News from ACOI

Why are there so many breakthrough infections with the Omicron variant? Dr. Dery advises us to remind our patients that vaccines are like seat belts and explains why the Omicron variant is creating such a dramatic rise in cases.

The past year has been a challenge unlike any other for osteopathic internists, subspecialists, residents, fellows, and students. The ACOI responded by supporting its members through the creation of increased virtual learning opportunities, hosting our first-ever hybrid annual meeting, advocating on behalf of its members, and much more.

Inequity in healthcare starts when states don’t expand Medicaid. MarkAlain Dery, DO, FACOI, discusses how states that have expanded Medicaid have the money and resources to provide much-needed care access to vulnerable communities compared to the twelve states that have not.

As the newest variant, Omicron has reared its head, causing new concerns about its potential effects, MarkAlain Dery, DO, FACOI, says the underlying problem is inequity of vaccine distribution.

In honor of World HIV/AIDS Day, the ACOI podcast series Docs off the Clock caught up with HIV expert, MarkAlain Dery, DO, FACOI who discussed the latest in HIV medications and how an undetectable viral load means that individuals are untransmittable to their intimate partners.

A World Economic Forum survey shared at the UN General Assembly last week revealed that very few people see health in the context of being influenced by social determinants such as the influence of housing, food insecurity, employment and inequities. Tune in to see MarkAlain, Dery, DO, FACOI, discuss the findings and how better health policy can be shaped when lawmakers have the full picture.

Gun violence is on the rise and is a dangerous public health threat. MarkAlain, Dery, DO, FACOI, believes that practicing deep listening with patients helps spot potential concerns like domestic violence and helps to identify patients trending toward acts of violence. Find out about one organization founded by a physician that views gun violence as a public health threat that must be treated based on the fundamentals of chronic disease management.

COVID-19 vaccine misinformation has negatively affected the rate at which Americans are getting vaccinated. In the ACOI’s podcast series, Docs Off the Clock, Humayun "Hank" Chaudhry, DO, MACOI, and President of the Federation State Medical Boards (FSMB), discusses the threat of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and disinformation to controlling the pandemic and to public health.

A recent study finds that those previously hospitalized with COVID-19 have a significant risk of developing cardiovascular disease even a year after. MarkAlain Dery, DO, FACOI also discusses the inflated price of the new Merck COVID drug and some hopeful news about a malaria vaccine.

Too many Americans are making the decision to forgo the COVID-19 vaccine based on misinformation oftentimes spread on social media. MarkAlain Dery, DO, FACOI, discusses how some of those consequences have been fatal and how physicians can help stop the rumors.

This podcast explores the importance of physician health and wellness through the eyes of a physician who tragically experienced first-hand the importance of addressing the daily stresses and burdens of being a physician in today's healthcare system. Julie Sterbank, DO, FACOI, MPH provides advice on how to shed the belief that physicians must be superhuman and shares the importance of knowing how to disengage, find time away from work and rediscover what gives you joy while balancing the demands of the mounting pressures of being a physician.

As rates of suicide are increasing, we are seeing an “epidemic within a pandemic.” MarkAlain Dery, DO, FACOI explores the facts and what DOs can do to recognize at-risk patients and well as signs from colleagues who may have suicidal ideations. Physicians are at risk as one of the occupations with the highest suicide death rates. Let’s be there for each other.