ACOFP President

By Jan D. Zieren, DO, MPH, FACOFP dist.
April 22, 2009

Call for Papers
In January 2009, ACOFP signed on with Elsevier, Inc. to take Osteopathic Family Physician News, ACOFP's member publication and transform it into the scientific journal, Osteopathic Family Physician. This change will be evident in two ways: The size of the journal will transform from the current tabloid size to a standard journal size and the content will be more scientifically focused. The journal will offer an active forum for the presentation of family medicine research in diverse settings, involving medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing professionals.

The first issue of the new journal will be available in July 2009. Go to http://ees.elsevier.com/acofp/ and register to submit a manuscript to ACOFP's Osteopathic Family Physician.

What's Happening in Washington, D.C.
Congress returns to Washington, D.C. this week after spending two weeks at home for their annual spring recess period. This week, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate budget conferees begin work on budget negotiations. A major sticking point will be whether Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND) will adopt reconciliation instructions as were included in the House version of the Budget Resolution.

A number of health care related hearings are scheduled in both the House and Senate this week. On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee held a roundtable discussion on "Reforming America's Healthcare Delivery System." Members of the Committee heard from representatives from numerous stakeholder groups on their views on delivery system reform.

In the House, the House Committee on Ways and Means holds a hearing on Insurance Market Reforms and the House Committee on Education and Labor will convene a hearing to examine ways to reduce the cost of health insurance. Finally, Rep. Michael Burgess, MD (R-TX) has formed a Health Care Caucus in the House and it held a public discussion on Tuesday examining health care system reform.

Recall of Influend Cough and Cold Products
ION Labs and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration notified consumers and healthcare professionals of the recall of all Influend Cough and Cold products sold on or after May 30, 2008 due to the possibility that the products may be superpotent with possible complications ranging from tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias, and cardiovascular collapse with hypotension to headaches, dizziness, anxiety, restlessness and nervousness. Customers who have this product in their possession should stop using it immediately and contact their physician if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking this product.

ACOFP's Residency Program Directory - Faster and Easier to Use
The 'Guide to Selecting an Osteopathic Family Practice Residency Program', now in its second edition, helps students identify the locations, scope of training provided, salaries and benefits and contact information for more than 100 osteopathic family practice residency programs around the country. Beyond the comprehensive demographic information, it provides the rationale for pursuing osteopathic training and information on how to participate in the match process. Use the Residency Program Directory to research programs that are of interest to you. Resident Recruiter contact information is listed within each residency program profile - easy access for students looking for answers to their questions.

Back to Campus
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine ACOFP Student Chapter joined with SOMA student members to visit the homeless in Unity Park in downtown Forth Worth in order to distribute items such as deodorant, female products, razors, chapstick, q-tips, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. During the event, students also spoke to the homeless individuals about staying healthy and preventing diseases, such as TB and Staph Infections, osteoporosis, hypertension, high cholesterol, and HIV/AIDS. They set up Blood Pressure and Glucose Monitoring stations, and had a Resident doctor available to answer health questions.

Make your opinions known! Send an email to me and ACOFP. Share your thoughts, make comments, and tell us what you have been doing in regards to osteopathic family medicine.

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