HJNO Nov/Dec 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  NOV / DEC 2024 69 Mark Rice, MD President MASELA To join MASELA, go to masela.org/join. was a year of memorable gatherings that brought our community closer together. We kicked off the year with the Celebration of Medicine in March, honoring our 50-year physicians and celebrating 2024 awardees. Regular board meetings were held at local wine shops and restaurants throughout the year, fostering deeper connections within our medical community. October’s General MembershipMeeting was a highlight, where we elected the JPMS, OPMS, and MASE- LA 2025 officers and board members. We proudly honored MASELA’s Past President Gabriella Pridjian, MD, who was award- ed the prestigious Spirit of Charity Award at the Spirit of Charity Gala, and former JPMS President Robert Chugden, MD, who received the distinguished Frank C. Di Vin- centi, MD, Community Leadership Award during the West Jefferson Jubilee. As we move into 2025, we are optimis- tic about the future of organized medicine. The continued success of our medical com- munity depends on our ability to unite and work collaboratively. By standing together, we amplify our impact, ensuring that our collective efforts will shape the healthcare landscape in meaningful ways. Let us move forward with shared purpose, knowing that our combined strength will allow us to over- come challenges and further advance the well-being of both physicians and patients. MASELAmembership is the most effective way to ensure your voice is heard and to contribute to the ongoing advocacy and community-building efforts that benefit us all. Together, we can continue strengthening our healthcare system and facing the chal- lenges that lie ahead. Stay safe this holiday season and cheers to a healthy, happy, safe, and fun 2025! n is much easier than fixing themonce broken. October is known for breast cancer awareness. I appreciate the prominence of breast cancer awareness, but did you know that virtually every month of the year is a cancer awareness month? I certainly can- not tell you which month is for each cancer awareness without an internet search, but I promise your physician will know what cancers you should be screened for and how often that should occur. So, I encourage you to schedule an appointment, if you have not already, and plan for your annual physical exam and healthmaintenance. Disasters can damage our home and property, but we can only protect so much. Being proactive in maintaining our health is essential — not only in facing natural disasters but also in managing long-term well-being. As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that our collective efforts have strengthened the medical community. Through advocacy, leadership, and collaboration, we have achieved significant milestones: • Rural section: Addressing rural health- care challenges at the LSMS Board level. • Legislative wins: Advocated for GLP-1 medication coverage and RSV vaccines for pregnant women. • Defending physicians: Protected the medical practice from non-physician encroachment. • Reducing burdens: Secured strong prior authorization reforms benefit- ing physicians and patients. • Support for young and women physi- cians: Launched initiatives for young physician advocacy and mentorship for women physicians. In addition to our advocacy work, 2024