White coat sponsors needed

Help us warmly welcome the incoming class of first-year medical students to the profession of medicine by participating in the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation’s (Foundation) 2023 White Coat Campaign. With a gift of $100 you can provide a white coat and personal message of welcome and encouragement for a first-year medical student attending school in Wisconsin. We still need sponsors for more than 130 students, so if you haven’t already participated, now is the time to get involved.

Some wonderful connections have been made through the Foundation’s White Coat Campaign with friendships that span generations and practices. With his sponsorship, Dipesh Navsaria, MD, noted, “I just got a kind note out of nowhere from a student I sponsored five years ago, telling me how much they appreciated the short story, and how many times they returned to it during their training. It mattered!”

The heartfelt notes of welcome and the responding thank you notes from the students make this a very rewarding program. It’s a relatively small way to support a student, but what an impact it can have.

The white coat investiture ceremonies are being held earlier this year, so please respond today. We need your help to make sure that all students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and the Medical College of Wisconsin receive a coat and note of welcome. Participating in the White Coat Campaign is a wonderful way to make a difference in the life of a medical student while at the same time reflecting on your own days in medical school.

To participate, donate online at foundation.wismed.org/whitecoat or email elizabeth.ringle@wismed.org. 

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Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee seeks new members

A Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) task force was formed in response to the recognition that systemic racism affects every aspect of our lives and of our patients’ lives and that racism is a health crisis in our state. The task force aimed to identify and address the effects of racism upon our members, our profession and our patients. The task force has since been expanded and solidified into a long-standing JEDI committee, jointly supported by the Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) and the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation (Foundation).

The JEDI committee is seeking new members and invites justice-minded physicians, residents, students and other professionals to join us in making Wisconsin a more equitable place for all. The committee aims to expand the JEDI work continuously and permanently to achieve greater justice, equity, diversity and inclusion generally.

JEDI committee members will meet approximately four times per year. The committee will be led by two co-chairs and will also include the Executive Director of the Foundation, the CEO of WisMed and the Chair of the JEDI Taskforce as an Emeritus, non-voting member of the committee. Committee member responsibilities include conducting and analyzing surveys to identify disparities and areas for growth, organizing JEDI mentorship opportunities and providing policy insights to WisMed and health systems in Wisconsin to ensure justice and equity are prioritized.

If you are interested in serving on this important committee, please complete our short application.

Watch future issues of Medigram for information about participating in other WisMed committees. For more information about the JEDI Committee or how to get involved, please contact membership@wismed.org or visit our website.

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Log in to the new IPFCF portal to ensure compliance

The Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (IPFCF) has implemented a new policy and administration system. The new system allows participants to review correspondence from IPFCF and pay their bill online.

Currently all carriers have access to file certificates of insurance on behalf of their insureds. Participants will be onboarded in phases and should check the IPFCF website and watch for an email regarding the timeline for getting access to the new system.

The new provider portal can be accessed at ipfcfsecure.oci.wi.gov. The IPFCF encourages physicians to log in and provide their personal email address. Click here for IPFCF provider portal instructions. For assistance logging into the new system or other questions, please contact the IPFCF at 608.360.8001 or via email at OCIIPFCF@wisconsin.gov.

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WMJ seeking WisMed representative for Publishing Board

The Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ) is seeking candidates to serve as the Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) representative on its Publishing Board.

WMJ is a peer-reviewed, indexed, scientific journal published quarterly through a collaboration between the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Publishing Board representatives are required to attend a two-hour meeting quarterly (held virtually), review journal submissions and be an ambassador for WMJ. The WisMed representative will bring relevant information about WMJ back to WisMed and its membership.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please fill out this brief application.

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WisMed launches online apparel store; discount ends 5/31

If you have been wanting to purchase Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) merchandise, we are pleased to now offer an online store to buy logoed apparel and accessories. Our introductory launch is now online, and to celebrate and thank our members for a successful WisMed Annual Event we are offering a ten percent discount for all orders placed by May 31.* Click here to visit the store. 

*Discount will automatically be applied in your cart. Please note that all orders placed between now and May 31 will ship in June.

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Member discounts on technology, travel and more with WisMed Perks

Through WisMed Perks, Wisconsin Medical Society members can access vendor discounts on a variety of products and services, including hotels, car rentals and technology. Below are a few examples.

Technology

Now through June 4, save up to 68% on inspiring brands like Premium ThinkPad, YOGA convertibles and Legion Gaming, as well as accessories! Not a MyLenovo Rewards Member? Sign up and earn rewards for future purchases. Plus, you’ll receive expedited delivery at no extra cost! Shop now at lenovo.com/us/en/wismed. 

Hotel Discounts

Planning your summer travel? Hotel Engine is a free and exclusive members-only hotel booking platform that connects WisMed members to deeply discounted hotel rates. Take advantage of an average of 26% off public rates at more than 150K+ hotels; no contracts, annual fees, or minimum spends; and superior 24/7, U.S.-based customer support. Sign up for free at members.hotelengine.com/join/wismed101.

Travel Savings Center

WisMed members have access to exclusive travel savings from car rentals, hotels, and ticketing discounts to condos, villas, cruises, guided tours and group travel packages. Find exclusive savings from brands like Avis and Budget, Wyndham, Collette and member-exclusive hotel discount aggregators. 

Check back often for new providers and promotions! Whether you simply want to get from here to there or make your dream vacation a reality, WisMed members have all the tools right at your fingertips. Learn more here.

Car rental deals with Avis and Budget

In need of a winter escape? Make the experience safe and comfortable with deals from your Avis and Budget Car Rental Savings Program. With the Pay Now feature, members can save up to 35% off base rates on every rental, plus receive additional offers like a free upgrade or dollars off. Join Avis Preferred® or Budget Fastbreak rewards programs and enjoy additional perks like expedited service that will bypass the counter and save time during pickup at most locations.

To make a reservation with Avis, click here and use your Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number A672086.

To book with Budget, click here and use your Budget Customer Discount (BCD) number B079592. 

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