WisMed calls for APRN bill changes
Speaking before the Senate Committee on Health Wednesday afternoon (May 24), the Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) called for important changes to proposed legislation (Senate Bill 145) that would allow certain Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) to practice independently – a change to current law which requires at least collaboration with physicians when providing care.

June 15 Doctor Day to focus on timely topics: independent nursing and post-partum coverage for new moms
Doctor Day is quickly approaching. If you haven’t registered for this day of advocacy, there’s still time. The line up for the day is full of fantastic speakers and there’s a spot for you! Thanks to our sponsors, the day is free for physicians and medical students.

The Opioid Epidemic and the Clinical Practitioner: Responses to Opioid Over-Prescribing webinar available on demand
The Opioid Epidemic and the Clinical Practitioner: Responses to Opioid Over-Prescribing takes a societal view of the opioid epidemic by addressing the policy and regulatory landscape to ensure adherence to safe prescribing practices and prescribers’ roles as promoters of public health with respect to opioids.

Increasing hope: Foundation grants support critical needs
Mary, a single mom with two daughters came to Hope House with very little but was grateful to shower and do laundry in a safe environment. “My daughters were so excited to have clean clothes.”

What's in a financial plan?
A financial plan is like a roadmap that helps you navigate through the twists and turns of life, whether you’re saving up for a new car or preparing for retirement. Think of it as your secret weapon to achieving your financial goals and living your best life.

Last chance for discounted WisMed apparel
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome Don Lee, MD, MPH, as Wisconsin Medical Society President
The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) is pleased to welcome Don Lee, MD, MPH, as president.

New physician wellness member benefit
The Wisconsin Medical Society is happy to announce Core Choice, a new physician wellness resource for our physician members. Core Choice, provided by Erica Larson, DO, focuses on your complete wellness.

Input from rural full spectrum OB physicians needed for Foundation fellowship research on Barriers and Facilitators to Obstetric Care in Rural Wisconsin Communities
Madeline Hoitink, a first-year medical student at Medical College of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is the recipient of a 2023 Wisconsin Medical Society Fellowship entitled Barriers and Facilitators to Obstetric Care in Rural Wisconsin Communities.

WISMedPAC board meets quarterly
Your WISMedPAC board held its second quarter meeting last week via Zoom and it was, as always, a well-attended meeting. There are 16 board members, of which almost half are new to the board this year.

Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, 2023 STATUS list honoree
Congratulations to Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, American Medical Association (AMA) President-elect, Director of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment and Senior Associate Dean and Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine, for being named to STAT’s 2023 STATUS List, the ultimate list of leaders in health, medicine and science.

Financial tips for 2023
Financial planning isn’t a one-time event. Rather, it’s ongoing each year. Consider these timely items for 2023.

Digital marketing discount for WisMed members
Wisconsin Medical Society members can access an exclusive discount to produce a digital marketing or TV broadcast campaign with WMSN Fox 47 News. Digital marketing (commercials on streaming services) is a fraction of the cost of traditional TV commercials.

Wisconsin Supreme Court decision upholds checks against medical interference
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, May 2, that a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge erred when issuing a temporary injunction that would have forced a hospital to allow treatment it considered below the standard of care.

Foundation scholarships support medical student diversity
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation is proud to offer a variety of scholarships to a diverse group of medical students in Wisconsin.

State Budget Committee approves long-term support for MCW behavioral health residency program
As part of its first week shaping the 2023-25 biennial state budget, the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance (JCF) unanimously acted to support and expand the Medical College of Wisconsin’s (MCW) psychiatry and behavioral health residency program.

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. 

Make a difference in the legislative process at Doctor Day – June 15
Learn how you can make a difference in the legislative process! Our annual Doctor Day is set for Thursday, June 15 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Please click here to register today and view the schedule for this day of physician and medical student advocacy.

Get to know the WisMed Assure Team – Brian Fowler
WisMed Assure, the Wisconsin Medical Society’s insurance agency, provides a full range of personal and professional insurance to physicians, clinics and health care groups throughout Wisconsin. Brian Fowler is licensed in Property and Casualty and Life and Health and works on the professional and business insurance team, helping physicians and clinics with their medical professional liability, business owners’ coverage, cyber liability and more.

CMS data center to be unavailable
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be migrating its data center this month.

It’s White Coat Campaign time again!
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 White Coat Campaign.

Plan to sell I bonds
I bond interest rates are expected to drop to an annualized rate of 3.79% in May. With money markets more than 4.5% and CDs yielding more than 5%, it’s time to start planning an exit of this investment.

Study in latest issue of WMJ explores trends in e-cigarette use
Cigarette smoking has been on the decline for decades among all age groups, both in Wisconsin and the United States. However, e-cigarette use—or vaping—has increased markedly since its introduction over 10 years ago.

Help your Medicaid patients through unwinding
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will host a Medicaid Provider Toolkit and Fee-for-Service Report webinar on Friday, April 28 at 1 p.m.

The solution to the ongoing EEG tech shortage
Advocate Health and Carroll University have partnered to create a seated Bachelor of Neurodiagnostic Technology Program.

Financial literacy resources for medical students, physicians
Reducing financial stress gives physicians and medical students the brain space to focus on more important things like their loved ones, hobbies and the practice of medicine. Because of this, WisMed Assure and the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation partnered to create the Financial Literacy Series: What I Wish I Knew.

WisMed submits comments supporting FTC’s noncompete clause ban
Calling out the unfortunate propensity of some employers to use the “blunt instrument” of time and distance-based noncompete clauses in physician employment contracts, the Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) registered its support April 19 to a Federal Trade Commission’s rule proposal that would ban most employers from that practice.

AMA President-elect Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD to keynote 2023 Doctor Day on June 15
Continuing its tradition as the premier annual physician advocacy event in Wisconsin, Doctor Day 2023 on June 15 will feature one of the nation’s top physician leaders: Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, president-elect of the American Medical Association.

It’s not too late to support the Health & Harmony special appeal
Piano Fondue made the evening a rollicking good time on Friday, April 14 at the Foundation’s Fundraising Event but the real stars of the evening were the outstanding physicians who were recognized for their incredible work going above and beyond to increase health equity and access in Wisconsin.

WisMed honors award winners
The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) honored Wisconsin physicians for their longstanding commitments to their communities and the medical profession.

Thank you to our WISMedPAC contributors!
A huge thank you to those who attended the Wisconsin Medical Society’s annual business meeting on April 15 and stepped up to the WISMedPAC table to contribute to either WISMedPAC or WISMedDIRECT. For the short amount of time we had to raise these funds on Saturday, we certainly added a lot of contributors.

Get to know the WisMed Assure team – Janet Marszalek
WisMed Assure, the Wisconsin Medical Society’s insurance agency, provides a full range of personal and professional insurance to physicians, clinics and health care groups throughout Wisconsin. Janet Marszalek, RPLU, Senior Account Manager, works on the professional and business insurance team, helping physicians and clinics with their medical professional liability, business owners’ coverage, cyber liability and more.

WisMed launches online apparel store!
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.

Support grants – give to the Health & Harmony appeal
This year, our Foundation fundraiser, Health & Harmony, is focused on benefiting our grants program. Our grants support organizations advancing health equity across the state.

Doctor Day 2023 is just two months away!
Our annual Doctor Day is set for Thursday, June 15 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Learn how you can make a difference in the legislative process!

Happy National Healthcare Decisions Day – April 16!
Guest article by George Lange, MD, Chair of Steering Committee for Advance Care Planning and Advance Directives by the Wisconsin Medical Society – National Healthcare Decision Day, (NHDD), has been on April 16 since 2008.

Will investment history repeat?
We’ve seen this before. Problems in the banking sector, high money market balances, easing inflation, the end of interest rates hikes, an inverted yield curve and a low consumer confidence index are all part of today’s investing market.

Member discounts on office supplies, technology, travel with WisMed Perks
Through WisMed Perks, Wisconsin Medical Society members can access vendor discounts on a variety of products and services, including office supplies and technology.

Spring election results could portend turbulent 2023-24 State Biennium
Wisconsin’s spring elections historically have been sleepy affairs, with usually non-partisan races involving judges, mayors and school board members.

New DEA training requirement: What physicians need to know about the 2023 MATE Act
Within the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, section 1263 of the omnibus bill, also known as the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act, requires all DEA-registered practitioners who prescribe schedule II, III, IV or V drugs to meet a one-time, eight-hour training requirement incorporating education on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders.

Last call to attend Health & Harmony Foundation Event
You’ve hopefully heard about our upcoming Health & Harmony event taking place next week on Friday, April 14 at the Monona Terrace!

New WisMed member benefit!
Effective April 1, Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) members will benefit from a new partnership with Titus Talent Strategies.

Weigh in on proposed WisMed policies by Friday, April 7 to help guide advocacy!
Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) member policy proposals are now posted on PolicyLink and are open for members to register support, opposition and/or comments. The comment period for this round of policy proposals will be open through Friday, April 7, 2023.

Why residents need disability protection
For medical residents or fellows, their biggest asset is their future ability to earn an income. Until it’s sustainable to lose earning power without consequence, it’s important to fully protect it.

Leadership Academy – business-focused CME for physicians
Wisconsin Medical Society Members taking on new leadership roles or responsibilities within their practice or system or transitioning from a patient care role to an administrative role in leadership are invited to join the virtual leadership academy.

Weigh in on proposed WisMed policies to help guide our advocacy!
Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) member policy proposals are now posted on PolicyLink and are open for members to register support, opposition and/or comments. The comment period for this round of policy proposals will be open through Friday, April 7, 2023.

Raffle at Health & Harmony Foundation Event to support health equity and access
We’re so excited for all of those joining us on the evening of Friday, April 14, 2023 at Health & Harmony. There’s still time to sign up, so get your tickets today!

Retiring as a physician – having the money is just the start
As a physician, retiring can be an emotional transition because it brings about a significant change in lifestyle, identity and financial security. As you approach retirement, it's important to consider some of the top concerns that retiring physicians often face.

Discounted counseling and coaching services for WisMed members
The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) works to support physicians through every stage of their careers (from medical school through retirement), which is why WisMed is offering behavioral health services options for our members.

Foundation Event special appeal to support community health grants
Get your tickets now for Health & Harmony's Foundation Fundraising Dinner, to be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Beyond the incredibly fun, high-energy Piano Fondue dueling piano sing-along celebration, we will recognize excellence in medicine and hold a special appeal to raise funds for community health grants.

Doctor Day 2023 – registration is open!
Learn how you can make a difference in the legislative process! Our tenth Doctor Day is scheduled for Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the Monona Terrace in Madison.

Meet the WisMed Assure team – Tara Julien
WisMed Assure, the Wisconsin Medical Society’s insurance agency, provides employee benefits to clinics and health care groups throughout Wisconsin.

“I’m a Doctor…Now What?” webinar series available on demand
The Wisconsin Medical Society recently concluded a series of six webinars with the theme of “I’m a Doctor…Now What?” This series was developed by the National Medical Health Collaborative, a non-profit organization established by the Wisconsin Medical Society, the Arizona Medical Association and the Missouri State Medical Association.

WMJ seeking Deputy Editor – apply by March 31
The Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ) is seeking candidates to serve as Deputy Editor. The WMJ is an indexed, peer-reviewed journal published since 1903 that is owned and operated through a collaboration between the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

State Controlled Substances Board tells Legislature: don’t de-schedule kratom
The Wisconsin State Controlled Substances Board voted March 10 to recommend that the state legislature keep the substance kratom in the state’s Controlled Substances Act.

Don’t miss the dueling pianos at Health & Harmony!
We’re looking forward to seeing you on the evening of Friday, April 14, 2023 at Health & Harmony, where the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation will raise awareness for health equity in Wisconsin and host a raffle with amazing items including Packers tickets and a massage.

Set your DVR for a debate between Supreme Court candidates Kelly and Protasiewicz on March 21
On Tuesday, March 21, the Supreme Court candidates, former Justice Dan Kelly and Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Janet Protasiewicz will debate in a traditional format hosted by the State Bar of Wisconsin.

Can saving too much be bad?
Contributing too much too early into your 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan could mean missing employer matching contributions.

WMJ seeking Deputy Editor – apply by March 31
The Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ) is seeking candidates to serve as Deputy Editor. The WMJ is an indexed, peer-reviewed journal published since 1903 that is owned and operated through a collaboration between the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

WisMed joins AMA, physician organizations urging Congress to pass legislation providing for an annual inflation-based Medicare payment update
On March 15, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) for the first time called for a physician payment update tied to the Medicare Economic Index.

Déjà vu in the Capitol: independent nursing bill introduced – Physician advocacy needed
When Governor Tony Evers vetoed legislation in April 2022 that would have allowed broad independent nursing practices in the state, his veto message included his disappointment that the bill “[did] not address some of the issues raised by parties in the medical profession that went unremedied during the legislative process.”

WisMed, other major health care groups support school vaccination recommendations
The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) joined with other leading physician and public health organizations March 7 in supporting a proposal to update Wisconsin’s student and child care center immunization regulations.

Health equity in practice, maternal and infant health, physician leadership – Health & Harmony CME
Health & Harmony, the Wisconsin Medical Society’s medical education, Foundation fundraiser and annual business meeting, will be held April 14 and 15 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The education conference will focus on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in health care and the Foundation event will celebrate outstanding health professionals.

Win Packers tickets at Health & Harmony – our annual event!
We hope that you can join us on the evening of Friday, April 14, 2023 at Health & Harmony, where the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation will raise awareness for health equity in Wisconsin, host a raffle with amazing prizes.

Get to know the WisMed Assure Team – Chris Noffke
WisMed Assure provides employee benefits to clinics and health care groups throughout Wisconsin. Chris Noffke, CSFS, GBDS, VP of Employee Benefits, works with Tara Julien, Account Director, to ensure their clients have the best employee benefits for their employees and owners.

Board Chair Jerry Halverson, MD, opens Wisconsin Health News legislative roundtable
Wisconsin Medical Society Board of Directors Chair Jerry Halverson, MD, welcomed attendees to a Wisconsin Health News state legislative roundtable program at Madison’s Monona Terrace on March 7.

Last chance: vote for WisMed Offices via WisMed Mobile
Today is the last day Wisconsin Medical Society Members can vote for WisMed President-elect and Treasurer via the WisMed Mobile app.

Foundation to present Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD Young Physician Leadership Award to Laurel Bessey, MD
We hope that you can join us on the evening of Friday, April 14, 2023 at Health & Harmony, when we recognize the outstanding advocacy and leadership of Laurel J. Bessey, MD, recipient of the 2023 Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD, Young Physician Leadership Award.

Support your Supreme Court candidate via WISMedDIRECT
The Supreme Court majority will be decided on April 4, with either former Justice Daniel Kelly keeping the right leaning court in place or Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Janet Protasiewicz bumping the majority to the left.

Want to be happier? Change your financial decisions.
Research has shown that there is a direct correlation between money and happiness. However, the relationship is not as straightforward as it may seem.

Reminder: vote for Society offices via WisMed Mobile
Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) Members can vote for WisMed President-elect and Treasurer via the WisMed Mobile app. According to WisMed’s Constitution, Article V, the President-elect and Treasurer will be elected by the general membership.

Snowmobile-related injuries in rural Wisconsin explored in latest issue of WMJ
Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity in Wisconsin and also a source of injury. Unfortunately, due to the rural location and procedure for reporting snowmobile-related injuries, assessing the magnitude of the problem is challenging.

WisMed members save on communication, tech and more through WisMed Perks
Through WisMed Perks, Wisconsin Medical Society members can access vendor discounts on a variety of products and services, including office supplies and technology. 

Climate and health conference Forward for Health: Building Climate Justice Solutions in Wisconsin
Registration is now open for Forward for Health: Building Climate Justice Solutions in Wisconsin. The climate and health conference will be presented by Wisconsin Health Professionals for Climate Action and the University of Wisconsin-Madison on April 8, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., either in online or in Madison.

Fellowship spotlight: Promoting Advance Care Planning and Advance Directives for Wisconsin's People – Breanna Palmen
Medical College of Wisconsin-Milwaukee medical student Breanna Palmen recently provided an update on her research with mentor George M. Lange, MD, on Promoting Advance Care Planning (ACP) and Advance Directives for Wisconsin's People.

Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in health care focus of Health & Harmony, annual event, CME
Health & Harmony, the Wisconsin Medical Society’s medical education, Foundation fundraiser and annual business meeting, will be held April 14 and 15 at the Monona Terrace in Madison.

Get to know the WisMed Assure team – Mary Krueger
WisMed Assure, the Wisconsin Medical Society’s insurance agency, offers members discounts on and exclusive access to insurance products including medical malpractice insurance, business owners’ insurance, WPS Medicare Supplement program, dental, health, disability and life insurance.

Digital marketing discount for WisMed members
Wisconsin Medical Society members can access an exclusive discount to produce a digital marketing or TV broadcast campaign with WMSN Fox 47 News.

Use clear medication directions for patients to improve patient engagement
Approximately 25-50% of patients do not take their medication correctly or forget to take their medication, which results in toxicity or inadequate control of chronic conditions.

Your expertise is needed to understand the care of patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in primary care
Art Walaszek, MD, the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute (WAI) and colleagues at University of Wisconsin-Madison are studying educational approaches to the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in primary care.

Free program for health care students and professionals to cope with life stress
Health care professionals, medical students, public health staff, educators and caregivers can join WeCOPE, a free evidence-based program that explores emotional awareness, gratitude, mindfulness, self-compassion and more.

WisMed leaders advocate for patients, physicians on Capitol Hill
A team of Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) physicians and staff visited Washington, D.C. this week as part of the American Medical Association’s National Advocacy Conference.

Gov. Evers’s budget announcement weighs in on independent nursing issue
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers delivered his budget address to a joint session of the state legislature Wednesday evening (February 15), kicking off what will likely be at least five months of hearings, debates, budget bill passage and then a slew of partial vetoes before the two-year spending plan takes effect.

Foundation honors Superhero of Medicine Karen Watson, MD
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation is proud to honor Karen Watson, MD, FACOG, with the Superhero of Medicine Award during its Annual Dinner, Health and Harmony, on April 14 in Madison at Monona Terrace.

Spring primary – reminder to vote February 21
Wisconsin’s February 21 primary is fast approaching. There’s an open seat on the state’s seven-member supreme court and of the four candidates, two will advance to the April 4 general election.

Vote for Society offices via WisMed Mobile
Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) Members can vote for WisMed President-elect and Treasurer via the WisMed Mobile app.* According to WisMed’s Constitution, Article V, the President-elect and Treasurer will be elected by the general membership.

Webinar to discover the benefits of Investing in Real Estate with WisMed Financial and Investors Associated LLP
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming webinar, Investing in Real Estate, co-hosted by WisMed Financial, Inc. and Investors Associated LLP. This 45-minute webinar, which will take place on March 17 from 12:00-12:45, is designed to help physicians learn about the benefits of real estate investing and how to get started.

Reminder: abortion law webinar recording available for WisMed members
Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) members can access the recording of the September 20 abortion law webinar, “Providing Patient Care Post-Dobbs: A Look at Wisconsin Abortion Law.”

Free supplies available from DHS
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has extended an opportunity for partner organizations and stakeholders to fill out a survey to request free supplies. Available items range from PPE to office materials. Please submit your request using the State Supply Request Survey by Monday, February 27 at 9 a.m.

When your vote has the most impact: spring elections
There is no time when your individual vote has more overall impact than during a spring election – and especially if there’s a spring primary. You can probably tell from all the television and radio ads that Wisconsin’s February 21 primary is fast approaching, with the marquee race an open seat on the state’s seven-member supreme court.

Foundation sponsoring CME on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion at Annual Event
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation is proud to sponsor a grant to the Wisconsin Medical Society for their Education Conference on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion as part of Health & Harmony, their annual event.

Reminder: weigh in on WisMed Board actions on policy proposals
The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) Board of Directors (Board) recently acted on four policy proposals submitted through PolicyLink.

Get to know the WisMed Assure Team
WisMed Assure, the Wisconsin Medical Society’s insurance agency, offers members discounts on and exclusive access to insurance products including medical malpractice insurance, business owners’ insurance, WPS Medicare Supplement program, dental, health, disability and life insurance.

WisMed members save on office supplies, tech, car rentals and more through WisMed Perks
Through WisMed Perks, Wisconsin Medical Society members can access vendor discounts on a variety of products and services, including digital marketing.

Climate, health and the consortium
Climate change is already harming Americans’ health in many ways. We are experiencing more illness and harm from heat waves, extreme weather events, water, food and insect-borne diseases, wildfires and increased air pollution. Without immediate and concerted action, these harms threaten to become much worse.

This week: bills outlawing non-competes, expanding post-partum Medicaid coverage for new moms introduced
As both Congress and the Wisconsin State Legislature spin up for 2023-24, the Wisconsin Medical Society’s (WisMed) Advocacy shop will alert members when bills of interest are introduced or are at a critical stage in the legislative process. 

Help the Foundation and contribute to a great night of fun: raffle and wine pull
Health & Harmony, the Wisconsin Medical Society’s medical education, Foundation fundraiser and annual business meeting, will be held April 14 and 15 at the Monona Terrace in Madison.

WISMedPAC Board has new members!
The Wisconsin Medical Society's (WisMed) Board of Directors confirmed WISMedPAC board nominees during the January meeting and there are seven new members for 2023! WISMedPAC is WisMed’s political action committee, and its board is responsible for guiding WisMed’s political contribution efforts.

Eliminating debt
For some of us, there’s an important aspect of eliminating debt, and it has nothing to do with math or dollars. Rather, it’s a mental shift.

Attend your WisMed district or section annual meeting
Planning for Wisconsin Medical Society district and section annual meetings is underway. These meetings are intended to provide information about Wisconsin Medical Society activities, discuss current policy proposals and conduct any district/section business, including the determination of representation on the Wisconsin Medical Society Board of Directors and Nominating Committee.

Weigh in: WisMed Board actions on policy proposals
The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) Board of Directors (Board) recently acted on four policy proposals submitted through PolicyLink. 

Child care and school immunization requirement updates
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has proposed updating the immunization requirements for child care centers and school entry to better align with national vaccine recommendations.

WisMed, AMA file amicus brief in abortion statutes conflict case
The Wisconsin Medical Society joined with the American Medical Association’s Litigation Center and other health care organizations this week on a friend-of-the-court (amicus) brief in a pending case that may decide the validity of an 1849 state statute criminalizing the provision of abortion-related care.

Operation: Education back in-person!
Celebrating more than 20 years of Operation Education, the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was thrilled to be back in person at both University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

State Med Board posts updated opioid prescribing guideline
Following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s update late last year to their clinical practice guideline for prescribing opioids for pain, the state Medical Examining Board has similarly updated its opioid prescribing guideline.

Get to know the WisMed Assure Team
WisMed Assure, the Wisconsin Medical Society’s insurance agency, offers members discounts on and exclusive access to insurance products including medical malpractice insurance, business owners’ insurance, WPS Medicare Supplement program, dental, health, disability and life insurance. WisMed Assure’s Team Income Defense helps individual physicians protect their income.

Discounted behavioral health services for WisMed members
Everyone needs help sometimes. The Wisconsin Medical Society is proud to offer behavioral health services options for our members. WisMed has partnered with Marvin to provide confidential counseling and coaching services with flexible hours. Board certified psychiatrists and licensed psychologists are available via teletherapy when you need them.

Can courts order substandard care despite physician objections? State Supreme Court hears arguments
The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments January 17 in a case that will decide whether a circuit court judge exceeded judicial authority in ordering a hospital to provide Ivermectin to a COVID-19 patient despite that treatment falling below the standard of medical care.

Prescription for a Healthy You encourages careers in health and medicine and increases compassion and understanding
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation would like to extend a huge thank you to the University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Medicine and Public Health students Lauren Thao-My Nguyen, Sheida Pourdashti and Erik Sanson for their contribution to our Prescription to a Healthy You program as part of their Chronic and Preventive Care Block in their Community Health Education Program.

Register now for Doctor Day 2023
Doctor Day 2023 registration is now open for the in-person event at Madison’s Monona Terrace on June 15, 2023! Doctor Day is the premier physician advocacy day at the state Capitol, bringing together physicians of all specialties and medical students to advocate for their profession and their patients.

Resident Financial Blueprint – free webinar February 9
Residents, it’s time to think about your personal finances. With your years of training to be a physician, there’s a good chance your finances have been on hold. Join us online on Thursday February 9 at 7 p.m. to learn how to put your personal finances on the right track.

State Med Board elects leaders for 2023
The State of Wisconsin’s Medical Examining Board (MEB) re-elected its leadership for 2023 during its monthly meeting January 18, held virtually.

“I’m a Doctor…Now What?” webinar series available on demand
The Wisconsin Medical Society recently concluded a series of six webinars with the theme of “I’m a Doctor…Now What?” This series was developed by the National Medical Health Collaborative, a non-profit organization established by the Wisconsin Medical Society, the Arizona Medical Association and the Missouri State Medical Association.

2023-24 state legislative biennium underway
The tree has been removed from the Capitol Rotunda. The echoes of the inauguration ceremony have faded away. Now the Wisconsin State Legislature has begun its work for this biennium, and you can be an important help in advancing Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) policy goals!

Student scholarship and fellowship applications due February 1
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation (Foundation) scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year and fellowship applications are open and due on February 1. Medical students are encouraged to check out these opportunities on our website and submit their application by February 1, 2023.

If you hate setting annual goals, relax, you’re not alone!
By Shawna Bertalot, CIC, ACI – WisMed Assure President - If your employer requires you to set annual goals, but it feels tedious, overwhelming and not very meaningful to you, relax, you’re not alone!

Change in recommendations for prescribing oral antibiotics for respiratory infections with Streptococcus pneumonia
Guest article by Barry C. Fox, MD, WisMed COVID-19 Task Force Member - A newly published study from a collaboration of Wisconsin resources has significant implications for prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory infections.

Take advantage of your WisMed Perks with WisMed credit card, discounts on electronics, travel and more
If you’re purchasing new technology or planning spring travel, consider taking advantage of a personal or business credit card exclusively for WisMed members.

New resources: AMA STEPS Forward® toolkits
The American Medical Association (AMA) has developed resources for physicians to gain the tools you need to overcome barriers and restore the joy in your practice of medicine. AMA STEPS Forward® practice innovation strategies offer real-world solutions to the challenges that your practice is confronting today.

There's still time to nominate for WISMedPAC Board!
We've received great interest from physician members and medical students to serve on the WISMedPAC board. The deadline to nominate yourself or a fellow physician is tonight at midnight!

Foundation challenge exceeded!
Happy New Year! Thanks to everyone who donated to the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation (Foundation) during the special year-end challenge, we exceeded the $10,000 goal.

New Retirement Rules with SECURE Act 2.0
On December 29, 2022, SECURE Act 2.0 was signed into law, creating multiple changes to retirement planning. This builds on SECURE Act 1.0 by encouraging Americans to save for retirement to strengthen the financial safety net.

Opportunity to request free supplies from DHS
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is providing an opportunity for partner organizations and stakeholders to request free supplies. There is a large variety of items including PPE, office materials, durable medical equipment and furniture.

AMA webinar: Understanding the CPT Code Set and its Place in Medicine
Physicians and their medical societies are central to the future of medicine, utilizing and driving innovations in patient care from their unique perspective.