Valerie Jones MD

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President’s Message The Benefits of Belonging By Clinton Hauxwell, <strong>MD</strong> | SCMS President I am writing this article at 30,000 feet, flying to Spokane after spending several days in Washington, D.C., with a team from Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI). While in the nation’s capitol, we met with our federal representatives and their aides regarding the issues that are important to the residents of the Inland Northwest. The topics discussed were many, and included expanded funding for graduate medical education, the establishment of the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, and expansion of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Spokane. We were reminded, of course, that these concerns require resources— something that is always in short supply in these days of billion dollar national deficits. Similarly, on the local level, our large healthcare organizations are always looking for ways to improve the bottom line. Unfortunately, this has impacted the Spokane County Medical Society, as local medical institutions have dropped SCMS membership from the list of benefits offered to their employed Providers. So now, physicians and physician assistants must choose to maintain Society involvement by paying for dues out-of-pocket. Not surprisingly, many are asking themselves ‘What value does SCMS participation bring to my professional and personal life?’ Membership, I would argue, has many benefits. 1. Continuing Medical Education—SCMS sponsors a yearly CME conference in the fall, featuring both local and national speakers. This meeting has received excellent reviews, with attendance reaching a new high last year. This year’s meeting will be held on October 7, and the planning committee has assembled an impressive line-up of presenters. Our Community’s #1 Choice in Hospice Care “Every single patient, we’re identifying what their needs are and how we’re going to meet those needs. We do that from the context of being the oldest, largest and only community nonprofit.” – Dr. Bob Bray, Hospice of Spokane Medical Director Serving patients and families since 1977 Comfort. Dignity. Peace of Mind. 509.456.0438 • hospiceofspokane.org 2. Maintenance of Professional Relationships—SCMS supports a number of social activities designed to promote collegiality and foster stronger relationships among local medical providers. The monthly mixer, held on the first Wednesday of every month, has been a great success, allowing local Providers to maintain those personal and professional relationships that are so important in the medical field. Perhaps more importantly, it provides a forum for medical and PA students to meet established members of our healthcare community. Similarly, the annual summer cruise in July and General Membership Meeting in January both serve to promote a sense of unity and cooperation. 3. Neutrality—As the number of physicians in private practice dwindles and the majority of healthcare is delivered by a few large organizations, SCMS stands as an impartial body for honest discourse among colleagues and an impartial advocate for patients and providers. 4. The Wellness Program—As I discussed in an earlier article, the rate of physician burnout is alarming—estimated to be well over fifty percent. Many medical providers are in need of mental healthcare, whether it be an empathetic ear to listen, or more formal counseling. Unfortunately, we often loathe seeking help due to concerns regarding confidentiality or the perceived stigma associated with such care. In response to this need, the SCMS Foundation has established the Wellness Program, which provides members eight sessions with a local psychologist. These appointments take place in a neutral location, with the cost covered by the Foundation. This service has already benefited healthcare providers in our community. 5. Advocacy—The Spokane County Medical Society advocates on behalf of its members at the local, state, and federal levels. Members of the SCMS executive committee attend the yearly Washington State Medical Association House of Delegates and take part in the annual GSI Washington, D.C., fly-in, representing the concerns and needs of the greater Spokane medical community. 6. Website and Physician Directory—As most of you are aware, SCMS has a new, reworked website that provides each member with a professional, customizable profile that can be accessed by both colleagues and patients seeking medical care. For many individuals who are new to our community, this will be the first site they will view when performing a search for a Health Provider. Each member also receives a print copy of the Provider Directory—a publication that is often used in my office. And so when your colleagues ask you why you belong to the Spokane County Medical Society, explain to them that involvement brings value to your practice and personal life, and encourage them to consider joining SCMS as well. n 2 | Spokane County Medical Society
Calendar of Events 901 E. 2nd Ave., Ste. 301, Spokane, WA 99202 Phone: (509) 325-5010 • Fax: (509) 325-5409 • www.spcms.org MAY Senior Physician’s Golf Tournament May 20, Friday Manito Golf & Country Club JUNE 1st Wed. Member Mixer June 1, Wednesday 5:30 pm — 8:00 pm Marketplace Wineries 39 W. Pacific Ave. Sponsored by: Unify Community Health JULY Summer River Cruise July 21, Thursday 6:00 pm — 9:00 pm The Serendipity, Templin’s Marina AUGUST 1st Wed. Member Mixer August 3, Wednesday 5:30 pm — 8:00 pm Marketplace Wineries 39 W. Pacific Ave. SEPTEMBER 1st Wed. Member Mixer September 7, Wednesday 5:30 pm — 8:00 pm Marketplace Wineries 39 W. Pacific Ave. Sponsored by: Incyte Diagnostics OCTOBER WSMA House of Delegates October 1 - 2, Saturday-Sunday SeaTac Hilton, Seattle 1st Wed. Member Mixer October 5, Wednesday 5:30 pm — 8:00 pm Marketplace Wineries 39 W. Pacific Ave. Sponsored by: Inland Imaging Medicine 2016 October 7, Friday Red Lion Hotel at the Park 7:00 am — 5:00 pm Questions? Contact karen@spcms.org Senior Physicians Dinner October 20, Thursday, 5:00 pm Manito Golf & Country Club NOVEMBER 1st Wed. Member Mixer November 2, Wednesday 5:30 pm — 8:00 pm Marketplace Wineries 39 W. Pacific Ave. Sponsored by: Inland Imaging DECEMBER 1st Wed. Member Mixer December 7, Wednesday 5:30 pm — 8:00 pm Marketplace Wineries 39 W. Pacific Ave. Sponsored by: Asset Planning & Management, Inc. If you have any questions regarding an event, please call SCMS at (509) 325-5010 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or email shelly@spcms.org We need your help to walk with groups of children to school weekday mornings. BENEFITS: • keep kids safe • enjoy regular exercise • connect with a neighborhood • meet new people • support parents and caretakers • be a part of a team RESPONSIBILITIES: • attend training • adhere to program procedures • reliable attendance • agree to background check • commit to at least one morning per week Call to register! 509.324.1452 Training and program gear provided. CONTACT Annie Szotkowski - Walking School Bus Organizer 509.324.1452 | aszotkowski@srhd.org Brought to you by: Endorsed by: The Message | May 2016 | 3
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Valerie Jones MD

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