Issue…
Editor's Note:
Inaugural Issue
This would hardly be a proper January e-newsletter if
we didn’t give you the full lowdown – 2008 in review – on both the ND
school milestones and the top
10 CAM news stories of the year. And this would hardly be a proper January election year issue if we went
without mentioning the inauguration of new This nation is
facing a true epidemic of chronic disease. An increasing number of Americans
are suffering and dying needlessly from diseases such as obesity, diabetes,
heart disease, asthma and HIV/AIDS, all of which can be delayed in onset if
not prevented entirely. Read some highlights
of what we may expect from the new administration in terms of health care
initiatives. The beauty of health care as a political issue is that
it spans the party lines: in the end, we’re all humans who want to lead
better, longer and healthier lives. To your health and your future, ND School Milestones 2008
Not surprisingly, our six accredited naturopathic medical schools have
forged strongly ahead this past year, expanding academic courses, conducting
new research programs and creating multi-disciplinary partnerships above and
beyond the normal boundaries.
Many standard medical schools are now beginning
to include CAM discussions and
offer Meanwhile, beyond campus walls, the rest of the
natural health world has been advancing as well. Read Top 10 CAM News Stories 2008 (sidebar). New Health Care Plan Highlights
A demonstrated ability and willingness to listen was a
cornerstone of Obama’s presidential campaign. And his health care
mobilization effort is following suit, utilizing online videos, public
conference calls and interactive Web forms to gather public input. Already,
several thousand people have reportedly submitted their requests for health
care reform. What can we expect from the new administration in
terms of health care advancement? The Obama-Biden plan has committed to
supporting scientific research, disease prevention and the required coverage
of preventive services, beginning with an anticipated expansion of the State
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which covers children in
uninsured families. Find out how to submit your ideas to the new
administration and read more highlights of the Obama-Biden health care plan. HIGHLIGHTS > Your Questions Answered:
Prerequisites?
Q: I am a new college
student with a chemistry major and psychology minor, and I am very interested
in attending graduate school with the goal of becoming a ND. Am I preparing
myself adequately? What academic prerequisites are required to enter
naturopathic medical school? A: Yes, you are off to strong start! Having a
solid science major such as chemistry should academically prepare you for
entry into one of the accredited ND schools. Upon entering medical school,
the typical ND student has earned a bachelor of science degree … For the full
response, READ YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
> And please keep the good questions coming! Next Up: Food as medicine
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine
but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in
the cause and prevention of disease." – Thomas Edison Top 10
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3. The |
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The
2
Years of Pre-Clinical Studies Ochsner
Health System, 2
Years of Clinical Studies Information
Session May 2, 2009 For
Students Intending to Practice Medicine in the On
Saturday May 2 at 10 a.m. an Information Session and tour for prospective
students, parents and student advisors will be held at The Ochsner Medical
Center in Contact:
admissions@internationalpathways.net or call
877-777-0155, ext. 105 The
collaboration between The School of Medicine of The University of
Queensland, Students
begin with 2 years of preclinical studies at UQ in To be
considered, applicants must be The The
Ochsner Health System has a nationally recognized forward-looking clinical
delivery system, anticipating the medical needs of the future. Ochsner is
highly regarded for the quality of its patient care, clinical services and as
an independent We
attach a flyer about the Information Session. Please post for your students'
information. We look forward to talking to you further about this program. Sincerely, Professor
David Wilkinson, The Head
of School of The Dr.
William Pinsky, Ochsner Health Systems, Chief Academic Officer Dean
of the Queensland/Ochsner Clinical School Contact:
Wendy Monk Director
of Admissions International
Pathways Third
Floor 1-877-777-0155 admissions@internationalpathways.net Important
Message Regarding Accreditation: This
M.B.B.S. program (with 2 years of pre-clinical education at University of
Queensland in Australia and 2 years of clinical instruction at Ochsner in
Louisiana) (the "Program") is subject to approval by the Australian
Medical Council (AMC). The CRICOS
Provider Number 00025B CRICOS
Course Code 001955G .................... Admissions International Pathways Inc. Tel: 877.777.0155 Fax: 877.777.0155 admissions@internationalpathways.net www.mededpath.org |
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4. ====
AAMC STAT ====, News from the
Association of American Medical Colleges, March 16, 2009 edition. |
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HIGHLIGHTS: == AAMC applauds executive order ending stem cell restrictions == Senate finance committee holds hearing on healthcare workforce supply == AAMC seeks awards nominations == AAMC launches resource on medical school admissions initiatives == HHS proposes to rescind "Provider Conscience Rule" == President signs 2009 spending bill == Report on gene patents open for public comments == On the move ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AAMC applauds executive order ending stem cell restrictions Last week, the president issued an executive order overturning restrictions on the federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research. The executive order directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to issue guidelines to permit such funding within 120 days. President Obama's action is the first significant change in federal stem cell research policy since August 2001, when President Bush announced a policy that federal funds could only be used to support research using human embryonic stem cells lines that were derived before that date. In a statement supporting the Obama administration's decision, AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., noted, "This executive order recognizes the need to expand federal support of stem cell research so that millions of patients can benefit from the scientific and medical breakthroughs that may result from this extremely promising research." Coinciding with the executive order, President Obama issued a memorandum to help "inform and guide decisions of [the] Administration" to ensure "the highest level of integrity in all aspects of the executive branch's involvement with scientific and technological processes." The memorandum requires the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop recommendations within 120 days regarding executive appointments, transparency, oversight, whistleblower protections, and agency rules and procedures. The memorandum notes, "Political officials should not suppress or alter scientific or technological findings and conclusions." Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/pressrel/2009/090309.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Senate finance committee holds hearing on healthcare workforce supply The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing last week on health care workforce issues within the context of broad health care reform. In opening remarks, Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-Mont.) identified a need to "step back and ask whether we have a solid, national strategy to strengthen our workforce," adding that much research has been published on the problems facing our national health workforce but no clear strategy or solution has emerged. Testifying at the hearing were Fitzhugh Mullan, M.D., professor of medicine and health policy at M.D., director of the Center for Health Policy Research at
Goroll, M.D., professor of medicine at Wartman, M.D., Ph.D., president of the Association of Academic Health Centers. The AAMC submitted a statement for the hearing record that reiterated the association's workforce policies, including its long-standing support for additional funding for Title VII health professions programs and the National Health Services Corps, greater workforce diversity, and the implementation of a "medical home" delivery model. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/advocacy/library/washhigh/2009/031309/start.htm#3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AAMC seeks awards nominations The AAMC is seeking nominations for major awards honoring individuals and programs making significant contributions to the academic medicine community. The following awards will be presented at the association's annual meeting, Nov. 6-11, in The Abraham Flexner Award for Distinguished Service to Medical Education the highest honor that academic medicine presents for sustained contributions to American medical education. The award is a medal and a cash prize of $10,000. The Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Awards recognize the significant contributions to medical education made by gifted teachers. Each awardee receives $10,000; the awardee's institution receives $2,500; and the awardee's AOA chapter receives $1,000. The Award for Distinguished Research in the Biomedical Sciences recognizes exceptional research discoveries, and consists of a crystal award and $5,000. The David E. Rogers Award is granted to a medical school faculty member who has made major contributions to improving the health and health care of the American people. The recipient receives a $10,000 award and a crystal presentation piece. The Herbert W. Nickens Award is granted annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to promoting justice in medical education and health care. The recipient receives a $10,000 award and a crystal presentation piece. The Humanism in Medicine Award recognizes a physician faculty member who exemplifies the qualities of a caring and compassionate mentor to medical students. The awardee receives $5,000; an additional $1,000 is given to the Organization of Student Representatives at the recipient's medical school. The Spencer Foreman Award for Outstanding Community Service recognizes longstanding, major institutional commitment to addressing community needs. The winner receives an engraved crystal presentation piece. Nominations for all awards are due May 1. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/about/awards/start.htm or AAMC Office of the President, 202.828.0472 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AAMC launches resource on medical school admissions initiatives The AAMC has established a new online resource to capture its activities and resources related to medical school admissions. The association is leading many initiatives to broaden the medical school applicant pool, and improve the selection process to create a diverse, capable, and caring physician workforce for the 21st century. These admissions initiatives focus on three areas: * Diversity--programs directed at increasing the diversity of the medical school applicant pool, including AspiringDocs.org; the Holistic Review Project; various minority career fairs; and the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program. * physician shortage expected, programs and resources to address this challenge include the Center for Workforce Studies; reports on successful medical school expansion strategies; and studies on student debt and other factors that affect career choice. * Student Selection--to assist medical schools in selecting the best and brightest to meet their mission, the AAMC is leading initiatives that include a comprehensive review of the MCAT exam; a national project to review the science competencies required of medical students, and a new background check service for medical school applicants. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/meded/admissions ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ HHS proposes to rescind "Provider Conscience Rule" The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has offered a proposal to rescind the "Provider Conscience Rule" that gives the department the authority to terminate funding to health care entities that fail to provide accommodations for workers who refuse to participate in medical services or procedures that conflict with their personal, moral or religious convictions. The rule, established by the Bush administration, became effective on Jan. 20. According to HHS's new proposal, workers who have objections to performing certain services or activities because of religious beliefs or moral convictions already are protected by three other existing statutes. HHS is seeking comments by April 9.
Information: Go to http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-5067.pdf ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ President signs 2009 spending bill The president has signed into law the fiscal year (FY) 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, to continue funding the federal government through Sept. 30. The $410 billion spending package combines the nine FY 2009 appropriations bills remaining from the previous Congress. It provides $151.8 billion for programs in the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education spending bill, including increases for the National Institutes of Health, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Title VII health professions programs, and the National Health Service Corps. Information: Go to http://www.aamc.org/advocacy/library/washhigh/2009/031309/start.htm#1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Report on gene patents open for public comments The Department of Health and Human Services Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society (SACGHS) released a draft report this week assessing the influence of gene patents and licensing practices on access to genetic tests. The report examines long-standing concerns that intellectual property protections on gene sequences may adversely affect patients' access to important diagnostic or other tests; proponents argue that patents on DNA sequences create incentives to develop and improve such tests. The draft report includes detailed case studies and analysis on a wide variety of genetic diagnostic tests. SACGHS strongly encourages public comments, which are due May 15. Information: Stephen Heinig, AAMC Biomedical and Health Sciences Research, 202.828.0488, sheinig@aamc.org or go to http://oba.od.nih.gov/SACGHS/sacghs_public_comments.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ On the move James P. Clements, provost and vice president for academic
affairs at University, will become president
of ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Academic Medicine Online With Match Day ceremonies on the horizon, the March issue of Academic Medicine focuses on graduate medical education (GME). The issue explores the educational innovations in GME, the administrative and structural changes to resident education, and the role of the national accrediting body. The issue includes commentaries by former AAMC President Jordan J. Cohen, M.D., and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education President Thomas J. Nasca, M.D. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ |
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5. (CNN) -- Americans are forgoing medical attention in the face of high health-care costs, a
new consumer health survey has found.
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By Shahreen Abedin (CNN) -- Americans are forgoing medical
attention in the face of high health-care costs, a new consumer health survey
has found.
The high cost of medical care and treatment has some sick people opting out of treatment, a survey finds. Specifically, 24 percent of people polled in the 2009 Deloitte Survey of Health Care Consumers decided not to seek medical care when they were sick or injured. The largest subgroups were those who were uninsured (36 percent), and those between ages 28 and 44, referred to as "Gen Y" respondents in the survey (37 percent). Two-fifths of the people who didn't see a doctor when they needed one did so because of the high cost of care. They either didn't have medical insurance coverage or they perceived the
cost of such care to be excessive, according to the survey, which was released early Tuesday to CNN by the "Costs are impacting the system, and it's changing how we respond to our health care," said Paul Keckley, executive director of the center. In addition to data about how many Americans fail to seek necessary
medical care because of high costs, another
theme that emerged in the survey focused on consumers' dissatisfaction with
the nation's health-care system: • 94 percent of respondents said they believe health-care costs threaten their own financial security. • More than half said they think 50 percent or more of the money spent by Americans on health care is a waste. • Only 6 percent indicated their own family is totally prepared to shoulder the financial burden they expect to face. Not only are Americans putting off health care and facing increasing dissatisfaction, they are also shopping around for better deals on doctors' fees, prescription medication prices or health insurance plans to cut costs, according to the survey. There has been a lot of perceived loyalty and commitment in health care, Keckley said, and many providers think patients will stay with them. "This study suggests that people really don't [stay]," Keckley added. "And that's surprising." Despite the desire to shop around and gather more information to make improved decisions about their health-care choices, the abundance of options also can be baffling, says Kathleen Stoll, deputy director of Families USA. The group is a nonprofit, nonpartisan health care advocacy organization that regularly advises consumers on choosing insurance coverage plans. "People weigh the costs of deductibles versus premiums, and these options can be confusing. They are asking themselves, 'What is it that I can afford in the family budget?' I sense a lot of people feeling unnerved by having to choose less [insurance] coverage because that's all they can afford," Stoll told CNN. The survey also underscored Americans' receptiveness to innovations that
potentially lower costs and offer greater convenience, pointing toward
growing preferences for options such as retail walk-in primary care clinics
in drug stores, medical tourism (high-quality, relatively inexpensive medical
procedures obtained abroad) and Web-based medical services (often referred to
as e-visits). Sampling a nationally representative group of more than 4,000 adults using a Web-based questionnaire, the survey was funded by the center's parent company, Deloitte LLP, which has a wide range of clients in the health care industry. The center released its first version of the annual survey results in 2008. Last month, the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation released its own
health-care survey findings, with even greater numbers reflecting cutbacks in
spending on medical services and treatments. According to the report, more than half of American households scaled back health-care spending in the previous 12 months before the survey, which was conducted in early February. Families relied on home remedies and over-the-counter medications instead of going to the doctor about 35 percent of the time, and they skipped visits to the dentist 34 percent of the time. |
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6.
Received this week. |
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· The Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine Viewbook. · The Fine Arts Examine the Medical Arts – Six talented Chicago-area artists were selected who then observed RFUMS scientists, physicians, students and administraors, all of whom offered unprecedented access to their lives. This project then resulted in a unique collection of fine art that reflects the didactic and dynamic experiences of students becoming physicians. |
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7. Marginalia: True, most recipients of the |
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Dr. Stan Eisen,
650
E-mail: seisen@cbu.edu
http://www.cbu.edu/~seisen/
Caduceus Newsletter Archives: http://www.cbu.edu/~seisen/Caduceus.html