PCMS Mission: Promoting healthy medical practices, professional collegiality and the well-being of the public.
PCMS Vision: A connected and professionally fulfilled physician and physician assistant community in Pierce County focused on building the best environment for our medical professionals and patients.
President Julian Arroyo, MD
President Elect
Neil Batta, MD
Secretary/Treasurer
Courtney Kennel, DO
Immediate
C. Blake Perry, MD
PCMS Directors
C. Blair Campbell, MD
H. Matt Davis, MD
JT (John) Heffernan, MD
Nicholas Rajacich, MD
Camille Samujh, DO
Yancey Sloane, MD
James “Jay” Miller, MD
Executive Director
Linda Krause
Office Coordinator
Tanya McClain
President's Message
This fall, Pierce County Medical Society (PCMS), TRA Medical Imaging and the Washington State Medical Society (WSMA) had the pleasure of meeting with three local state representatives: Michelle Caldier (Gig Harbor), Mari Leavitt (University Place), Kelly Chambers and Cyndy Jacobsen (Puyallup).
Also in attendance from the WSMA was the current president-John Bramhall, MD and our lobbyist Malorie Toman with the legislative director-Sean Graham.
Important local topics were discussed including access to care, physician burn-out, and Medicaid reimbursement. It was a good opportunity to meet our representatives and for them to hear some of our concerns. Thanks to TRA for opening up their administrative meeting room for the event
PCMS also sent a number of delegates to the WSMA Annual Meeting in Spokane to represent physicians and PAs in Pierce County and help direct WSMA with their advocacy in Olympia for the 2025 legislative session.
As you can see, PCMS is committed to representing providers both locally and at the state level We encourage everyone to participate as much as possible Your membership helps us continue to work toward better medical care and a pleasant environment for us to provide that care.
Our next event will be our PCMS annual meeting on December 3rd at Hotel Morano. Details will be announced, so keep an eye out for registration. Hope to see all our members there.
Julian Arroyo, MD President, PCMS
Julian Arroyo, MD with WSMA Lobbyist and Pierce County resident Malorie Toman
Initiative 2109
Pierce County -Let’s Help our Kids
Vote NO on Initiative 2109
by John Van Buskirk, DO
When passed in 2021 the capital gains tax was designed so that the first $500 million brought in (adjusted annually for inflation) went to accessible, affordable, high-quality child care and early learning support, regardless of their family’s income), and revenues over that amount pay for one-time school construction expenditures.
In its first year, 2022, it brought in nearly $9 million to help Washington state kids! Initiative 2109 would “Repeal the state capital gains tax, which is imposed annually on the sale or exchange of long-term Washington capital assets when an individual has an adjusted annual Washington capital gain in excess of $250,000”.
Here is what I learned that I want to share with you: --Capital gains are profits people receive from the sale of corporate stocks, bonds, and other highend financial assets. (please note that profits from real estate, sales of small businesses, and retirement accounts are specifically excluded)
Most of us will never experience having over $250,000 in capital gains in one year! If we do, surely we could spare 7% of the profit to help kids, low income families and schools in our community. In general, only about 4,000 people (0.2%) in Washington state receive over $250,000 in capital gains that is taxed. Interestingly, 42 other states tax capital gains! I-2109 would take money away from funding early childcare and education which is currently in crisis.
As a Family Physician, I am honestly not that familiar with taxes and high finance, but I have taken care of a lot of families who struggle to pay for day care and care about early childhood education. Our own WSMA approved a resolution in September to publicly oppose Initiative 2109. Here are links to lots more information: https://budgetandpolicy.org/policy-priorities/state-budget-revenue/capital-gains/ https://www.no2109.org/endorsers
Research shows that when parents have equitable access to affordable child care and early learning, it improves outcomes for their kids throughout their lifetimes in the following areas: school readiness, brain development, improved nutrition, social skills, graduation rates and increased lifetime earnings.
Healthy People 2030 states that studies show that quality early childhood development and education programs can play a key role in reducing risky health behaviors and preventing or delaying the onset of chronic disease in adulthood Early childhood development and education are key determinants of future health and well-being.
So, please join me and the 11,000 doctor and PA members of WSMA in supporting our children and families and opposing I-2109 Just Vote NO on I-2109! to help the kids.
Respectfully,
John Van Buskirk, DO Family Physician
Dear colleagues,
I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer! I’m sorry to have missed the recent PCMS social events—my wife and I welcomed a baby this summer, so I’ve been a bit tied up with new parenthood.
Over at TPCHD, we’re busy ramping up for respiratory illness season. As you might know, we have better immunization options than ever before to decrease the impact of respiratory viruses in our community. We also know that a recommendation from a trusted physician (or other healthcare worker) is one of the best ways to increase vaccine uptake.
We’re really excited about the RSV immunization options—nirsevimab is a fantastic tool to reduce hospitalizations in infants, and while supply issues were challenging nationwide last year, we believe this year will be much smoother. We’ll be working to get the message out about nirsevimab and relying on our family medicine and pediatrician colleagues to help increase uptake. And if you experience any challenges related to nirsevimab, please reach out to me or my team to see if we can help troubleshoot!
We also have RSV vaccines available for pregnant people and older adults. Patients might not be aware of these newer vaccines, so please help us get the word out. Of course, we also have updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, and would very much appreciate your support in increasing vaccine uptake for those as well.
And while they’re not respiratory virus vaccines, the new PCV-20 and PCV-21 vaccines offer a great opportunity to improve coverage among older adults and people with chronic conditions. Primary care folks like me will remember the hassle of trying to keep track of the PCV and PPSV time intervals—now we have one-and-done options for many patients!
We’ll soon be launching an expanded respiratory virus dashboard that will help you and the broader community stay up to date on the respiratory virus landscape in our county. And we have adult immunizations and children’s immunizations pages that you can share with patients as well.
click here to read more...
James “Jay” Miller, MD
PCMS Events Recap
Rainiers and Residents Event - August 25
PCMS members,
A special thank you to those who attended the Rainier’s Residents event in August. This year, we filled our group space and will need to look for a larger layout for next year! Residents from the Tacoma Family Medicine Residency Program, Community Health Care-Family Medicine Residency and the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority attended the game.
Our PCMS member attendees represented MultiCare, Proliance Surgeons and Community Health.
PCMS’s first Meet Your District Representative Event-Sept.17th
On Sept. 17th, PCMS had a joint event with TRA and invited guests from district 25, 26 and 28 along with the WSMA president elect; John Bramhall, MD and WSMA Legislative Director Sean Graham.
Rep. Michelle Caldier - 26th Dist From District 25: Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen and Rep. Kelly Chambers taking questions from the attendees
PCMS Members at the District Representatives Event
Not photographed Rep. Mari Leavitt from the 28th District
TRA Foundation News
More technologists are needed to provide access and quality care in our local hospitals and clinics. Less waiting times for diagnosis is key to saving lives
The TRA Medical Imaging Foundation is pleased to announce that it has accepted three Tacoma Community College (TCC) students into the Foundation's scholarship program. This group of students from the Spring 2024 cohort are in their first year of the Radiologic Technologist program. The Foundation has accepted 8 scholars to date in 2024. Fall 2024 Scholarship applications will open October 8, 2024.
Recipients of the TRA Medical Imaging Foundation scholarships are chosen based on financial need and career aspirations. The program is dedicated to supporting students facing financial constraints while also providing mentorship to help them achieve their professional goals and aspirations. This involves connecting students with experienced technologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals who offer resources, ongoing support, guidance, and accountability throughout the program
The TRA Medical Imaging Foundation Education Fund, established in 2020 with four scholars, has witnessed significant growth By 2024, the Foundation proudly celebrated the graduation of 16 scholars from TCC's Imaging Science programs, encompassing both Radiological Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography These graduates successfully completed the Scholar and Mentorship program Many post-graduation scholars are actively participating in the launch of the TRA Medical Imaging Foundation Alumni Association and contributing to the advancement of medical imaging as a profession through advocacy and raising awareness of the numerous career opportunities available to medical imaging professionals.
As the TRA Medical Imaging Foundation continues to expand, our overarching goal is to broaden educational offerings and opportunities in CT, MRI, and Mammography By doing so, we aim to generate employment, address workforce shortages, and enhance the quality of healthcare services in our community
Registration is open for What’s Up Doc: VAXcess to Care: It Takes a Village Thursday, October 17, 2024 | Noon-1:15pm Register here
Pierce County Immunization Coalition and Washington Vaccine Association present an engaging panel of speakers to discuss access to vaccines in children and adults. The speakers will share perspectives from pharmacies, pediatrics, school based health center, and adult care. Discussion topics will cover data, vaccine access barriers, and creative solutions to increase vaccine access.
Attention MultiCare Physicians and PAs: PCMS Membership Dues Changes in 2025
Over the years, MultiCare physicians’ and PAs’ annual Pierce County Medical Society membership dues were paid and renewed automatically by MultiCare. Beginning in 2024, your membership were not automatically renew by Multicare
MultiCare will still pay for your membership dues to Pierce County Medical Society, but it will be at your request and through your annual CME funds provided by MultiCare.
We appreciate your membership in PCMS over the years and look forward to your continued support in 2025 If you have any questions about renewing your membership dues with us next year, please let us know
We will send out more information about this change in the coming months. If you have any questions, please let us know. PCMS office: 253-572-3667; or email us at: pcms@pcmswa.org.
Thank you,
Linda Krause PCMS Executive Director
New PCMS Sponsor
Link Audiology has been providing hearing healthcare services for patients of all ages in Kitsap County for the last 9 years. We were the first providers in the area to offer unbundled and transparent hearing aid pricing, auditory processing evaluations, pediatric hearing services, and cochlear implant services
As of July, 2024, we have expanded to bring our expertise in diagnosing and treating hearing problems to Pierce County. Our newest location is in University Place. Additionally, all our audiologists maintain ASHA certification so you know your patients are seeing qualified professionals when you send them to Link Audiology.
New Location:
3560 Bridgeport Way W, Suite 3D
University Place
Phone: 360-551-4800
Fax: 360-551-4087
Pierce County Medical Society has been supporting Pierce County clinicians and patients for over 135 years.
PCMS represents the interests of local physicians and physician assistants from all specialties and practice types at all stages of their careers.
