February Student of the Month: Ahad Khatri, OMS-III
Student Doctor Khatri was nominated for his exemplary commitment to patient care and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Ahad consistently goes above and beyond in his role as a student physician and demonstrates an unwavering dedication to his patients that sets him apart from his peers. His most commendable qualities is his willingness to put in extra hours to ensure he has a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s needs. He does not view his role as a mere obligation, but instead he approaches it with a genuine passion for making a positive difference in patients lives.
New ACOI Member Resource: CY 2025 Medicare PFS Policy Changes
The ACOI reported on Nov. 6, 2024 publication of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule that finalized a 2025 conversation factor of $32.35, a decrease of 2.83 percent from CY2024. That cut took effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
The final rule includes several other Medicare policy changes that were the subject of ACOI comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. ACOI is providing its members with a resource that summarizes key provisions.
As we enter 2025, the tradition of setting New Year's resolutions is as strong as ever. While many resolutions focus on personal goals such as losing weight or saving money, we often overlook our own wellness. We dedicate our careers to caring for others, often at the expense of our own well-being. In 2025, it’s crucial that we not only recognize the importance of physician wellness but also commit to resolutions that can improve our mental, emotional, and physical health.
Charlene LePane, DO, MBA, FACOI: Igniting Positive Change through Innovation
At ACOI 2024, a lecture on AI and Medicine drew a great deal of attention – unsurprisingly, given the rapid nature with which AI has grown and found its way into different fields, including health care. That talk was given by Charlene LePane, DO, MBA, MSPH, FACOI, FACG, an internist, gastroenterologist, and ACOI Board Member who serves as Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) at AdventHealth-Central Florida Division.
In 2024, we launched the David Susser Award and the Anthony J. Malcoun Award for two trailblazers in the field. Dr. Susser was one of the first DOs to subspecialize and paved the way for DOs for generations to come to subspecialize within Internal Medicine. Dr. Malcoun’s compassionate delivery of care and sense of excellence in his clinical teaching of nephrology stood out and defined his career.
January Student of the Month: Justin Brown-Gnarra, OMS II
Student Doctor Brown-Gnarra was nominated for his standout leadership skills in multiple capacities. Ranked 7th in his class, his commitment to academic excellence is evident. His long-term goal of practicing Medical Oncology in an academic setting reflects his dedication to advancing both clinical practice and medical education.
Healing the Clinicians: Risk Stratifications of Burnout and Declaration of Self-Advocacy
Burnout among clinicians is a topic that has often been met with animus, yet clinicians must be aware of it to proactively manage it in the best way possible. Whether you work as a resident trainee, an early-career provider, or a veteran practitioner, the risk stratifications of burnout, which threaten the very fabric of healthcare, must be implemented to avoid any implicit complications.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the progress made in combating cervical cancer and recognize the work that remains. Cervical cancer, caused primarily by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), affects nearly 14,000 women annually in the United States, leading to approximately 4,000 deaths. Despite these numbers, this disease is largely preventable and treatable when addressed early.
Last week, the 118th Congress adjourned without addressing a 2.83 percent cut to Medicare physician payment that will take effect on January 1. Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services projects the Medicare Economic Index will rise to 3.5 percent next year, further widening the gap between physician payment and the cost of delivering care to America’s seniors.
For anyone who knows me, the thought of me writing about anything regarding technology is comical. I can barely work my phone! My interest, however, in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine was piqued after listening to a fantastic lecture on AI at ACOI 2024.
