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Spring 2022 PIERCE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

BULLET N Serving Our Members and Community Since 1888

Inside this Edition

• President’s Page • Executive Director Report

• TPCHD: Partnerships • Legislative Recap

Visit us at www.pcmswa.org

Table of Contents

PIERCE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

BULLET N Serving Our Members and Community Since 1888

PCMS Officers/Trustees Dina C. Titova, MD, PhD, President C. Blake Perry, MD, President-Elect Ann Goetcheus Gehl, MD, Past President Julian S. Arroyo, MD, Vice President Courtney M. Kennel, DO, Secretary/Tresurer Neil Batta, MD John Heffernan, MD H. Matt Davis, MD Nicholas Rajacich, MD Camille P. Samujh, DO, MPH Z. Roger Wang, MD, PhD Ex-Oficio: Anthony Chen, MD

Together Again

An evening of firsts

Spring Annual Meeting Photos

Resident’s Annual Social

St. Paddy’s Day Social Thank You

TPCHD: Partnerships

Practice Success

In the news...

is published quarterly by PCMS. Contact Tanya McClain regarding deadlines for submitting articles and advertisements: tanya@pcmswa.org or 253-572-3667.

In Memoriam

The Bulletin

Legislative Recap 2022

PCMS Foundation Charles Weatherby, MD, President Lawrence A. Larson, DO, Vice President Mark S. Grubb, MD Mary Eversole, Secretary

Staff

Executive Director: Mary Eversole Membership Coordinator: Tanya McClain

The Bulletin

is dedicated to the art, science and delivery of medicine and the betterment of the health and medical welfare of the community. The opinions herein are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of PCMS. Acceptance of advertising in no way constitutes professional approval or endorsement of products or services advertised. The Bulletin reserves the right to reject any advertising.

Managing Editor: Mary Eversole Advertising Information: 253-572-3667; tanya@pcmswa.org

On the Cover: “field of flower” rosa do rgbstock.com

1019 Regents Blvd Ste 202, Fircrest WA 98466 Phone (253) 572-3667 Fax (253) 572-2470 Email pcms@pcmswa.org

PIERCE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

President’s Page

Together Again Dina Titova, MD PCMS President

It was exhilarating to spend time with so many of our members at the recent Spring Annual Meeting. I hope we will see a growing presence at our future events. Since 1888, PCMS has had a rich history of supporting physicians in Pierce County. After 134 years, it is still a place of support providing unity and camaraderie to all physicians. This will always remain a major pillar of our organization. Despite changes in the healthcare landscape, the PCMS Board is focused on evolving our goals to best serve our members. A crucial part of this work is input from the membership. We welcome everyone’s ideas throughout this process. What I know for sure is that physicians cannot solely rely on themselves. We need to support each other. PCMS is the perfect platform to connect and build a support network within the physician community. Together, we can solve our patient’s problems and help one another. I look forward to seeing more of you at upcoming social events. I believe continuing to connect with our peers is essential to reducing burnout, enriching our practices, and providing a thriving community.

SPRING 2022

GOT DELEGATES? JOIN YOUR PEERS AT THE WSMA HOUSE OF DELEGATES THIS FALL • Debate and determine policy for the association, elect officers and network with colleagues. Collaborate with the PCMS delegation on proposed resolutions. • Review the "Official Actions" of the previous House of Delegates and the WSMA ByLaws. • Alert your colleagues that you are a delegate to the WSMA and seek their comments and recommendations on WSMA programs and policies. • Attend in-person meeting October 1-2, 2022

To be a delegate contact Mary Eversole, Executive Director mary@pcmswa.org 4

PIERCE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

Executive Director Report

An evening of firsts Mary Eversole

Under state law we are required to hold an annual meeting each year as a membership organization. Because of COVID-19 we could not meet in December, which is the long-standing tradition. Recently we were able to hold a Spring Annual Meeting - a first. Countless thanks to our generous sponsors that helped make the event possible: UBS, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and MultiCare. It was wonderful to award the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department with the wellearned Community Service Award. Another first that night was the PCMS Foundation Silent Auction. The event was filled with verve and collegiality. It was a pleasure to meet many of our members in person for the first time. I was stunned with the generosity of our membership. We raised nearly $4,000 in two hours from the silent auction! Those donations will allow us to fund grants for local non-profits and support the Ukraine Response Fund initiated by retired physicians. As the blooms of spring reach their pinnacle to make way for summer, there are multiple initiatives underway at PCMS: • By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation revisions driven by changes to the Washington Non-Profit Corporation Act. At the conclusion of this project, our governance documents will align with the Act, modernize language, and reflect how the organization is run today. Members will be asked to formally adopt the changes during the board voting process in November. • Investing in a new, mobile-responsive website and membership system to help us grow and increase staff productivity. It will include a curated on-line community for member-to member collaboration exclusively for PCMS Members. Launching late fall. • Continuing to support our community partners - Pierce County Oral Health LIN Medical-Dental Integration Workgroup, Pierce County School Nurses, Trauma Trust, and Pierce County Project Access - to fulfill their missions and goals. • PCMS Foundation 2022 Grant Award process. • Updating previous PCMS-issued guidance for school nurses treating anaphylaxis in a school setting. Besides the projects and initiatives underway, I am most excited for our next social gathering — Residents’ Social, August 17. We are headed to Cheney Stadium for a fun night on the Rainiers’ Party Deck and hoping for a Rhubarb sighting! This family-friendly event welcomes new residents to the county and is open to all PCMS Members and supporters. Space is limited on the Party Deck. Look for the registration link in July before the tickets are all gone! I look forward to seeing members this summer or send me a note about what’s on your mind!

SPRING 2022

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Together again Spring Annual Meeting may 11, 2022

SPRING 2022

THE TRADITION CONTINUES FAMILIES WELCOME!

FOR RESIDENTS, PCMS MEMBERS AND FRIENDS FREE TO RESIDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES INCLUDES GAME TICKETS, FOOD & BEVERAGES REALLYGREATSITE.COM (PARKING NOT INCLUDED)

PIERCE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

THANKS FOR ATTENDING THE 2022 ST. PADDY'S DAY SOCIAL

Hope to see you at our next social event! Thank you to our co-sponsor:

SPRING 2022

Visit tpchd.org/ rxvax

The tools and support you need to inspire patients to get COVID-19 vaccine. Your patients trust you. Be ready to help them. Visit tpchd.org/rxvax, a partnership of Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and Pierce County Medical Society. You’ll find data-driven graphics, easy-to-read handouts, answers to frequently asked questions, video resources and more. A recommendation from their healthcare provider is one of the top reasons people give for choosing to get vaccinated. Thank you for helping to protect the health of the people and places of Pierce County!

tpchd.org/rxvax PIERCE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

The Health Status of Pierce County

Partnerships Anthony Chen, MD, MPH I want to thank the Pierce County Medical Society for recognizing the Health Department with its Community Service Award at its Annual Meeting on May 11. Members of our team were honored and excited to receive the award and to talk to many of you about our work together. Public health has always relied on partnerships, and that has only been magnified by the pandemic. We partner closely with our healthcare community, businesses, schools, and local leaders. We must keep those bonds strong. Our partnership with PCMS is invaluable. Members like Dr. Steve Cook, Dr. Nick Rajacich and Dr. Bill Hirota have enriched our Board of Health with their expertise. We trust one another and we share goals. At the beginning of COVID-19, we faced many unknowns. We knew we could count on you. Our understanding of the virus changed quickly as you were on the frontlines responding. We adapted to the fluctuating supplies of PPE and tests. It was not easy, but our partnership led the way forward in Pierce County. When vaccines became available, you told us what tools you needed to get vaccines in arms. We supplemented your efforts with community vaccination sites. We created the RxVax program and asked for your help in our Trusted Messengers campaign to engage residents. Each time we asked you for help, you were there for us and the community. You provided pathways and ideas. You stepped forward to volunteer. Our relationship kept people healthy and saved lives. We know we are not yet done with COVID-19. Case rates are rising again. We are nowhere near the peak of the Omicron surge, but our case rates are similar to February 2022 and the peak of the fourth surge in April 2021.

But there are so many other things that cannot wait: • In the past weeks, we witnessed horrific shootings at a school, supermarket, and church. We must confront hate and violence. • May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Physician burnout was widespread before and then the pandemic hit those of us in healthcare and public health hard. Despair and distress has increased for everyone. Mental health is central to wellbeing, but we often focus on others and must take care of ourselves. Then we must help the community heal and become resilient. • Housing instability and food insecurity have shot up. Lack of food and shelter kill people; it is just a matter of when. We must make housing affordable and healthy food readily available. • Substance use—alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs— have skyrocketed. We must support healthy behaviors and reduce the harms. • Car crashes have also surged. We must prevent all injuries. • We are seeing new and resurgent infectious threats. Syphilis infections, including in newborns, has spiked. Monkeypox has arrived. Childhood vaccination rates have dipped. We must remain vigilant and continually adjust our strategies. We know we will continue to lean on each other to protect and improve the health of all people and places in Pierce County. Thank you for all that you do and for your partnership!

SPRING 2022

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Practice Success

At PCMS we're committed to advancing the success of your practice. Here are two issues of importance. Non-Compete Agreements: what you need to know At PCMS we're committed to advancing the success of your practice. Here At PCMS we’re committed to advancing the success of your practice. Here are two issues of are two issues of importance. Physicians are routinely faced with non-compete agreements when joining a medical importance. group or even when obtaining privileges. There are pros and cons to this issue on both sides. These agreements be confusing and to frustrating Non-Compete Agreements: whatcan you need to know Non-Compete Agreements: what you need know for physicians. Breaking the agreement can be costly and may involve litigation. It's important to Physicians arethis routinely faced with non-compete when joining a medical group understand topic whether you're a new oragreements more experienced doctor. Learn more Physicians are routinely faced with non-compete agreements when joining a medical or even when obtaining privileges. There are pros and cons to this issue on both sides. These here. group or even when obtaining privileges. There are pros and cons to this issue on

agreements can be confusing and frustrating for physicians. Breaking the agreement can be bothand sides. be confusing and frustrating physicians. costly mayThese involveagreements litigation. It’scan important to understand this topicfor whether you’re a new Billing: orBalance more experienced doctor. can Learn here. Breaking the agreement bemore costly and may involve litigation. It's important to

understand this topic whether you're a new or more experienced doctor. Learn more Balance here. Billing: House Bill 1688 was adopted to align the state's Balance Billing Protection Act with the federal No Suprises Act during the 2022 legislative session. While rulemaking will House Bill 1688 was adopted to align the state’s Balance Billing Protection Act with the fedcommence in the future and health care professionals others Balance Billing: eral No Surprises Actnear during the physicians 2022 legislative session. While rulemaking and will commence befuture, awarephysicians of their obligations the law. Members can find moreberesources in should the near and healthunder care professionals and others should aware of on the PCMS website tolaw. helpMembers navigate thisstate's change. their obligations under find more resources on Protection the PCMS Act website House Bill 1688 wasthe adopted to align can the Balance Billing with to help navigate this change.

the federal No Suprises Act during the 2022 legislative session. While rulemaking will commence in the near future physicians and health care professionals and others should be aware of their obligations under the law. Members can find more resources on the PCMS website to help navigate this change.

SPRING 2022

Open Your Heart CONVERSATION STARTER

If your colleague or loved one is struggling, opening your heart and reaching out can be a critical first step in helping them get the support

Preparing for the Conversation One of the most useful things you can to do is prepare. Like most things, preparation begins with education. Before you open

they need. It can be difficult, but at

your heart and have a conversation, locate available resources

the appropriate time and place, you

or support groups to learn more about the underlying risk

can start a meaningful conversation.

factors for suicide and updated research on physician burnout. Education can help dispel common misunderstandings that can

If you’re concerned that someone

get in the way of providing support. Here are some organizations

close to you is exhibiting the HEART

with additional resources to help guide you:

Vital Signs, the following tips can

– National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org)

serve as a helpful guide. With each

– Suicide Prevention Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org)

individual and situation being

– Suicide Prevention Resource Center (sprc.org)

different, there is no universal way to approach these tough discussions. If you need further guidance or you are in a crisis, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255) for free 24/7 support.

Finding the Right Time Most times, you won’t be able to speak with someone the moment you notice they might need support. But, for tough conversations like these, it’s okay to find the right time that provides a calm and comfortable environment where privacy is being respected. When finding the right time, think about a time that there: 1. Won’t be interruptions 2. Neither person is overly tired 3. Won’t be distractions by other obligations

Remember though, if anyone is in imminent danger of harm, call 911 or the National Suicide Hotline. 14

PIERCE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

SPRING 2022

Premier Sponsors

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In the News...

William Hirota, MD, of Lakewood was appointed to the state Public Health Advisory Board by Gov. Jay Inslee in February representing the WSMA. As a member of the board, which was created following passage of House Bill 1152 in 2021 to create comprehensive health care districts in Washington, he will advise and provide feedback to the governmental public health system and provide formal recommendations on public health; monitor the performance of the public health system; and develop goals for improving public health, among other responsibilities. His term ends July 25, 2022. Dr. Hirota is a gastroenterologist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Lakewood, and he served as president of the WSMA from 2019-2020. He served as president of PCMS in 2012.

David O’Brien, MD, of Spokane will become MultiCare Health System’s South Sound Region chief executive, after having served as senior vice president and CEO for MultiCare’s Inland Northwest Region since mid-2017. Dr. O’Brien, who practiced family medicine before transitioning to leadership roles, will oversee the five hospitals that make up Tacoma-based MultiCare’s South Sound Region. After joining MultiCare in 2017, Dr. O’Brien led the transition of Spokane’s Deaconess Hospital, Valley Hospital, and Rockwood Clinic from Community Health Systems to the MultiCare Health System.

SPRING 2022

PIERCE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

SPRING 2022

In Memoriam

Ronald G. Anderson, MD 1940 - 2022

Dr. Anderson was born in Blackfoot, Idaho and grew up on his family’s homestead farm in Shelley, Idaho. He graduated from Utah State University in 1962 and went on to graduate from medical school at Tulane University in 1967. He completed his residency in urology in 1973 at the University of Washington and later settled in Tacoma to start his private urology practice. He was a urologic surgeon in Tacoma for over 30 years. He met the light of his life, Shaaron, at a wedding in Seattle. They married in 1968 and raised 4 children: Michael, Michele, Trevin and Karene. He was the proud grandfather to 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Dr. Anderson lived a full and adventurous life. He was an Eagle Scout. He was an excellent captain of his many boats, guiding them through Puget Sound and into Canada in the summertime. He loved fishing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where he and Shaaron spent their winters during his retirement. He was a pillar in the Tacoma community. His many professional achievements included being chief of the medical staff at St. Joseph Hospital and President of the Western Section of the American Urological Association. He was a proud member of the Pierce County Medical Society, Tacoma Rotary #8, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, and The Tacoma Yacht Club. In addition, he was a member of the First Light Brigade at the downtown YMCA. Dr. Anderson’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who had the honor to know him, especially his family and the medical and nursing community both in Tacoma and all around the Puget Sound area. His family is grateful to the medical and nursing staff at Tacoma General Hospital for their expert care in his last days. We would especially like to thank nurses Charissa, Nikki and Celine for their incredible kindness. Always humble, Dr. Anderson requested no services be held in his honor. The family will disburse his ashes into his favorite leisure place - the waters of Puget Sound. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his remembrance is encouraged to do so to the Pulse Heart Institute or a charity of their own choosing. Reprinted from Tacoma News Tribune

PIERCE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

LEGISLATIVE RECAP2022

SINE DIE More than 1,000 bills were introduced this session. The WSMA Government Affairs Team helped defeat several bills, such as paying ARNPs the same rate as physicians and liability bills that would have increased costs associated with civil judgments against physicians and workplace complaints. PCMS members fully engaged to help defeat increased scope of practice for optometrists and paying ARNPs the same rate as physicians. Appropriations for notable health care spending totaled $374 million, funding continued COVID-19 response, behavioral health workforce shortages, cancer research, medicaid coverage of all FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs, opioid epidemic response, and support of behavioral health integration and reimbursement of community health workers in pediatric primary care clinics. House Bill 1688 was adopted to align the state's Balance Billing Protection Act with the federal No Suprises Act during the 2022 legislative session. While rulemaking will commence in the near future physicians and health care professionals and others should be aware of their obligations under the law. Members can find more resources on the PCMS website to help navigate this change. The end of legislative session also brought multiple retirements from the legislature. Of note is the accomplished career of Rep. Eileen Cody, 34th Legislative District, chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, Sen David Frockt, 46th Legislative District, is also retiring. Sen. Frockt sponsored PPE reimbursement to physicians and health care professionals. SPRING 2022

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Pierce County Medical Society has been supporting Pierce County physicians and patients over 130 years. PCMS represents the interests of local physicians and physician assistants from all specialties and practice types at all stages of their careers.