Will 2018-19 match last year's brutal flu season? Sept. 26, 2018
Music superstar Drake has it, according to ABC - but there's still plenty of time to avoid the flu this season after a brutal 2017-18 which saw record-breaking hospitalization rates. While last year's flu vaccine was a poor match for the dominant strain of the virus, that's no reason for patients not to get this year's vaccine: the CDC recommends nearly all patients receive the shot.
National Voter Registration Day: Are you ready to vote? Sept. 25, 2018
Today is National Voter Registration Day, an excellent reminder to make sure you're ready to vote in November's election. This year's election will have massive implications on health care and is expected to bring changes of consequence for the PAFP, as Pennsylvania has one of the nation's largest full-time legislatures. The deadline to register in Pa. is Oct. 9.
U.S. grows more diverse, but medicine lags behind Sept. 24, 2018
Despite the United States - and its patient population - becoming more diverse, the medical profession isn't following suit. The Washington Post reports in 1978, 88 percent of U.S. medical school graduates were white or Asian - a figure that remained flat through at least 2008. In addition to meeting unique patient needs, diversity also brings new energy and creativity.
Develop your leadership skills in a community of peers Sept. 21, 2018
The PAFP Leadership Institute has leveraged its valuable source of talent and experience within its membership to develop its training and to build an accessible network for future leaders. Join the PAFP Leadership Institute today for opportunities to be uniquely instructed through interactive events and skill-sharpening activities with other experienced physicians!
Nearly half of U.S. physicians have pay tied to value Sept. 20, 2018
Nationwide, 47 percent of doctors report that their compensation is tied to "value-based metrics." According to Forbes, a survey from The Physicians Foundation and conducted by Merritt Hawkins included responses from more than 9,000 physicians. In 2016, just 46 percent of doctors said their pay was tied to value; physicians say they're still unsure about the model.
U.S. Senate passes 'sweeping' opioid bill Sept. 18, 2018
The United States Senate has passed a bipartisan package of bills aimed at tackling the country's opioid epidemic. The Washington Post reports the package of 70 bills, which costs $8.4 billion, includes allowances for doctors to prescribe more medications such as buprenorphine to treat patients with opioid use disorder. The legislation passed in a 99-1 vote.
Docs satisfied with their careers, but not their pay Sept. 17, 2018
Physicians are satisfied with their jobs, but less so with their incomes, according to Benzinga. The financial reporting outfit cites a study from PracticeMatch that has found while most doctors are "very" or "extremely" satisfied with what they do for a living, their payments remained flat last year; nearly one-third of physicians surveyed said they have outstanding student loans.
Physician burnout a 'clear and present danger' for patients Sept. 13, 2018
The physician burnout epidemic is harming more than just doctors - it's affecting patients as well. According to MD Magazine, new research has found that physicians who suffer from burnout are twice as likely to be involved in patient safety incidents, twice as likely to deliver suboptimal care, and three times as likely to receive low patient satisfaction scores.
Medical, recreational marijuana should be legal, say doctors Sept. 12, 2018
Most physicians believe medical and recreational marijuana should be legal in the United States. Medscape reports 67 percent of physicians polled say that medical marijuana should be legalized nationally; 53 percent agree with legalization of recreational marijuana. Overall, physicians were less likely to support legalization than psychologists, pharmacists, and nurses.
Fall 2018 issue of Keystone Physician released Sept. 11, 2018
The PAFP has just released the Fall 2018 issue of its Keystone Physician magazine! This issue is packed with features, including coverage of the 2018 American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) National Conference, tons of great photos, and a look at direct primary care - plus updates on government affairs, member news, and more. Click here to take a look at the magazine!
CDC: Get flu shot by October Sept. 10, 2018
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging the public to get the flu shot by the end of October. Becker's Hospital Review reports that push may lead to significant demand from physicians and urgent care centers to provide the vaccine. According to the CDC, this season's flu vaccine has been updated to better match circulating viruses.
PAFP travels to State College Sept. 5, 2018
This Thursday and Friday, Sept. 6-7, the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians is headed to State College for its 2nd Annual Procedures and Clinical Dermatology Event, including a full day and a half of excellent CME and a wine tasting event! More excitement and education is happening next month at the Nemacolin CME Conference Nov. 2-4 - register for it today!
The PAFP is seeking leaders ... how about you? Sept. 4, 2018
The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians wants to train, grow, and encourage leaders in family medicine. Have you considered joining the PAFP Leadership Institute? This brand new program from the PAFP provides members with the skills to be influential community leaders and advocates of family medicine. Its first event is this November - we hope to see you there!