Allegheny County Medical Society

Physicians are often the ones caring for others, but it's crucial we also care for ourselves and our colleagues. These 5 red flags are warning signs that you or a fellow physician might be struggling with mental health:

1️⃣ Absences or tardiness
2️⃣ Personal appearance
3️⃣ Nervousness
4️⃣ Unpredictability
5️⃣ Substance abuse

Let’s stay vigilant, support each other, and break the silence around physician mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, please speak up and ask for help. Dial 988 and get the support you deserve. 💙

It’s Friday Feature time! 🩺

This week, we are thrilled to announce the second of our two new Women in Healthcare committee chairs for 2024-2025!

Dr. Prerna Mewawalla received her medical degree from Seth G.S. Medical College and is now a leading hematologist in Pittsburgh with over a decade of experience.

Dr. Mewawalla serves as the Medical Director Apheresis, Chair of the Women Physician’s ERG, and Diversity Officer at the Cancer Institute at Allegheny Health Network. As an Associate Professor at Drexel University College of Medicine, she is committed to advancing medical education while continuing and expanding initiatives that align with her mission of excellence and innovation in patient care.

We are so proud to have her as a member in our medical society and look forward to the impact she will have on our Women in Healthcare Committee. Her involvement will support and uplift women physicians and strengthen the entire ACMS community.

Hot off the press! The August digital bulletin from the Allegheny County Medical Society is now live on Issuu. This edition features in-depth articles on key resolutions, policy updates, and the upcoming 2025 candidate slate for the ACMS Board of Directors and Delegates.

Explore the full issue using the link below!

https://issuu.com/alleghenycountyms/docs/acms_bulletin_august2024_final_issuu

ACMS members, along with their families and friends, had a fantastic time at the Pittsburgh Pirates game over the weekend! ⚾ Many attendees enjoyed the pre-game Happy Hour at the Babb, Inc. Blitzburgh Tailgate Room, with a special event sponsored by Axias Wealth Advisors. Although the Pirates didn't come out with the win, the fireworks show definitely made up for it! Thank you to everyone who joined us for a night of baseball, camaraderie, and fun!

Join our virtual webinar tonight from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm to explore evidence-based prescribing and how to combat the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania. Jason Sutt, PTS and Dr. Denise Vanacore, Clinician Champion will be leading the discussion.

There are two modules, and you will receive CME credit for both:
1️⃣ Module 6 - Approaches to Addressing Substance Use Disorder in Patients Identified by PDMP
2️⃣ Module 7 - Effective Opioid Tapering Practices

Please make sure that the individual pre-event questionnaires are completed before tonight. The links to the questionnaires were included in the confirmation email that you received when you registered.

This event is free for ACMS Members and Nonmembers. If you have not registered yet, click the link below.

https://www.acms.org/events/august-27-2024-tools-you-can-use-to-fight-the-opioid-epidemic/

We’re back with another Friday Feature! 🎉

After a fun night out at our Women in Healthcare Committee Summer Social last night, we are excited to announce the first of our two new Women in Healthcare committee chairs for 2024-2025!

Dr. Meilin Young is a specialist in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine as well as Neurocritical Care Medicine at Allegheny Health Network.

Dr. Young earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann University and completed her residency and fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Currently serving as core faculty for the PCCM fellowship and subspecialty education coordinator for the Internal Medicine Residency program, Dr. Young is about to take on an exciting new role as co-medical director of the Neuro-ICU at Allegheny General Hospital.

Dr. Young is dedicated to treating her patients as if they were her own family and has a relentless drive to enhance the care she provides. She embodies compassion and excellence, and we’re proud to celebrate her contributions to our medical community!

Big news for little ones! Laughlin Children's Center is partnering with the ACMS Foundation and the Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation to offer discounted SPOT screenings this September. Licensed speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists will work with local preschools to offer vital screenings that catch and address early signs of developmental needs.

Read the entire feature in Trib Total Media using the link below!

https://triblive.com/local/sewickley/in-brief-spot-screenings-paws-for-a-cause-and-more-in-quaker-valley-area/

The 2025 ACMS Election is quickly approaching!

Candidates for the 2025 Board of Directors and the ACMS Delegation have been nominated and will be officially announced after the September 10 Board of Directors meeting. Their terms will start on January 1, 2025.

Voting will be open from September 2-9. You’ll receive a personalized link via email on Monday, September 2nd. Simply click the link to vote for your preferred candidates. The ballot will close on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 11:59 PM.

If you don’t receive your ballot email on September 2, please check your Spam, Junk, or Other folders. If you still can’t find it, email Melanie Mayer ([email protected]) for assistance.

Earn up to 12.5 AOA, AMA, and ACPE credits while diving into transformative health and wellness strategies at the 3rd Annual Fritzky Family Integrative Health Summit at Duquesne University! Learn from nationally-recognized experts on September 19-20, 2024, and discover innovative, person-centric approaches to wellness. Seats are still open for ACMS members - don't miss out! Register now at the link below!

duq.edu/healthsummit

Last week, ACMS Team members, Sara Hussey (Executive Director), Nadine Popovich (VP Membership & Association Services), and Eileen Taylor (Manager – Membership & Association Services) attended the ASAE The Center for Association Leadership Annual Meeting in Cleveland, OH. The ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition is the flagship event of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). It is a major gathering for association professionals, nonprofit leaders, and industry partners. The event features educational sessions, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and an exposition showcasing products and services relevant to the association community.

The team heard from featured keynote speakers like Amanda Gorman and Rep. Adam Kinzinger. They attended breakout sessions featuring insights into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in association management. And they visited the Expo Hall where they met with dozens of vendors to learn more about potential benefits to bring back to the ACMS membership. And let’s not forget the conference kickoff concert featuring Nelly!

The event draws attendees from various industries and sectors, including healthcare, education, finance, and more, who work within associations and nonprofits. Thank you ASAE for a great event!

Double the benefits, double the impact! Thanks to Dr. Mallory Ciuksza, MD, FACP, and her husband Albert, Pittsburgh residents can now stretch their SNAP dollars further for fresh, healthy food. By supporting local farmers and nourishing our community, they’re ensuring everyone has access to good food. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier Pittsburgh. 🙌🏻

Click the link below to read the entire article in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette!

https://www.post-gazette.com/news//2024/08/03/food-assistance-match-snap-pittsburgh/stories/202408040014

It’s that time of the week again where we shine the spotlight on an incredible doctor making a difference in our community. This Friday, we’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Nadia Sundlass, MD, a top-notch dermatologist in Wexford, PA! 🩺🌟

Dr. Sundlass is not only a skin health expert but also a passionate educator dedicated to helping patients achieve their best skin health. From skin cancer detection to managing complex dermatologic conditions, she focuses on helping her patients look and feel their best.

Dr. Sundlass has served as a Delegate and Alternate Delegate at ACMS. She is currently serving a term as an Alternate Delegate to the 2024 ACMS Delegation to the Pennsylvania Medical Society House of Delegates.

Our 2024-2025 Foundation Grant Applications are closing in just one month! 📣

The ACMS Foundation supports organizational activities that involve individuals and families in creating supportive and healthy home environments through community programs. It believes that all people have the ability to drive positive change, and it funds programs that value collaborative efforts to improve community healthcare.

Here are the key criteria for the review process:

✅ Your project will create an impact on communities in Allegheny County.
✅ Your project will address a pressing need or timely issue OR presents a unique approach to addressing an ongoing challenge.
✅ Your project has the potential for broader impact or replication.
✅ Your project supports the ACMS Foundation Mission of advancing wellness by confronting social determinants & health disparities.

Don’t miss the chance to support your program! Submit your application by September 15th.

Visit the link below for more information! 🔗

https://www.acms.org/acms-foundation/acmsgrants/

MORE CME! Join us on August 27 for a virtual webinar with Jason Sutt, PTS and Dr. Denise Vanacore, Clinician Champion. Attendees will learn about evidence-based prescribing and battling the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania. There will be two modules, and attendees will receive CME credit for both:

1️⃣Module 6 - Approaches to Addressing Substance Use Disorder in Patients Identified by PDMP
2️⃣ Module 7 - Effective Opioid Tapering Practices

Attendees are required to complete the individual pre-event questionnaires for each module before the start of the program. The links to the questionnaires will be included in the confirmation email you will receive once you register.

This event is FREE for both ACMS Members and Nonmembers. Register using the link below!

https://alleghenycountymedicalsociety.regfox.com/august-27-2023-tools-you-can-use-to-fight-the-opioid-epidemic

Join us Thursday morning, August 15, for an in-person CME opportunity. The ACMS is hosting a Mandated Reporter training CME program and there is still an opportunity for last minute registrations. Join us from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. for “Responding to Children at Risk: Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect Education”. This session, perfect for Primary Care Providers and Hospital Staff, will dive into the legal and clinical aspects of mandated reporting. Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the PA Department of State, the 2-hour program fulfills licensure and licensure renewal requirements.

The event is $15 for ACMS Members and only $50 for Nonmembers. Plus, enjoy free parking and a delicious continental breakfast.

We look forward to learning together! Visit the link below to register.

https://www.acms.org/events/in-person-mandated-reporter-training/

On Tuesday, August 6, the ACMS hosted its annual Leadership Social and Legislative Networking Event at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh. This event provides ACMS leaders, including Board Members, Delegates, Alternate Delegates, Pennsylvania Medical Society representatives, and other members of the ACMS leadership, the opportunity to hear from key stakeholders about current advocacy efforts. We were fortunate to have Dave Thompson from the PAMED Advocacy team join us to speak about the many legislative activities happening in Harrisburg. Additionally, Representative Rep. Arvind Venkat was our featured guest speaker. He spoke to the membership about issues that directly affect the work of physicians and shared important updates as we head into a busy election season. We would also like to thank the event sponsor, Tucker Arensberg PC, who provided important legal updates on non-compete legislation. The Legislative Event is always a favorite among our leadership. Despite a little bit of rain, our attendees still managed to enjoy some time on the patio overlooking the city (and some even enjoyed a free magic show from resident magician, Dr. Todd Hertzberg!).

Time for another Friday Feature! 🎉

This week, we are spotlighting Dr. Anthony Kovatch, a pillar of the medical community and a longtime ACMS Alternate Delegate. His journey began with a degree from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, followed by a residency at North Shore University Hospital. Over his illustrious career, he has become one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved physicians and pediatricians.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Kovatch is a family man with four adult children, two of whom have followed in his medical footsteps. In his free time, you'll find him embracing the outdoors, reading, kayaking, running, and competing in marathons and triathlons. His passion for sports medicine and previous roles as a school and team physician/assistant coach highlight his dedication to both physical health and community well-being.

Dr. Kovatch has served as part of the ACMS Delegation for many years and is currently serving as an ACMS Alternate Delegate to the Pennsylvania Medical Society House of Delegates for the 2024 year. Additionally, as a member of the ACMS Bulletin Editorial Board, you can frequently find Dr. Kovatch’s articles featured in the ACMS Bulletin. His anecdotal articles are always a member favorite!

Our Women in Healthcare Committee Summer Social is only two weeks away! Get ready for a fantastic evening of networking, learning, and empowerment.

🗓 When: August 22
📍 Where: Longue Vue Club
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM

We’re honored to have Kristen Sandel, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, as our guest presenter. Dr. Sandel will share her expertise on well-being and professional growth.

Ticket Prices:
🎟 $15 for ACMS Members and medical students
🎟 $40 for Nonmembers

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to connect and grow! ✨ Use the link below to register now!

https://alleghenycountymedicalsociety.regfox.com/summer-social-women-in-healthcare-committee-aug-22-2024

ACMS team members Sara Hussey (Executive Director) and Nadine Popovich (Vice President Membership & Association Services) attended The AAMSE 2024 conference in Savannah, GA this past week.

The American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE) Annual Meeting is a key event for professionals involved in medical society management. It serves as a platform for networking, education, and professional development.

Next week the team will head to Cleveland, OH to continue learning about association and membership trends at the ASAE Annual Meeting!

Say hello to another member of the ACMS elected leadership team! 🩺

Dr. Jasbir S. Kang is a highly recommended psychiatrist affiliated with St. Clair Health. With over 40 years of experience and a medical degree from CMC Vellore, Dr. Kang is an expert in treating mood disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

He specializes in psychopharmacology, addressing conditions such as PTSD, schizophrenia, ADHD, and dementia-related mood issues. Dr. Kang also speaks multiple languages, ensuring compassionate care for diverse patients.

Dr. Kang has served as part of the ACMS Delegation for many years and is currently serving as an ACMS Alternate Delegate to the Pennsylvania Medical Society House of Delegates for the 2024 year. Thank you for your service, Dr. Kang!

August is action-packed at ACMS! Check out what's in store:

📚 August 6: ACMS Leadership Social*
💼 August 15: In-Person Mandated Reporter CME Training
🍷 August 22: Women in Healthcare Committee Summer Social
⚾️ August 24: ACMS Night at the Pirates Game
💻 August 27: Virtual Opioid CME Training
🩺 August 29: ACMS Delegation Meeting*

*Events marked with an asterisk are invite-only. Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with us! To learn more about our upcoming events, please visit the link below:

https://www.acms.org/upcoming-events/

We’re back with another exclusive member benefit! 🌟

All ACMS members receive a 30-day free trial of Abridge, the leader in generative AI for healthcare. Abridge revolutionizes medical conversations by summarizing and structuring them in real-time, creating organized note drafts to speed up clinical documentation. This allows clinicians to focus more on patient care and less on admin work.

Abridge seamlessly integrates with top EHR systems, making documentation, billing, and coding easier. It also provides clear, trustworthy summaries that providers can quickly verify.

If you have any questions about becoming a member, please contact Nadine Popovich at [email protected].

Time is running out! ⏰

The nomination period for the prestigious ACMS Distinguished Awards closes on Thursday. Don’t miss your chance to honor exceptional physicians, individuals, and organizations for their clinical excellence, leadership, service, contributions, and innovations in healthcare. Join us in celebrating the outstanding awardees on November 13, 2024, at the ACMS Annual Meeting and Distinguished Awards Program at the PNC Champions Club at Acrisure Stadium. Click the link below to nominate now before it's too late!

https://www.acms.org/membership/distinguished-awards/

Discover innovative patient care delivery models, AI, longevity, and precision medicine at Duquesne University 3rd Annual Fritzky Family Integrative Health Summit on September 19-20, 2024. ACMS members can earn up to 12.5 AOA, AMA, and ACPE credits. Register today at the link below!

https://duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/college-of-osteopathic-medicine/integrative-health-summit.php

Say hello to this week’s Friday Feature! 👋🏻

Dr. Angela M. Stupi, MD is a trailblazing rheumatologist and internist with nearly five decades of dedicated medical experience. Renowned for her exceptional expertise, she is affiliated with top-tier hospitals, including UPMC Passavant-McCandless, Allegheny General Hospital, Heritage Valley Beaver, Meadville Medical Center, and UPMC Jameson.

Her career includes prestigious internships, residency, and fellowship training at the Pitt School of Medicine. As the former Chief of Rheumatology at St. Francis Medical Center, she has left an indelible mark on the field through her leadership and groundbreaking involvement in over 50 pharmaceutical-sponsored clinical trials.

Dr. Stupi's accolades include being a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology, a Clinical Assistant of Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine, a vital member of the Medical Advisory Committee for the Lupus Foundation, and an active delegate to the Pennsylvania Medical Society House of Delegates.

Join us in giving her a warm welcome and a big round of applause for her outstanding accomplishments!

Join your ACMS colleagues and other healthcare professionals at the 3rd Annual Fritzky Family Integrative Health Summit at Duquesne University on September 19-20, 2024. Earn up to 12.5 AOA, AMA, and ACPE credits while making an impact on healthcare. 🩺

Learn more and register through the link below!

https://duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/college-of-osteopathic-medicine/integrative-health-summit.php

Hot off the press! 📣

Our July Bulletin is now live on Issuu! This month, we're covering everything from ADHD medication to the Breach Notification Rule. Stay in the loop with the latest expert advice and community highlights. Check it out now using the link below!

https://issuu.com/alleghenycountyms/docs/acms_bulletin_july2024_final_issuu

Back with a Friday Feature! 📣

Meet Dr. Michael McDowell, Director of Pediatric Skull Base Neurosurgery at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and a dynamic member of Allegheny County Medical Society, currently serving as an ACMS Delegate to the PAMED House of Delegates. With impressive credentials from UPMC, Columbia University, and Arizona State University, he's a passionate educator and clinician.

Dr. McDowell specializes in pediatric neurosurgery, skull base, and cranio-cervical junction disorders. He also focuses on endoscopy, which allows him to treat a wide variety of disorders without performing major surgery.

He's a trailblazer in research, co-founding Astria Biosciences for early brain aneurysm detection. And when he is not treating patients, he is actively involved in neurosurgical device development.

It should come as no surprise that Dr. McDowell has earned numerous honors and awards, belongs to several professional organizations, and has made multiple media appearances. Let’s give him a (digital) round of applause! 👏🏻