HJNO Jan/Feb 2021

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  JAN / FEB 2021 47 ly, MASELA is being led by co-presidents representing the two founding parish so- cieties and elected by the new board. Tan- ya Busenlener, MD, President of Jefferson Parish Medical Society, and Juan Gershan- ik, MD, President of Orleans Parish Med- ical Society, are serving as co-presidents. Other local or regional physician organi- zations in this region are invited to affiliate with the Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana as well. According to Busenlener, “The Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana is in direct response to what physicians in our area told us they need to enhance their ability to practice medicine effectively.” The bylaws of the Medical Association note, “ThisAssociation shall bring together physicians to serve and advocate for the common needs of physician members, their patients, and the community.” Gershanik stresses the important role the Medical Association of Southeast Lou- isiana will play in the community, noting, “Our new organization has a tremendous opportunity to work with other communi- ty organizations to improve the health of all people in Southeast Louisiana through Tanya Busenlener, MD Co-President Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana education and innovation.” Physicians can become engaged in the new organization through individual membership and may join ad hoc commit- tees to address the common challenges of certain physician segments and improve collegiality of women, early career, aca- demic and private practice physicians. In addition, ad hoc committees will address legislative and regulatory matters, public health and health equity concerns and will improve stakeholder relations and physi- cian well-being. The board and ad hoc committees of the Medical Association of Southeast Louisi- ana will develop services, programs and initiatives for physicians, medical practice staff, patients and the community. Initia- tives that are already being evaluated are a collaborationwith a national medical staff- ing organization, development of a physi- cian well-being program and a Physician Connect partnership program which will link physicians with corporate resources in the community to provide value-added resources to physicians and their practic- es. Also, the leadership will consider offer- ing educational programs regarding the business of medicine and continue their regular COVID-19 updates for physicians in the region, which have kept physicians informed about the pandemic. Busenlener shared her thoughts recent- ly about physician involvement: “Phy- sicians in our region have an excellent opportunity to get involved in this new organization to address our professional challenges together and enhance patient care in our communities.” Forming the Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana during the pandemic could be considered daunting; however, according to Gershanik, “COVID demon- strates the importance of physicians com- ing together to address a public health cri- sis, speaking with one unified, strong voice to our patients and the media, and working with our hospitals, medical training in- stitutions and community organizations to provide quality care and improve the health of all people in our region.” More information about the Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana will be sent to physicians soon. For more infor- mation or to join, call (504) 455-8282. n UNITY. STRENGTH. ADVOCACY. SERVICE. COLLEGIALITY. The Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana will: • Promote and protect the profession of medicine, physician autonomy, ethical standards and quality patient care through education and advocacy; • Support and promote the importance of quality and comprehensive medical education, and advocate for appropriate funding to ensure the adequate supply of physicians; • Advocate for just laws and regulations relating to advancement of the practice of medicine; • Advocate for access to quality, equitable, cost-effective healthcare, and shall promote the general health and well-being of the community by supporting public health initiatives and disease prevention through education, research and innovation; • Foster collegiality among physicians, and strive to enhance the personal and professional satisfaction and well-being of physicians; and • Serve as a resource for its member physicians, their patients, the public and the media.