HJNO Sep/Oct 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  SEP / OCT 2024 53 Harold Miller, MD JPMS President MASELA Secretary-General To join MASELA, go to masela.org/join. and effectiveness. • Discussions on policies concerning code sets mandated for use in Medi- care and Medicaid claims processing. • Addition of a Vice Speaker to the Ex- ecutive Committee. • A resolution for LSMS to seek and support legislation for the coverage of agents targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, not excluding lifestyle, diet, and exercise. The resolution for the expansion of emer- gency Medicaid’s LaMOMS program was not supported in its current form. However, a resolution was supported by the LSMS to seek and support legislation for more pregnant women to receive the RSV vac- cine to prevent transmission and infection. Additionally, a resolution to strengthen phy- sician oversight over physician assistants and nurse practitioner collaborative practice agreements was addressed. Purposeful debate between the student section and the HOD emphasized treating all patients as individuals and addressing their specific needs. The resolution on enhancing cultural competency in medical education was debated, with the consensus that LSMS would support investigating more study models to accurately assess this issue. The LSMS reaffirmed its statement op- posing the use of the term “provider” as a substitute for “physician” or to imply that non-physician clinicians are equivalent to physicians. In conclusion, to quoteAristotle, “Excel- lence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” By embody- ing this philosophy, the tale of two bodies does become one, with the unified goal of advocating for both patients and physicians alike. n A longtime and respected delegate made a poignant comment about the privilege and honor of being an LSMS delegate and the significant role Louisiana physicians play at the national level at the American Medical Association (AMA) meeting. His plea was for the House of Delegates to rise above apathy and get involved. Voting at the HOD included electing of- ficers for the new year, including the 145th president of the LSMS, Roderick Clark, MD. The involvement of the Medical Student Sec- tion in organized medicine is crucial for the future of the profession. Often, resolutions written by medical students are stimulat- ing and thoughtful; while the LSMS body may sometimes agree to disagree by vote or through amendments, these resolutions are welcomed. Over the past 12 or more years of attending LSMS HOD meetings, this trend has been observed. Highlights of this year’s HOD meeting include: • Establishment of a Rural Section to be addressed by the Board of Governors. • Standardization of Louisiana State Medical Society sections for efficiency AWord fromHaroldMiller, MD JPMS President, MASELA Secretary-General