Renew Your SCMS/MSMS Membership for 2022 Today!

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Bottom line: It’s not our fault, but IT IS OUR FIGHT! So, here is what it means to be a doctor in the 21st Century: We do our very best for the patient one-on-one, knowing that this will never be enough, given that our hands are often tied. Then, we fight like devils in the public arena, collectively, through organizations such as the SCMS and MSMS to un-tie those hands so that we can truly do what we know is right for that patient.

If you find it difficult to communicate with your doctor; if you find it hard to get personal attention from an 'impersonal healthcare industry'; if you don't understand all those insurance-company rules; if you don't know how to change your bad health habits; if you think you may be on unnecessary medications; if you are perplexed by those annoying healthproduct advertisements; and if you'd like to know which are your greatest health risks - you'll appreciate this Family Doctor's advice, gleaned from 44 years of practice. Each chapter is illustrated with reallife examples from his and other doctors' practices. Each chapter ends with 'bonus' essays written by the author and published in newspapers and magazines giving the doctor's viewpoint. This will give you a unique perspective and allow you to 'get into the mind' of a doctor. Sweet! Available on Kindle (different cover but same book) and paperback.

Available on Amazon by clicking HERE

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All statements or comments in The Bulletin are those of the writer, and not necessarily the opinion of the Saginaw County Medical Society (SCMS). The Bulletin is made available electronically for members as an informational service. Reliance on any such information is at the user's own judgment. The SCMS, its officers and employees, cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, completeness or timeliness of any information, and may not be held liable for any individual’s reliance on our web or print publications. For questions or the latest information, please contact Joan Cramer of the SCMS at (989) 284-8884 or jmcramer@sbcglobal.net.

PLEASE PAY YOUR 2022 MEMBERSHIP DUES

Membership dues for the SCMS and MSMS are due and payable on December 31, 2021.

HOW TO PAY

• Online CLICK HERE • Fax to (517) 481-3976 • Mail to: MSMS Membership Department | PO Box 950 East Lansing, MI 48823

Tax Information

SCMS/MSMS dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution but may be deductible as an ordinary and

necessary business expense

(check with your tax specialist). SCMS dues are 100 percent deductible as an ordinary business expense, and 87.4 percent of MSMS dues are deductible because a portion of dues is attributable to lobbying activities. The SCMS and MSMS are non-profit organizations focused on improving the lives of physicians so they may best care for the people they serve. Click HERE for Benefits of SCMS membership.

The strength and effectiveness of SCMS/MSMS as your professional association is predicated on strong membership.

For questions about membership or if you have not yet received your 2022 dues invoice, please contact Joan Cramer, SCMS Executive Director at jmcramer@sbcglobal.

net.

WHY PAY DUES?

• Because all physicians need to “fund their voice.” • National polls show physicians as one of the most respected professions. Sadly, they don’t use their clout often enough to preserve their profession and protect their patients. • There is strength in numbers. Together we are stronger.

Hope Starts Here

The Saturday before Thanksgiving is recognized as International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. This day brings together loved ones who have experienced a loss to suicide and offer connection, understanding and hope through their shared experience. On Saturday, November 20, more than 150 people attended Hope Starts Here at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth. Frank Campbell, Ph.D., LCSW, C.T., a nationally-known expert on suicide grief, served as this year’s keynote speaker. Dr. Campbell has served as the Executive Director Emeritus of the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center, where he founded the National Suicidology Training Center (NSTC). During his more than 35 years of working with those bereaved by suicide, he introduced his Active Postvention Model (APM) in 1997. It is most commonly known as the LOSS Team (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors). He is a past-president of the American Association of Suicidology and a recipient of both national and international awards for his contributions. The Saginaw County Medical Society was once again proud to serve as one of the sponsors.

Survivors of Suicide Support Group

Survivors of Suicide is now back in person! If you or someone you know has been impacted by suicide, call us at (989) 781-5260 ext. 2 to learn more about our support group.

Consider Adding Survivors of Suicide, Inc., As Your Charity of Choice on Amazon Smile!

Are you in a crisis? Call 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741. Anyone who needs help can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-273-TALK. Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Anyone under age 21 can ask to talk to a peer at Teen Link, 1-866-833-6546. TTY users can use their preferred relay services or dial 711 then 1-800273-8255.