VIRGINIA MEDICAL NEWSMAY 2016

IN THIS ISSUE:President’s message . . . . . 4MSV gold star groups . . . . 6Advocacy spotlight . . . . . . 9

MSV classes and audits . . . . 10Disability awareness . . . . . . .12

2 www.msv.org

MSV Leadership

Medical Society of Virginia2924 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23294

800 | 746-6768 • www.msv.org

Officers, Board Members and AMA Delegates

PresidentEdward G. Koch, M.D., FACOG

President-ElectBhushan H. Pandya, M.D.

Immediate Former PresidentWilliam C. Reha,

M.D., M.B.A.

Secretary-TreasurerAlan L. Wagner, M.D., FACS

Speaker of the House

Kurtis S. Elward, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP

Vice SpeakerArthur J. Vayer Jr., M.D.

DirectorsMichael S. Amster, M.D. Joel T. Bundy, M.D., FACP, FASNJohn F. Butterworth IV, M.D.Sandy L. Chung, M.D., FAAP, FACHEClifford L. Deal III, M.D., FACSEhsan Dowlati

James R. Dudley, M.D., M.B.A. Jacqueline M. Fogarty, M.D. Stuart F. Mackler, M.D., FACSIbe O. Mbanu, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H. S. Hughes Melton, M.D., M.B.A., FAAFPMohit Nanda, M.D. Patricia A. Pletke, M.D.William S. Prominski, M.D.

Jonathan T. Schaaf, M.D.John D. Ward, M.D.Alan H. Wynn, M.D., FACP

Associate DirectorsTeresa W. Babineau, M.D.Samuel D. Caughron, M.D. James J. Gooding, M.D.Joshua Lesko, M.D.Michael S. Martin, M.D.

Monica MelmerLarry G. Mitchell, M.D.Edilberto O. Pelausa, M.D., FACS, FRCSCPradeep Pradhan, M.D.Timothy L. Raines, M.D. Richard A. Szucs, M.D.Chi Young, M.D.

ChairRandolph J. Gould, M.D.

Vice ChairClaudette E. Dalton, M.D.

DelegatesDavid A. Ellington, M.D.Edward G. Koch, M.D., FACOGHazle S. Konerding, M.D. Mitchell B. Miller, M.D. Lawrence K. Monahan, M.D.

Alternate DelegatesClifford L. Deal III, M.D.Thomas W. Eppes Jr., M.D. Russell C. Libby, M.D. Bhushan H. Pandya, M.D. Sterling N. Ransone Jr., M.D.

William C. Reha, M.D., M.B.A. Cynthia C. Romero, M.D., FAAFP

AMA delegation

May 2016 3

Who better to help you?

Each day thousands of physicians treat their patients with confi dence in knowing that MSVIA is their insurance partner. Building on the Medical Society of Virginia’s legacy of caring about Virginia physicians, our team stands ready to support you with unbiased guidance and exceptional service.

Request a quote at www.msvia.org/RequestQuote.

4 www.msv.org

Dear colleagues,

MSV is highlighting mental health in this month’s Virginia Medical News because May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In terms of our work as physicians, it’s really important that we stay aware of our own mental health and the effects of our work-related stress—related to the growing administrative burdens we face, rising operating costs, new technology adoptions and the increasing number of patient demands, etc., the list goes on and on…

Physician burnout is a very real, very prevalent concern. It is a growing issue, even among newer, younger physicians, and it can lead to lower quality care, or even worse, to medical errors.

Fortunately, we have the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) around to help us face physician burnout and make sure that we are mentally strong and healthy. Last year, MSV had several educational sessions at our Annual Meeting, like with the presentation given by MSV member Terri Babineau, M.D. on narrative medicine as a solution for burnout, and throughout the year to help us identify the warning signs of this condition and figure out a way to address them. We also regularly feature self-care tips from our resident expert, Lynne B. Hughes, MSV Foundation Director of Development and a SYNC/evolve speaker, on burnout prevention and work-life balance, which I hope you will enjoy on page 18 of this particular issue.

MSV is here to be your resource to help you feel empowered to practice medicine to the best of your ability. If you have any suggestions for what you would like to see us do to help you better manage work stress or burnout, please feel free to send any and all suggestions to president@msv.org.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Edward Koch, M.D., FACOGMSV President

President’s Message

President’s message: Physicians and mental health

May 2016 5

6 www.msv.org

WE HAVE RETURNED OVER $370 MILLION TO OUR MEMBERS THROUGH OUR DIVIDEND PROGRAM.

When our insured physicians in the state of Virginia keep patients

safe and keep claims low, we all win. The Doctors Company

is strong, with 78,000 members and $4.3 billion in assets. This

strength allows us to defend, protect, and reward the practice of

good medicine like no other.

12% DIVIDEND FOR QUALIFIED VIRGINIA MEMBERS

GOOD MEDICINE HASITS REWARDS—$370 MILLION

UNRIVALED

REWARDS

800.352.0320

WWW.THEDOCTORS.COM

JOIN YOUR COLLEAGUES AT THE DOCTORS COMPANY

5857_VA_VirginiaMedNews_UR_Div_May2016_ISSUU_flat_f.indd 1 3/31/16 1:05 PM

6 www.msv.org

Member Feature

Physician Assistants provide high-quality, team-based, patient-

centered care.

TO LEARN MORE, GO TO WWW.VAPA.ORG

Physician Assistants are essential members of the team-based approach to patient care, and Physician-PA teams add versatility to any clinical setting. Trained in the Medical Model, PAs practice in all medical settings and specialties. They are bridging the gap created by a growing provider shortage and Physician-PA teams are improving access to care.

There are four PA programs in Virginia. Nationwide, more than 6,000 individuals graduate from accredited PA programs in universities and academic health centers each year. PAs are keenly adapted to preventive care with their general medical background.

When is the last time you considered hiring a PA?

The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) would like to give special thanks to all of the large medical practices that support our organization with 100 percent physician membership. The strength of our work is bolstered by the number of members we represent. Thank you for doing your part by supporting us and helping us increase our infl uence in Virginia.

• Advanced Orthopaedic Centers, P.C.• Atlantic Anesthesia Inc.• Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists• Chesapeake Radiologists, Ltd.• Colonial Orthopaedics, Inc.• Dermatology Associates of Virginia, P.C.• Emergency Physicians of Tidewater PLC• Fairfax Anesthesiology Associates Inc. • Gastroenterology Ltd• Harrisonburg Physicians for Anesthesiology Inc.• Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine• Northern Virginia Radiology Consultants PLLC• OrthoVirginia Richmond• Otolaryngology Associates PC• Pediatric Center Inc.• Pulmonary Associates of Richmond Inc.• Radiology Associates of Richmond• Radiology Consultants of Lynchburg Inc.• Richmond Nephrology Associates Inc.• Surgical Associates of Richmond, Inc.• The Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group• Virginia Cancer Institute Inc.• Virginia Eye Institute• Virginia Pediatric Group, Ltd.• Women’s Health Services of Central VA

MSV Gold Star Groups – Thank you for your 100% participation

CONGRATULATIONS to all of our Resident members who will be completing your medical training. We are so very proud of you and hope that you will continue your MSV membership! Please call 1-800-746-6768, ext. 1050 TODAY and ask about the special “First Year in Practice” discounted membership dues category. Your loyalty to MSV is truly appreciated.

WE HAVE RETURNED OVER $370 MILLION TO OUR MEMBERS THROUGH OUR DIVIDEND PROGRAM.

When our insured physicians in the state of Virginia keep patients

safe and keep claims low, we all win. The Doctors Company

is strong, with 78,000 members and $4.3 billion in assets. This

strength allows us to defend, protect, and reward the practice of

good medicine like no other.

12% DIVIDEND FOR QUALIFIED VIRGINIA MEMBERS

GOOD MEDICINE HASITS REWARDS—$370 MILLION

UNRIVALED

REWARDS

800.352.0320

WWW.THEDOCTORS.COM

JOIN YOUR COLLEAGUES AT THE DOCTORS COMPANY

5857_VA_VirginiaMedNews_UR_Div_May2016_ISSUU_flat_f.indd 1 3/31/16 1:05 PM

8 www.msv.org

The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) cannot achieve any of its legislative successes without you. We want to hear your top priorities for MSV’s 2017 legislative agenda. Your input is critical to our advocacy efforts.

This year’s summit will be held on:

Be sure to come to learn and discuss priorities for 2017. Everyone who submitted a legislative proposal must present in-person at the summit or send a designee on your behalf. Get involved now by registering to attend the Legislative Summit.

After the summit, MSV’s Legislative Committee reviews the input gathered and prioritizes issues for possible legislative initiatives based on MSV policy, available resources and the current political landscape. The issues are then presented to MSV’s Board of Directors for final consideration.

Visit www.msv.org/legislativesummit to register, submit a proposal and see our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Holland Award is presented annually to a Virginia physician for outstanding contributions promoting the art and science of medicine and the advancement of public health through political service. The next winner will join the ranks of other recent Holland Award winners, including Sterling N. Ransone, M.D., FAAFP, Cynthia C. Romero, M.D., FAAFP, Randolph J. Gould, M.D., FACS, Carol Shapiro, M.D., M.B.A., Karsten Konerding, M.D. and Hazle Konerding, M.D. Nominations for the Holland Award will be accepted at www.msv.org/hollandaward until Sept. 15. Nominees for the award must be MSV member physicians who have high personal integrity and have been outstanding leaders in their fields. Nominees should embody one or more of the following award criteria:

• Has made an outstanding contribution to the community for citizenship and public service, beyond the call of duty, as a practicing physician

• Has provided outstanding leadership in the field of political advocacy• Has promoted the art and science of medicine in or through government service.

Please contact msvpac@msv.org with questions or to discuss these awards in further detail.

Impact 2017 and beyond – Share your ideas at MSV’s Legislative Summit

Call for nominations - Clarence A. Holland, M.D. Award

Advocate for My Profession

Friday, May 13, 20162:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

MSV headquarters2924 Emerywood Parkway, 2nd FloorRichmond, VA

By Hedi Cho, Communications Manager

By Hedi Cho, Communications Manager

May 2016 9

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) Government Affairs team would like to highlight the advocacy efforts of Varun Choudhary, M.D., M.A., DFAPA, a forensic psychiatrist and Vice President of Medical Affairs with Magellan of Virginia.

Dr. Choudhary is a familiar face at MSV and the Virginia General Assembly, and his involvement with advocacy is exhaustive. He serves on the MSV Legislative Committee and provides a necessary perspective at the Legislative Summit on mental health issues. He attends MSV’s White Coats on Call lobby days and contributes to the MSVPAC. His involvement certainly doesn’t stop there – he most recently was President of the Psychiatric Society of Virginia and served the Commonwealth in a variety of capacities, including the Governor’s Taskforce on Improving Mental Health Services, the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Center Advisory Group, and the DMAS Substance Use Disorder Work Group.

His passion for improving how Virginia handles mental health treatment, especially when it comes to our correctional facilities, drives his activism. When asked why physicians should get involved, Dr. Choudhary states, “There is underlying nobility in our profession that instills in us the desire to advocate for those to whom we provide care. This can range from interpersonal interactions to lobbying for changes on national level. This is most important during times of flux and change. It is at these moments when our patients, and our profession itself, can be most vulnerable. These are the times when proper guidance is the most valued commodity.”

The MSV Government Affairs team and MSVPAC extend their gratitude to Dr. Choudhary for his efforts and encourage you to follow his lead. Consider making a contribution to MSVPAC today by visiting www.msvpac.org or sending a check, payable to MSVPAC, to 2924 Emerywood Pkwy, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23294.

Advocate for My Profession

By Lindsay Larkin, Government Affairs & Political Advocacy ManagerAdvocacy Champion Spotlight – Varun Choudhary, M.D.

10 www.msv.org

Manage My Practice

Are you taking advantage of all of the benefits and services that the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) offers you, our members? More than anything, MSV wants to help you succeed in the business side of medicine. We offer you pertinent classes, audits and resources so you can get the tools and answers you need to succeed in practicing medicine and providing quality care.

What can MSV do?MSV will offer the following educational opportunities this summer so register now to reserve your spot in these popular courses at www.msv.org/classes.

• Professional Medical Coding Curriculum Course (PMCC) – Richmond

• Certified Professional Biller (CPB™) – Richmond and Arlington

If you don’t have room in your schedule to fit in one of these classes, MSV also offers specially-priced medical chart reviews, documentation audits and coding assessments. We help practices determine if they are correctly following guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and other payers, for appropriate billing. These reviews help strengthen the financial health of the practice.

MSV’s assessments provide practices with the opportunity to identify areas for improvement in the documentation, coding and billing processes as well as areas to utilize national best practices. The chart reviews include:

• Quality review of each chart’s documentation and coding by a certified professional medical coder;• Detailed audit report of the findings along with recommendations and cross references to coding guidelines; and• Consultative session to review the audit report and provide training and education based on the findings.

With our assessments, MSV helps your practice determine if there has been any inaccurate coding or any other weaknesses in medical record documentation that may expose it to problems with payers. For more information on our consulting services, please visit www.msv.org/practiceservices. Please note that coding assessments are offered as consulting services at special rates to individual MSV members and practices with at least 50 percent physician membership. Please contact us at memberservice@msv.org or 800 | 746-6768, ext 1050 if you have any questions.

By Hedi Cho, Communications Manager

Prosper! Flourish! - How MSV classes and audits can help

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Can you see yourself here? We do. Your future is waiting. Contact Us Today.Holli McConnell, Manager of Physician Recruitment hdmcconn@sentara.com | (757) 252-3350

Scan the QR Code to Learn More About Sentara Medical Group

May 2016 11

Physician engagement

The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) held its sixth annual physician executive forum on March 23 in Richmond to discuss physician engagement.

MSV thanks the health systems representatives who were in attendance from Martha Jefferson, Mary Washington, Sentara CarePlex, Centra, and Inova.

Dr. Dave Levin, Co-Founder and Partner, and Dr. Petra Platzer, Director of Integrated Leadership Development with Amati Health gave an informative presentation on physician engagement and creating a collaborative thinking environment within health system organizations. They stated that feeling engaged is a prime driver for the physician’s level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with their job. Additionally, Dr. Levin and Dr. Platzer led a dynamic exercise and discussion that allowed participants to:

• Define physician engagement• Recognize their own engagement values• Assess and analyze current reality around physician engagement• Identify what is working and what is absent• Relate presented topics and integrate them into their own situation(s)• Develop ideas for action steps and plan for future implementation

During the forum, participants learned more about what MSV is doing to enhance physician engagement including the work accomplished through the MSV Foundation’s (MSVF) evolve™ clinical team leadership program that empowered physicians to find solutions to issues they are facing in their communities. Visit http://msvfevolve.com to learn more.

By Kirsten A. Roberts, Senior Policy Analyst

MSV gathers physician executives to discuss engagement

12 www.msv.org

May is Disability Awareness Month and, since I follow insurance closely, I know when it is right around the corner because of the increased e-mails I receive on disability insurance. This year, I decided to refl ect more on the industry that I serve, health care, and take a closer look at disability awareness and how it relates to physicians.

It might be surprising, but physicians and other health care workers are actually quite aware about disability insurance and have a very high ownership. Why? I believe it comes down to two big factors—experience and lifestyle. Physicians are constantly dealing with the major reasons people become disabled—sickness, disease, accidents, etc. so physicians have that daily reminder that disability can and does happen!

Most physicians are considered to be high-income earners, in a relative sense, which creates a certain lifestyle. Therefore, have increased motivation to make sure that their lifestyle is adequately protected.

Although physicians seem to have the awareness of disability insurance, there does seem to be a lack of recognition of how important it is to have adequate disability insurance. I can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure you constantly review your disability plan!

If you currently own disability coverage then when was the last time you reviewed or updated it? Has anything change since you bought your disability insurance policy? Has your income increased? Your lifestyle changed? We are fi nding more often that physician’s earnings have outpaced their disability policies, so if they become disabled then there will be protection in place but it may NOT protect all of their income.

Now is the perfect time to give your personal insurance policies a thorough review. Let me, as one of MSV’s strategic partners, provide a no-cost disability or life insurance review. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

For more information please contact:

Dustin Beekman, Director of Business DevelopmentMedical Society of Virginia804-377-1006dbeekman@msvia.org

Disability awareness and physicians: Not what if but how much?By Matt Brotherton, President of 1752 Financial

Manage my Practice

May 2016 13

Take advantage of the high-limit supplemental disability program created exclusively for Medical Societry of Virginia (MSV) members.

Peace of MindProtecting all of your income has never been this easy.

As your fi nancial responsibility has

grown, has your income protection plan kept pace?

Take measures to review your disability plan today

and protect your family and quality of life with the special disability insurance

program offered through your MSV membership.

The benefi tsHigh LimitYou can qualify for up to $50,000 in monthly disability benefi ts.

Premium Discount & GuaranteeA premium discount of up to 20% to all eligible members. Premiums are guaranteed during the policy term.

Simplifi ed Issue & Ease of UnderwritingCoverage is offered to MSV members on a simplifi ed basis and so underwriting is quick and easy.

Own OccupationIf you are unable to work in your specialty, full benefi ts are payable even if you are working in a different occupation.

FlexibleThe policy can be designed to meet your specifi c needs and budget.

For more information, contact Dustin Beekman, MSV Director of Business Development, at 877 | 226-9357 or dbeekman@msv.org.

Program brought to you by:

14 www.msv.org

Students that graduate from medical school nowadays are almost guaranteed a career. Unfortunately, they’re also likely to be loaded down with student loans.

The average medical school graduate takes out $278,000 in student loans, not including what they borrowed for their undergraduate degree. Even though physicians can earn between $150,000 and $300,000 a year, it still takes them years to pay off their loans. In fact, some figures show that being a doctor can result in lost money worth $800,000. According to BestMedicalDegrees.com, the amount of time spent in med school and residency equals $800,000 in lost wages. This begs the question: when is medical school worth it? If you’re in it for the salary, you’ll likely feel too stressed to continue your training. But if being a doctor is important to your satisfaction, then the finances will even out over time. Read below for our tips on paying off your med school loans quickly, so you can focus more on patients and less on patience.

Refinance – And do it earlyOne of the easiest ways you can decrease how much you end up paying is by lowering your interest rate. Thankfully, more lenders are catering to med school graduates who want to refinance their loans. Some can also refinance those loans while you’re a resident. This is crucial, because residents usually earn around $40,000, which makes paying back $250,000 difficult. The earlier you refinance, the more you’ll save in interest. Because many doctors have 25-year terms on their loans, they’re likely to pay tens of thousands in interest. Check out this calculator see how much you could save, and this guide to see if refinancing makes sense for you.

Choose a career in the public fieldThe most effective way to pay off your loans quickly without making extra payments is the public service loan forgiveness program. If you work for a public institution, like a 501(c)(3) designated hospital, for 10 years, you’ll have the rest of your loans forgiven by the government. There are also programs where you can work in an underserved or low-income region and receive loan forgiveness.

Make sure to plan ahead if this is the way you want to go. You’ll have to pay taxes on the amount forgiven. Talk to a tax professional or do some research to make sure you have enough cash to pay Uncle Sam.

Negotiate a signing bonusNowadays, many doctors receive a signing bonus when they start working for an employer. According to recent surveys, the average signing bonus is $24,037 with some reaching six figures. That means that on average, the signing bonus is almost 10% of the average med school debt. You can use the signing bonus to put a down payment on a house or pay for a wedding. But if you want to pay off your loans, putting the signing bonus toward your debt can decrease how long it takes you to become debt free. It’s important to use windfalls like a signing bonus because they can make a big dent in your principal. The less your principal is, the less you’ll pay in interest.

Have a strategyIf you want to be debt-free faster, there are two ways you can pay off your loans quickly: the snowball method and the avalanche method. These methods only work if you have more than one loan taken out. The avalanche method involves paying off your loans in order of highest interest rate to lowest. By paying more on the loan with the highest interest rate, you’ll be saving more in the long run. Once you’re done paying off that loan, you tackle the loan with the next highest interest rate. This is the smartest way to pay off your loans if saving money is your primary concern.

4 Ways to be a Debt-free DoctorBy LendKey, your student loan refinancing partner

MSV Marketplace

May 2016 15

MSV Marketplace

However, the snowball method could also be the most eff ective way to pay off your loans. This method involves paying off your debt in order from smallest balance to largest. As soon as you pay off the smallest balance, take the amount you were paying and add it to the next smallest loan. Studies show that people who use the snowball method to pay off their debt, are more motivated and more likely to pay off their loans than those who use other strategies.

For people who are easily distracted, the snowball method is the best choice. It will keep you inspired to see how much progress you’re making. If you’re a focused person who just wants to save money, the avalanche method probably makes the most sense.

Stay focusedAfter years of medical school, it may be diffi cult to reign in your spending once you’re earning a doctor’s salary. But if becoming debt-free is your main goal, you’ll have to commit to a budget and monitor your spending.

Pick a strategy and stick to it. Use the discipline you developed in medical school and heal your fi nances.

To see how much you can save in 5 minutes by refi nancing your student debt, be sure to visit MSV’s exclusive student loan refi nancing partner, LendKey, at: www.LKrefi .com/msv-member.

to get starte

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* Savings of $38,000+ based on refinancing $175,000 of Grad PLUS loans, a lifetime value of $253,679.66. After refinancing, a borrower could save over $38,000 and pay $215,118.82 in to-tal over the 10-year life of the loan with a fixed rate of 4.50% (including a reduction for autopay).

Average Physician

Saves Over

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16 www.msv.org

For eight teams comprised of physicians, nurses, health system administrators and community leaders, March 11 marked the culmination of a five-month program focused on the tools and skills needed to work effectively as highly functioning inter-professional teams. As the final segment in the inaugural cohort of the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation’s (MSVF) co-sponsored Sync program, teams presented their capstone projects detailing their self-selected project focus, objectives, strategies and results to date.

The breadth of presentation topics was wide, ranging from improving the continuity of care in transitioning patients from the ICU, to integrating oral health education into medical care, to gardening and cooking education for communities otherwise bereft of healthy eating options. Dominant themes throughout the presentations included preventative and holistic health care. Despite being presented by individual groups, the presentations formed a single organic symposium based around positively impacting health care practices so that patients not only have higher-quality experiences, but also have the opportunity to change their lifestyles before they become patients at all.

The following groups presented capstone projects at the 2016 Sync graduation ceremony:• Bon Secours Memorial Regional Hospital – “Patient-Centered Interdisciplinary Rounds”• Centra Medical Group - Nationwide – “Managing Diabetic Patients in the Ambulatory Setting”• Centra Medical Associates – “Improving Communication and Handoffs During Transitions of Care for ICU Patients”• University of Virginia Culpeper Hospital – “Medication Reconciliation: A Pilot Program”• The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) – “Integrating Oral Health Education in Medical Care”• Virginia Department of Health (VDH): Crater, Hopewell – “The Hopewell Model of Health Care”• VDH: Crater, Petersburg – “Creating Community-Clinical Linkages Through a Garden-Based Patient Nutrition Education Lifestyle

Change Program”• VDH: Prince William – “Diabetes Prevention”

In addition to valuable experience collaborating and applying their knowledge bases towards impactful and innovative projects, participants also received 32 hours of continuing education credit.

The Sync program was a collaborative effort between the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, the Virginia Nurses Foundation and MSVF, and was supported by a generous grant from The Physicians Foundation. Plans are underway to once again offer the program in fall 2016. For more information on Sync, or to participate in the upcoming cohort, contact Amy Swierczweski at 804 | 377-1053

Sync leaders graduate: Preventative, holistic health care a key focusBy Amy Swierczweski, MSVF Program Manager

Care for My Patients

May 2016 17

MSV news

After more than 18 years with the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV), Senior Vice President of Health Policy and Planning Mike Jurgensen has decided to retire. “I ran out of words of wisdom, which is why I’m retiring,” he said. His retirement becomes effective on May 31, 2016.

Mike joined MSV as Director of Health Policy in May 1998. Now serving as

one of MSV’s most long-standing employees, Mike has been responsible for overseeing the government affairs, policy and practice services departments as well as MSV’s state regulatory actions. During his time with MSV, Mike contributed greatly to numerous health care policies and legislation in Virginia with his expertise and sharp wit.

“I’ll never forget interviewing Mike for the job,” said Larry Blanchard, M.D., former MSV President. “I certainly felt too young to be responsible for selecting someone to be a major thought leader for MSV for years to come. It was obvious in the first few minutes that Mike was the man for the job: reserved, knowledgeable, articulate and committed to providing the full array of facts and background information that would allow folks to make the right decisions. I can’t believe how lucky the MSV has been to have stumbled on to such a gem of a guy. I’ll certainly miss having him working so effectively on our behalf.”

Mike’s service to MSV has positively impacted MSV’s employees, its physician leadership and patients across the Commonwealth, who have unknowingly benefitted from his contributions. Mike played a major role in many of MSV’s significant initiatives over the years, including certificate of public need (COPN), medical malpractice, fair business practices, office-based anesthesia regulations, physician credentialing and much more.

“None of these successes would have been possible without the exceptional teammates and colleagues I’ve been fortunate to work alongside,” Mike shared. He considers his work in hiring, training and mentoring several policy and government affairs professionals who have since progressed into leadership roles

within the industry as his most significant contribution to MSV.

“Mike understood that leading a team was about providing appropriate resources and support and then allowing the staff room to work,” said Keith Hare, President and CEO of Virginia Health Care Association and former MSV Director of Government Affairs. “Many leaders talk a good game about doing this, but few have the discipline to do it well. Mike is one of those people. I was honored to work for him and will always be grateful for what he taught me.”

“It’s no secret that Mike is not a fan of management theories or the latest leadership books, yet he manages to embody all of the qualities the ‘experts’ tell us to strive for,” said Robin Clair Cummings, Director of Honoring Choices Virginia and former MSV Director of Health Policy. “He always puts the organization and its people first. His team works hard because he gives them room to do so, and because he is there to encourage and provide sound counsel. I know that I had the opportunity to work with one of the best, and I am so grateful for his guidance and for his friendship.”

“I leaned heavily on Mike’s extensive knowledge of health policy issues,” said Matt Mansell, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs of the Virginia Health Care Association and former MSV Director of Government Affairs. “Mike’s patience and knowledge knew no bounds. He has seen it all at least once and usually knows the answer and strategy before the problem has even been presented in its entirety. Mike was and is an incredible resource to MSV, its physician members, and the Virginia health care community as a whole.”

“Mike is the consummate professional and his legacy at MSV will be everlasting,” said Ralston King, MSV Senior Director of Government Affairs. “What will stick with me most is his genuine character. Mike’s class and humility is a model for us all.”

On behalf of the entire MSV staff, good luck, Mike! We will miss you.

After 18 years, MSV wishes SVP Mike Jurgensen a happy retirementBy Hedi Cho, Communications Manager

18 www.msv.org

MSV news

Healing the healer - Takeaways & StrategiesBy Lynne B. Hughes, MSVF Director of Development and SYNC/evolve speaker on burnout prevention and work-life balance

Achieving a “balanced” life is something we all should strive for. Balance is not a permanent state but a continuum. It is normal to be out of balance from time to time.

The goal is to keep the pendulum from swinging too far one way or for too long. Listed below are some takeaways and strategies to that can help keep us in alignment:

Know what YOU have control over

• Where you work• Who you work for• Your attitude• Your ability to take care of yourself• Relationships with others

Daily coping strategies

• Take a quick break (step outside/long walk to the bathroom)• Call a loved one• Deep breaths in your office• Focus on a happy memory• Focus on a future activity (think vacation!)• Have a hobby• Take time out of the office for lunch• Schedule time to be “unplugged”

Maintain balance

• Take time off• Anticipate times when you will be “out of balance” and

plan for it (holidays, conferences, travel)• Humor• Set boundaries—Learn to say NO• Seek help from a life coach or therapist• Realize that balance is a continuum

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Member resourcesGet the most out of your involvement with MSV by taking advantage of our many valuable resources, publications, educational

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20 www.msv.org

MSV news

AlbertaMichael Brooks, M.D.

AlexandriaKimberly Sapre, PA-C

CharlottesvilleBrian Showalter, M.D.

FredericksburgNatalie Chan, M.D.James Schuster, M.D.

LynchburgSpencer Pollok, PA-C

ManassasKeith Albertson, M.D.Christopher Highfill, M.D.W. Bartley Hosick, M.D.John Kim, M.D.Kevin Peltier, M.D.

SuffolkKaye Davis, M.D.

Virginia BeachMark Schreiber, M.D.Beyshia Watson, M.D.

WaynesboroDavid Herring, M.D.

MSVF salutes exceptional physician leaders

MSV welcomes new members

By Lynne B. Hughes, MSVF Director of Development and SYNC/evolve speaker on burnout prevention and work-life balance

Who “wows” you with their efforts in volunteering and contributions to the medical profession? The MSVF Salute to Service Awards honors phenomenal physicians and medical students with Salute to Service Awards in the following categories:

• Service to the Profession• Service to the Uninsured and Underserved• Service to the International Community• Service by a Medical Student or Resident• Service to the Commonwealth for Advancing Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

Share their stories and help MSVF give them a salute! Nominating is easy – simply complete the online form by clicking here. MSVF staff is also available to help guide you through completing the form or answer any of your questions. Email foundation@msv.org or call 804-377-1047.

Winners will be recognized with a wonderful tribute at this year’s Physicians’ Gala during the Annual Meeting at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center on Oct. 15. The awards are sponsored by The Doctors Company. For additional information, call 804 | 377-1053 or e-mail foundation@msv.org.