This episode of Housecall, host Dr. David Doman talks about the new developments at MedChi-The Maryland State Medical Society, with their president, Shannon Pryor, MD. MedChi focuses on physicians practicing in Maryland. There is also two other similar organizations, MCMS-Montgomery County Medical Society. They focus on physicians practicing in the county and American Medical Association they focus on physicians practicing in the United States. All three have a similar mission with a different geographical scope for each organization. They Strive to represent and advocate for the practice of medicine of all physicians regardless of specialty.
What’s New with MedChi?
For the first time in 217 years there is an all female executive committee and Dr. Pryor is the 5th consecutive female president. The board of trustees has grown to be more diverse within its ethnicity, race, gender, and sexuality. The increase in engagement of the students and residents has really benefitted the society and has allowed them to look forward a little more.
During the Covid-19 Pandemic MedChi has been helping with education and outreach. Informing the public to pre-register for the Covid-19 vaccine. The focus has been to provide the best possible care to patients and public health. There has been major legislation changes some like the increase in medicare funds and telemedicine is here to stay and is available for audio only for people who don’t have access to a device. Telemedicine has been a positive development that allows provision of care who would otherwise not receive care.
Dr. Pryor discusses the public health issues MedChi have been facing. The opioid crisis is still raging regardless of Covid-19, racial inequalities with access to medical care, gun control, gun violence, and the countless mass shootings that keep adding up to name some public health safety issues MedChi addresses.
For more information visit MedChi.org. Watch this episode of Housecall below or on MMC’s YouTube channel and subscribe!