ACOFP President

By Jan D. Zieren, DO, MPH, FACOFP dist.
May 6, 2009

Senate Confirms Sebelius as HHS Secretary
Last week, the U.S. Senate confirmed Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services by a vote of 65 to 31. Nine Republicans joined Democrats in voting in favor of her confirmation. Sebelius was first elected Governor of Kansas in 2002 and was reelected to a second term in 2006. Prior to winning the gubernatorial race, Sebelius served in the Kansas House of Representatives and as the Kansas Insurance Commissioner.

Health Care Reform Outlook
Work continues as Members on both sides of Congress work to develop a comprehensive health care reform package. In the Senate, the Finance Committee and the Health Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee share jurisdiction over health care policy. In the House, the Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee, and Education and Labor Committee spilt jurisdiction. Both sides of Congress hope to have completed committee work on their health care reform packages prior to the August recess.

Policymakers Taking on Doctor Shortages
An article published in the New York Times on April 26, 2009 reported that the Obama administration officials, alarmed at doctor shortages, are looking for ways to increase the supply of physicians to meet the needs of an aging population and millions of uninsured people who would gain coverage under legislation championed by the president. The officials said they were particularly concerned about shortages of primary care providers who are the main source of health care for most Americans.

The article outlines the proposed strategies for addressing the shortages as well as identifies how the different interest groups are approaching the discussion of this issue. I urge each of you to familiarize yourself with this issue and the interested parties.

In Memorandum
It is with great sadness that I report on the passing of Bill Bergen, DO, FACOFP of Maine. For those ACOFP family members who did not know Dr. Bergen, he was one of the founders of the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM) and an active member of ACOFP, earning his ACOFP Fellowship in 2008. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Back to Campus
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine ACOFP Student Chapter, in partnership with the Business of Osteopathic Medicine Interest Group, hosted Andrew Adair, DO and Jeffrey Stevens, DO to discuss the diversity available in family medicine as well as the business side of medicine. Instead of a formal presentation, the doctors shared the background of their medical career , talking about the variety in their practices: ranging from newborn care, cosmetics, vasectomies, nursing home care, urgent care, colonoscopies, inpatient and hospital care. Many students were surprised to hear the wide range of possibilities of being a family physician. Dr. Adair and Dr. Stevens also answered questions regarding business practice, insurance, reimbursement, legal issues, and billing.

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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