Monday Rx | August 6, 2018 | A Membership Thank you and a Physician's Nightmare August 8, 2018 Monday RX 1010 A Physician's Nightmare Each week I share what's new for members. This week, I begin with some sobering news: how physicians manage online reputations, the power and influence of social media and what options there are to regain what has been lost due to false claims and erroneous reviews, statements and publicity. This stems from today's breaking news regarding a physician lying to a patient to cover up a surgical mistake.The patient, turns out, clarified her statement, two years after the physician essentially lost his job, his reputation, his credibility and livelihood. The full story is here. Once the falsehoods go viral, they are the first thing readers, patients, reporters and employers see. I'd like to hear from our members. What can LACMA do to help in these cases? Should LACMA be more proactive with defending the reputation of physicians online? Can there be a technical solution deployed to ensure false information (only after proven false) does not rank high in searches? Share your thoughts with me. Healthcare Finance 101 I had the privilege of meeting with Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) last week. The Assemblyman represents the 66th Assembly district located in the South Bay. As is the custom, I shared how there are nearly 200 LACMA members in his district. We discussed a myriad of issues including healthcare financing. The Assemblyman requested, since he and his colleagues wish to be more informed when it comes to the economics of medicine, if LACMA could host a "healthcare finance 101" for elected officials. I'm happy to say that, following the November election, we will work with our District 9 leadership (Dr. Omer Deen) to plan such a seminar. Stay tuned. This week I will be joined by Dr. Jerry Abraham, as we attend the American Career College annual gala. ACC is a preferred partner of LACMA. They support our annual Saving Private Practice Consortium and will support our Healthcare Leaders Gala this November. If any member needs help with finding great candidates for office or clinical support, let me know! State of Reform Health Policy Conference Last week, LACMA was invited, in partnership with CMA, to participate in the 2018 Los Angeles State of Reform Health Policy Conference on September 19th at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel. Now in its third year in Los Angeles, and fourth year in Southern California, the 2018 Los Angeles State of Reform Health Policy Conference convenes one of the largest, most diverse gatherings of senior health care executives and health policy leaders from across the state. All members are invited to attend on September 19th to connect, network, and discuss the most pressing, most practical health care issues facing the system today. You may register here. State of Reform pulls together practitioners, thought leaders, and policymakers – each working to improve our health care system in their own way – into a unified conversation in a single place. It is sure to be one of the most diverse gatherings of senior health care leaders in Southern California, and one of the most important statewide events in California health care. As LACMA is an evolving organization, I continually share and showcase the value of membership through added benefits, preferred partners, legislative alerts, success stories from other members and updates on our work to better engage with the medical community in LA County. Today, I want to acknowledge and recognize you for all that you do on a daily basis for your patients and families. In addition to having access to countless resources to support you and your practice and having a voice in the future of medicine in California, your membership is also about community and having a network of staff and fellow physicians to support you, share in creating solutions to solve your most pressing issues and recognize your contributions to the practice of medicine. I would like to thank you for your membership and let you know how appreciated you are for your work caring for our communities and for the compassion and courage you demonstrate to put patients above everything else. Gustavo Friederichsen Chief Executive Officer Los Angeles County Medical Association "If it matters to our LACMA members, it matters to me." Friday, August 17th, 2018 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm The Truckstop 9040 Lindblade Street, Culver City, CA 90232 NOTE: The Truckstop services two separate event locations. The mixer will be held at 9040 Lindblade Street in Culver City RSVP: losangelesmedicine.org/mixer Interested in Concierge Medicine? If you have ever wanted to learn more about the impact a concierge medicine model will have on your practice and patients, you should join us on August 29th in Santa Monica for a special program and meet n greet with Paragon Private Health. Converting to a concierge model of care has helped countless independent physicians restore doctor patient relationships and improve income. See the flyer here and RSVP at RSVP: Brad Haines at 805.952.9593 CME Programs FINDING EFFECTIVE CURATIVE OPTIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE WHEN: September 14, 2018 WHERE: Brookside at the Rose Bowl, Mediterranean Room, 1133 Rosemont Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103 Click here for more information This seminar will discuss the rapid development of new gene therapy and need for access to novel curative modalities for Sickle Cell Disease. MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACHES TO CANCER SYMPOSIUM WHEN: September 20 to 23, 2018 WHERE: Loews Coronado Bay Resort 4000 Coronado Bay Road Coronado, CA 92118 Click here for more information. This intensive program will provide participants with an enhanced ability to interpret and apply best treatment options to their individual cancer practices. NEOPLASTIC HEMATOPATHOLOGY UPDATE WHEN: November 8 to 10, 2018 WHERE: The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel 21100 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Click herefor more information. Join experts for this exclusive interactive conference. This is a unique opportunity for up-close learning and discussion with experts in the treatment of neoplastic hematopathology. For questions contact: cme@coh.org or 626-218-5622.