by Chad D. Kollas, MD FACP FCLM FAAHPM—AAHPM Delegate to the AMA The American Medical Association (AMA) held its Interim Meeting in a revitalized New Orleans from November 12-15, and AAHPM’s representatives enjoyed a productive meeting—while also partaking of Louisiana’s legendary cuisine! Alternate delegate Dennis Pacl, MD FACP, and I were pleased to welcome Patrick … Read moreUpdate from the 2011 AMA Interim Meeting
by Patrick White Patrick White is a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh and AAHPM’s delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) Resident and Fellow Section. Attending the American Medical Association (AMA) Interim Meeting in New Orleans was an amazing experience. From my first alligator sausage through our last meeting with … Read moreA Fellow’s View of the AMA Meeting
So what is REMS and why should we care?
by Katie Macaluso, AAHPM Quarterly Managing Editor If you’re a member of AAHPM, you should be spotting a copy of the fall issue of AAHPM Quarterly in your mailbox any day now (if it hasn’t arrived already). Pick up this issue to learn more about the 2012 Annual Assembly, certification deadlines, advocacy efforts, and where … Read moreOn Organ Donation and Patient Wishes
by Emily Muse, AAHPM Communities Manager I am a planner. I create lists, diagrams, and spreadsheets for almost everything. I even use a planning rubric when packing for weekend trips. Obviously, I began my preparation for the 2011 AAHPM Washington DC “Capitol Hill Fly In” by researching my congressional representatives and senators. I wanted to … Read moreAnother Way to Advocate for Patients
Thoughts on Local Sausage-making and DC: I spent an evening walking from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol Building last week. Although the classic reference about legislation is “sausage-making” and something you don’t want to watch, I found the area by the capital buildings an especially peaceful spot to stop and admire the view … Read moreAAHPM Calls on Washington (and you should be in touch with your local folk!)
While reading this article from the Philadelphia Inquirer, AAHPM staff came across this definition: Palliative care, which focuses on treating the symptoms of diseases either fatal or curable, has become increasingly common in U.S. hospitals. What are you thoughts? How do YOU define palliative care?
by Laura G. Davis, CAE, AAHPM Director of Marketing and Membership I recently had the opportunity to travel out of Chicago and spend some time with Academy members. These visits gave me the opportunity to learn first-hand how our members spend their days. It was an enlightening experience. I spent time with Dan Maison, MD … Read moreWhat I Learned from Visiting Academy Members
by AAHPM President Ronald J. Crossno, MD Do we take care of patients or do we partner with educated consumers who are knowledgeable about healthcare economics? The answer is clearly some of both, depending on the individual in front of us, but a new report from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions suggests the prospect … Read morePatients or Healthcare Consumers? A tipping point in Hospice & Palliative Medicine
by Joanna Fief I’ve been hearing about the need for improved end-of-life care since I was a kid. My mom was a hospice nurse for many years and always talked about the importance of broader and earlier access to palliative care for patients and their families. I never dreamed my work would overlap with hers, … Read morePacific Northwest Ahead of the Curve in End-of-Life Care. Or Is It?