Webinar on CMS Changes to GME Funding Opportunities
By healthcare law partners Emily Cook and Drew McCormick of McDermott Will & Emery, this webinar reviews the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule that finalizes three key changes related to graduate medical education (GME)funding opportunities including distribution of 1,000 new residency slots, changes applicable to the Rural Training Track (RTT) program, and changes for hospitals who inadvertently set low or zero per resident amounts (PRAs) or FTE caps.
Policy and Advocacy News
Rep. Lee Encourages VA to Explore OMT for Treatment of Veteran Pain
At a congressional hearing on medical research at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Representative Susie Lee (D-NV) urged VA officials to study the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in addressing veteran pain.
AACOM supported Rep. Lee’s effort to highlight the importance of OMT care for the veteran population. Citing the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rep. Lee said she has “been impressed by OMT’s potential for supporting veterans managing pain and reducing opioid dependency.”
VA Chief Consultant, Health Outcomes Military Exposures, Patricia Hastings, DO, MPH, FACEP, RN, responded that she agrees OMT “does work very well with musculoskeletal pain, also works with visceral pain… so I do believe it should be looked at more.” Rep. Lee committed to following up with VA officials as Congress looks to “eliminate barriers” to further OMT research..
AACOM Announces New Osteopathic Health Policy Interns
Following a highly competitive review process, AACOM has selected two osteopathic medical students to participate in the association’s Osteopathic Health Policy Internship (OHPI) Program. Brianne Howerton (left), OMS IV, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) – Bradenton, and Chrissa Karagiannis (right), OMS III, Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM) – California, will each spend eight consecutive weeks working virtually with AACOM’s Government Relations department. Through this internship, Brianne hopes to gain skills and knowledge to help her more effectively advocate for improved access to healthcare in rural communities, while Chrissa aims to further advance her work addressing the nation’s opioid epidemic. Learn more.
White House Physician Speaks at Military Promotion Ceremony in Blacksburg
On May 6, 2022, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus (VCOM-Virginia) military graduates were honored at the VCOM annual Military Promotion Ceremony. The Military Promotion Ceremony is an event where medical students who are members of the Health Professions Scholarship Program receive their promotions to the military rank and begin serving their country. Kevin C. O’Connor, DO, U.S. Army, Colonel (Retired), the current White House physician serving President Joseph Biden, delivered the keynote address. Dr. O’Connor encouraged the graduates to concentrate on teamwork, to work every day on how they conduct themselves while in service and to explore family medicine while in the military. Dr. O’Connor also stressed that the position of White House physician is non-partisan and such a great honor, but as a military physician, providing healthcare services to his fellow soldiers will always be the greatest honor he has ever had. VCOM is deeply honored to have educated these graduates as they begin their service as United States military physicians.