AAHPM Monthly Wrap Up – August 2021

Take a glimpse into all that has taken place at the Academy in the previous month. We are hard at work for our members, the field of hospice and palliative care, and all who care for seriously ill patients and their families.

AAHPM held their second Virtual Career Fair on August 19, seeing more than 86 participants and 28 employers. Another fair will take place on November 12 – it is free and open to anyone seeking a position in hospice and palliative care. Mark your calendar!

Applications are due October 1 for the Fellows of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (FAAHPM) designation. New in 2021, all AAHPM members are eligible to apply for fellow status who meet the eligibility requirements. Learn more and submit your application today!

In response to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Proposed Standards for Continuing Certification call for comment, AAHPM, with the help and input of a group of members with diverse subject matter expertise, submitted a comment letter reflecting the needs and concerns of hospice and palliative medicine subspecialist physicians.

AAHPM joins ACGME Equity Matters (TM), a collaborative DEI and anti-racism initiative for physicians and medicine, which aims to promote health equity and anti-racism practices and policies across medical training and practice. The Academy is one of 31 medical specialty societies and 11 program director associations a part of this initiative.

In response to calls to rescind a federal requirement that masks be worn on public transportation, AAHPM joined medical society partners and other healthcare organizations in sending a letter to the CDC and TSA urging a continuation of this evidence-based policy aimed at reducing COVID-19 transmission.

AAHPM joined NCHPC partners in submitting comments on CMS’ proposed changes to the hospice survey process and enforcement remedies, which were included as part of the 2022 home health proposed rule. Offering consensus opinions and concerns of the field, the letter emphasizes the need for transparency and consistency in the survey process and public reporting that is meaningful to patients and families.

Continuing certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine is evolving. The administering board, American Board of Internal Medicine, will launch the Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment in 2022. Those due to recertify in 2022 should check with their primary board to see if this option is available, or if preparation is needed for the 10-year high stakes exam on November 1, 2022. Register through your primary certifying board for HPM certification. Review the AAHPM Fact Sheet and watch for continued updates.

Call for 2022 Annual Assembly case submissions and scholar posters will open October 1-18, 2021. This is an opportunity to share and disseminate best practices in the field with a case submission or work-in-progress scholar poster. Submissions will be accepted from early career professionals (up to 5 years post training) or current professionals in training (engaged in a formal education or training program: fellow, scholar, advanced practice nurse, social worker, resident, student, and others). Visit AnnualAssembly.org for more information.

We congratulate AAHPM CEO, Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA CAE FASAE, on being recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives (FASAE). The Fellows program is one of ASAE’s highest honors, recognizing individuals who have made a significant impact on the association community through exemplary volunteer service and leadership, extraordinary accomplishments, and other major contributions to ASAE. Wendy-Jo has been an active leader in the association space for nearly 25 years, holding various leadership positions across professional organizations, most recently serving as a member of the ASAE Foundation Research Committee and as past chair of the ASAE Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Congratulations, Wendy-Jo!

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