MMS Quarterly 2023 Spring Q1

Managing Editor

Allison Cook

2023 Board of Directors President

Lisa Usdan, M.D.

Immediate Past President

Christopher Pokabla, M.D. President-Elect

Dale Criner, M.D. Vice President

Catherine Womack, M.D. Secretary

Walter Rayford, MD Treasurer

David L. Cannon, M.D.

Directors-at-Large

James Beaty, M.D.

Christopher Jackson, M.D.

Desiree Burroughs-Ray, M.D.

Walter Rayford, M.D.

Kyle Smith, M.D.

Paul Tackett, M.D.

James Wang, M.D.

Andrew Watson, M.D.

Perisco Wofford, M.D.

Melanie Woodall, M.D.

Ex-Officio Board Members

Michelle Kitson, M.D., President, Bluff City Medical Society

Jessica Harrison, President, Mid-South MGMA

FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

I recently received notification that I will be celebrating my 20th medical school reunion from the University of Tennessee this fall. Seeing this number in black and white struck me. This also means I have been attending the Memphis Medical Society Gala for even longer as I recall tagging along with my parents as a med student. It is beyond surreal for me to think I am now a leader of our organization.

I could not agree more with Michelle Obama’s personal reflection, “I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them.”

The Memphis Medical Society has been a voice for physicians since 1876. We are here to help support our future and practicing physicians in all stages of their careers throughout our community.

Our advocacy work alongside the work of the Tennessee Medical Association is truly giving a voice to physicians practicing in Tennessee.

Recently, a bus load of Memphis doctors, many of our readers, attended the Tennessee Medical Association’s House of Delegates in Nashville. We discussed a number of resolutions to set as priorities for our organization. While not as exciting as a Grizzlies playoff game here in Memphis, the discussions were lively, passionate, and collegial.

FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

I am excited to see what all we can do for our medical colleagues and the patients we care for in the coming year.

For those of you that have attended Days on the Hill with the Medical Society, I invite you to join us again next year, and for those of you who haven’t yet, I strongly encourage you to take part in this very unique experience giving us an up-close and personal look at how our state government works. Spending the day with doctors from across the state, meeting with our legislators to offer our medical perspectives has been a highlight of my involvement in the medical society.

The Medical Society and its Foundation have formed Project Access West Tennessee to help provide speciality care to those in need of services in our community, and of course we would love to have you help with that as well. In the coming months, I hope to continue having educational, service, and social events for physicians to help foster and facilitate and facilitate an even

stronger sense of collegiality and community. We want to continue growing our membership, not just on paper, but in our actions. Please let me know how I can get you involved. We are here for all of you, and we want to work with you.

This past year has been challenging to be a Memphian. We have been shocked, frightened, and enraged. We should also be proud as we appear to be working together now more than ever to bring about peaceful solutions to our varied problems. Just like our EMR inboxes, our work will never truly end as we all strive to be the best doctors, spouses, parents, friends, and humans we can be.

Ruth Bader Ginsberg said “Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.” I hope that over the next few months I can do just this for our society.

Lisa Usdan, MD President 2023

Methodist leBonhuer Healthcare

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare recently announced the appointment of Monica Wharton, FACHE, to chief operating officer and executive vice president, assuming expanded roles and additional responsibilities within the $2 billion integrated healthcare system. Wharton joined Methodist Le Bonheur in 2017 as its senior vice president and chief legal officer and, in 2020, was promoted to chief administrative officer for the Memphis-based healthcare system. As CAO, Wharton spearheaded several initiatives including reimagining the organization’s

HOSPITAL UPDATES

digitization, and recruitment and retention strategies to stabilize the workforce.

In Wharton’s new role, presidents of three of Methodist Le Bonheur’s community hospitals will report to her in addition to her system-wide responsibilities over several key operational areas. Her appointment comes as Methodist Le Bonheur embarks on its most transformative work yet with the reimagination of the healthcare system under its most recent five-year strategic plan.

Regional One

Regional One Health is introducing a new service at our East Campus to help patients with sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, hypersomnia and circadian rhythm disorders.

Dr. Pralhad Sharma, a board-certified pulmonary, critical care, and sleep physician looks forward to improving access to care for patients who want to improve their sleep and overall health.

Good sleep not only promotes better quality of life, it helps patients avoid and manage serious medical conditions like hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes and more. “Sleep disorders are very common, but there is a shortage of providers nationwide,” Dr. Sharma said. “We are excited to provide a sleep clinic at Regional One Health to serve our patients’ needs and improve access to care.”

St. Francis Hospital

At Saint Francis Hospital, they are using TAVR (Trans Aortic Valve Replacement) to repair Aortic Stenosis, which is a hardening of the aortic valve. Doctors said it happens as people get older and it is common.

“We have grown the technology to now replace the aortic valve with a bio prosthetic tissue valve,” said John Wise, Cardiovascular Surgeon.

“It’s a game changer,” said Alexandra DeMartini, RN, Valve Program Coordinator. “We are able to replace the heart valve in a minimally invasive way,” said DeMartini.

"It’s amazing to see a 65year-old or a 70-year-old or an 80-year-old, when you fix them. The next day after they’ve been repaired with this transcatheter valve, they don’t feel 18 but their symptoms are 100% gone. And they just feel magically better,” said Wise.

Baptist Hospital

The Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital held a dedication ceremony on Tuesday for a new playroom in the hospital’s pediatric inpatient care unit. Named for Baptist’s pediatrics mascot, P.D. Parrot’s Playroom will open in the space formerly used for the pediatric ICU waiting room.

The 500-square-foot playroom will feature a BEAM interactive projector game system, interactive manipulatives on the wall for all ages, arts and crafts, and other

toys and games.

“P.D. Parrot’s Playroom was expertly designed to help ease the hospital experience for our pediatric patients,” said Allison Bosse, CEO and administrator of Baptist Children’s Hospital and Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. “It provides a safe space for children of all ages to play, which can help them cope during long and frequent hospitalizations and between treatments and procedures. We’re grateful to our donors who helped make P.D. Parrot’s Playroom possible.”

HOUSE OF DELEGATES

i A l e x a n d e r , M D ; S a r a - E l i z a b e t h C a r d i n , M D ; Ch r i s t o p h e r J a c k s o n , M D ; E m i l y M y l h o u s e n , M D ; D a v i d C a n n o n , M D ; M i c h e l l e A l l m o n , M D ; L e e B e r k e n s t o c k , M D ; C h a r l e s W o o d a l l , M D ; J o h n S c h o r g e , M D ; M e l a n i e W o o d a l l , M D ; C h r i s t o p h e r P o k a b l a , M D ; B l a s C a t a l a n i , M D ; G e o r g e W o o d b u r y , M D ,

This year's House of Delegates was extra special for the Memphis delegation, as they were able to watch MMS's Past President, Andrew Watson, MD, be sworn in as TMA President. Dr. Watson has been dedicated to organized medicine on the local and statewide levels for many years, and everyone is looking forward to the impact he will make as TMA President.

Left: Immediate Past-President Ed Capparelli, MD, officially welcomes Andrew Watson MD as this year s TMA President

Right: Lee Berkenstock, MD with Steven Stogner, MD

FEATURE STORY: PRESIDENT'S GALA 2023

The Memphis Medical Society held its 147th annual meeting in April. Historically held in January, President's Gala was moved to April recently, and the warmer weather, longer daylight and lake views of FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms were enjoyed by everyone. The year's event featured live music from the doctor-filled band, Copacetic 901.

Lisa Usdan, MD, was honored as incoming President, while Diana Alsbrook, MD, was surprised with the annual Beyond Call Award.

PRESIDENT'S GALA

M M S 2 0 2 3 B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s , f r o m l e f t , P e r s i c o W o f f o r d , M D ; D a l e C r i n e r ,

M D ; D e s i r e e B u r r o u g h s - R a y , M D ; D i a n a A l s b r o o k , M D ; M e l a n i e W o o d a l l ,

M D ; A n d r e w W a t s o n , M D ; L i s a U s d a n , M D , C h r i s t o p h e r P o k a b l a , M D ;

C a t h e r i n e W o m a c k , M D ; S w a t h i G a n e s h ; P a u l T a c k e t t , M D ; D a v i d C a n n o n ,

M D ; M i c h e l l e K i t s o n , M D

P a s t P r e s i d e n t s C h r i s t o p h e r P o k a b l a , M D , a n d A n d r e w W a t s o n , M D , p r e s e n t t h e B e y o n d C a l l a w a r d t o D i a n a A l s b r o o k , M D , f o r s h o w i n g e x t r a o r d i n a r y l e a d e r s h i p , i n i t i a t i v e a n d c o u r a g e t o i m p a c t o r g a n i z e d m e d i c i n e . .

I n c o m i n g P r e s i d e n t , L i s a U s d a n , M D , i s c o n g r a t u l a t e d b y h e r f a t h e r , a n d l o n g t i m e M M S m e m b e r , D a v i d U s d a n , M D

PRESIDENT'S GALA

F r o m l e f t : J o s h

R o g e r s ; B i n d u s r i

P a r u c h u r i , M D ;

D i n a

M o u r e l d i n e , M D ; B r e n n y O l e m e d o ; C h r i s t i a n

W i l l i a m s -

H a r p e r , D O ;

M a l c o l m H a r p e r .

F r o m l e f t : D e n i s e P a r k e r ; J o e y B e c k f o r d ;

L i s a Us d a n , M D

P a u l o M i c h e l i n i , M D ; H e a t h e r M i c h e l i n i ;

A m a n d a H a r r i s , M H A ; P a r k e r H a r r i s , M H A ,

A s h e l y R o s e n , M H A , S c o t t R o s e n , M D

L e f t t o r i g h t : T o r i A l e x a n d e r , M D ;

M i c h a e l K l e i n m a n , M D ; C l a r k A l l e n ,

P h a r m D ; A n n a Q u a n t r i l l e A l l e n , M D .

Q. I heard about a change for retirement plans that recently became effective. I don’t have immediate plans to retire, but I would like to take advantage of any new provisions if they apply to my situation. Is there anything I should be aware of?

A. The new law that became effective at the end of 2022 is being called “Secure Act 2.0”. It will help increase retirement savings, expand

access to retirement plans, and ease plan administration for employers. The most immediate change for owners of retirement accounts increases the age to start required minimum distributions from 72 to 73, and in 2033, the age will increase to 75.

The delay does not affect owners who have already started distributions, but it could be an important consideration for those creating a future withdrawal plan. Higher retirement plan catch-up contributions are in store, starting in 2025. This could be a benefit as you get closer to your retirement age. Workers age 50 and older can currently make annual catchup contributions of $7,500.

The new law provides a larger benefit for workers age 60 through 63 with a supercharged catch-up contribution up to $10,000 annually (indexed for inflation). There are many other provisions like a new small business “Starter 401(k)” plan, a Saver’s Credit enhancement, the creation of a “rainyday” fund in retirement plans, and more. These improvements will be phased in over time, so consult your financial advisor for retirement plan adjustments based on your specific circumstances.

William B. Howard, Jr., ChFC, CFP 901-761-5068

whoward@whcfa.com

“We were thrilled when Dr. Rayford agreed to see one of our patients,” says Nicole Scroggins, Executive Director of Project Access West Tennessee. “Our patients are uninsured and often without any access to specialty care.”

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Project Access West Tennessee commends and appreciates The Urology Group for committing to care for new PAWT patients monthly. Memphis Medical Society board member and The Urology Group physician, Walter Rayford, PhD, MD, MBA, was the first participating physician.

Once Dr. Rayford saw the first patient, the Group’s board of directors voted in favor of each physician taking one new PAWT patient a month. “It’s wonderful to have doctors and administrators like Dr. Rayford, Dr. Corr, and Phillip O’Malley supporting our program to serve our community,” says Scroggins. “We are glad to be able to offer this specialty to our patients and help them get appointments they previously had no access to. Partners like Christ Community and Church Health rely on us to help connect their uninsured patients to specialty clinics like The Urology Group, and we are grateful for their commitments to providing accessible healthcare.”

“Building these partnerships and commitments to volunteer care is the key to strengthening our healthcare community,” says Clint Cummins, MHA, CEO of The Memphis Medical Society and The Memphis Medical Foundation.

“Through PAWT’s efficient coordination of care and physicians giving of their time, we can see a real change in life for patients who need it the most,” Cummins says.

For more information on joining Project Access West Tennessee as a volunteer physician, please visit projectaccesswesttn.org.

FROM YOUR CEO: DON'T MISS OUR "SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS"

As our staff at MMS are well aware, I am a sucker for puns, metaphors, dad jokes, dry humor, and the like. If that’s not your jam, then please forgive me (but keep reading).

As I’m sure you’re at least casually aware, the movie industry had its usual lineup of summer blockbusters in store for us back in 2020 and 2021, but the pandemic threw a wrench in those plans. I couldn’t tell you if all those films have been released, but I believe some are still being released through a combination of traditional theatrical releases and via streaming platforms.

Well, we have our own list of blockbusters that are being released after extended planning, reimagining, and updating from their original form.

In the action category…

Our Welcome Events for Residents (June 22nd at Grind City Brewery) and Students (August 9th at 409 South Main). Each of these events have grown to be attended by nearly 100 and 225 attendees, respectively.

The Resident Welcome is in its fourth year and has grown in attendance each year, while the Student Welcome has been going for many years, originated at the home of Dr. Charles Handorff, and has outgrown its former home at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens.

FROM YOUR CEO

Each of these events represents the vibrancy of our incoming early career physicians, and, at least for me, is our first of many opportunities to educate these young physicians about the value of being involved in their profession. As always, we appreciate the partnership we have with UT Health Science Center to bring these events to you.

In the comedy category…

We will be hosting 1-2 full membership events (date and location TBD), which will operate like a happy hour and/or coffee truck pop-up near a medical center. There won’t be any planned stand-up routines, but our hope is that a diverse group of our membership will gather, laugh together, and enjoy a good time, all in the spirit of providing a wellness outlet for our members.

In the drama category…

The legislative events in our state are a recurring source of drama for our profession, so we always like to put together a blockbuster or two with an allstar cast.

Our executive producers for these events are Drs. George Woodbury, Dale Criner, and Desiree Burroughs-Ray. We will be hosting individual meetings throughout the summer and fall with local legislators to discuss our core issues. We hope to provide an opportunity for 4-5 physicians to meet with each legislator. If you’d like to receive invitations to those meetings, email me. Those will lead up to our holiday blockbuster event Legislative Dinner (November 13th, location TBD).

And in the lifetime achievement category…

This is our teaser trailer that you see before the movie begins. As I write this article, we are two and a half years from our 150th anniversary. What an achievement! What will we do? Will there be big laughs (most certainly), a beautiful storyline (you know it), or big-time action (yes, minus any destruction). What can we do to commemorate this historic occasion? Send me your ideas, and I hope to see you there!

Clint Cummins, MHA