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SHM names new Masters in Hospital Medicine
This year, the Society of Hospital Medicine will induct two new Masters in Hospital Medicine (MHM), the society’s highest professional honor. After the new honorees receive their designations, there will be only 30 MHMs society-wide, out of a universe of more than 60,000 hospitalists.
“The MHMs are truly the ‘hall of fame’ for hospital medicine and our society,” said Larry Wellikson, MD, MHM, the CEO of SHM.
SHM first introduced the MHM designation in 2010. The honor is reserved for hospitalists who have uniquely distinguished themselves in the specialty through the excellence and significance of their contributions to hospital medicine specifically and health care as a whole. SHM members are nominated for MHM consideration, and the SHM Board of Directors rigorously reviews qualifications and selects each year’s MHM class.
The two hospitalists receiving the MHM designation at HM19 are Brian Harte, MD, MHM, and Samir Shah, MD, MHM.
Brian Harte, MD, MHM
“Dr. Harte was selected as an MHM in honor of his unwavering dedication to hospital medicine and the Society as a stellar clinician and inspiring leader,” Dr. Wellikson said.
Dr. Harte is president of Cleveland Clinic Akron General and the Southern Region and is an associate professor of medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. He formerly served as president of Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital and Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital.
Dr. Harte’s contributions to hospital medicine have been numerous, both as an educator and a clinician. “Because of his prowess for improving hospital operations while continuing to uphold the highest standards of clinical care, Dr. Harte advanced quickly, developing and growing the presence of hospital medicine throughout the Cleveland Clinic network,” Dr. Wellikson said.
Regarding the award, Dr. Harte said, “I’m honored to receive this recognition and would like to thank my colleagues at SHM. I will continue to work to advocate for patient care and to challenge physicians to lead improvements in quality and safety.”
Dr. Harte served on the SHM Board of Directors for 6 years, including serving as treasurer and president. He served on a number of committees, including the Annual Conference and Public Policy committees. He has presented at multiple SHM Annual Conferences on leadership, quality and patient safety, and hospital operations.
“SHM is progressive in its thinking,” Dr. Harte said. “The Society’s focus on staying ahead of changes in health care and advocating for patients makes it an organization that will shape health care in the years to come.”
Dr. Harte was also a deputy editor for the Journal of Hospital Medicine – SHM’s flagship, peer-reviewed publication for hospital medicine research – for 9 years, and was instrumental in developing its “Clinical Care Conundrums” series.
Samir S. Shah, MD, MSCE, MHM
Dr. Samir S. Shah was selected as an MHM in honor of his leadership in hospital medicine as a stellar researcher, devoted mentor, and key contributor to the Society.
He is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, as well as director of the division of hospital medicine and chief metrics officer at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he holds the James M. Ewell Endowed Chair.
“Dr. Shah is a leading figure in the founding and growing of pediatric hospital medicine, ensuring that research is a central focus of this specialty,” Dr. Wellikson said.
“Much of what I’ve done is foundational – developing leaders and creating networks of mentoring relationships and a culture of sponsorship to help others succeed so that we can advance the field and patient care faster and further together,” Dr. Shah said, commenting on his MHM recognition. “I am honored and humbled. I’m proud to have contributed to the academic development of the field through research, mentorship, and sponsorship. My team and my colleagues have helped me to become a better leader. I view this award as a recognition of their efforts to help me advance pediatric hospital medicine as an academic discipline.”
In January 2019, Dr. Shah assumed the role of Journal of Hospital Medicine editor in chief. He has held other leadership positions with the journal, including associate, deputy, and senior deputy editor, since 2009. He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and more than 150 book chapters. He is also editor or coeditor of 12 books.
Dr. Shah has also served as the primary research mentor to more than 85 medical students, residents, fellows, junior faculty, and postdoctoral students, and as a career and professional development mentor to countless others. He is the primary research mentor for five current National Institutes of Health or Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality K-series career development award recipients.
Dr. Shah has helped to develop and better leverage data infrastructure to help scale research and link variation in clinical practice to outcomes nationally to determine best clinical practice. For example, he partnered with the Children’s Hospital Association, where he chairs the Pediatric Health Information Research Groups.
“While his individual research accomplishments are exceptional, his more lasting impacts in pediatric hospital medicine are in creating and growing research networks and advancing academic growth of the field,” Dr. Wellikson said.
Dr. Shah received the 2009 Award of Excellence for Research from SHM and has served on both the Awards and Research committees.
This year, the Society of Hospital Medicine will induct two new Masters in Hospital Medicine (MHM), the society’s highest professional honor. After the new honorees receive their designations, there will be only 30 MHMs society-wide, out of a universe of more than 60,000 hospitalists.
“The MHMs are truly the ‘hall of fame’ for hospital medicine and our society,” said Larry Wellikson, MD, MHM, the CEO of SHM.
SHM first introduced the MHM designation in 2010. The honor is reserved for hospitalists who have uniquely distinguished themselves in the specialty through the excellence and significance of their contributions to hospital medicine specifically and health care as a whole. SHM members are nominated for MHM consideration, and the SHM Board of Directors rigorously reviews qualifications and selects each year’s MHM class.
The two hospitalists receiving the MHM designation at HM19 are Brian Harte, MD, MHM, and Samir Shah, MD, MHM.
Brian Harte, MD, MHM
“Dr. Harte was selected as an MHM in honor of his unwavering dedication to hospital medicine and the Society as a stellar clinician and inspiring leader,” Dr. Wellikson said.
Dr. Harte is president of Cleveland Clinic Akron General and the Southern Region and is an associate professor of medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. He formerly served as president of Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital and Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital.
Dr. Harte’s contributions to hospital medicine have been numerous, both as an educator and a clinician. “Because of his prowess for improving hospital operations while continuing to uphold the highest standards of clinical care, Dr. Harte advanced quickly, developing and growing the presence of hospital medicine throughout the Cleveland Clinic network,” Dr. Wellikson said.
Regarding the award, Dr. Harte said, “I’m honored to receive this recognition and would like to thank my colleagues at SHM. I will continue to work to advocate for patient care and to challenge physicians to lead improvements in quality and safety.”
Dr. Harte served on the SHM Board of Directors for 6 years, including serving as treasurer and president. He served on a number of committees, including the Annual Conference and Public Policy committees. He has presented at multiple SHM Annual Conferences on leadership, quality and patient safety, and hospital operations.
“SHM is progressive in its thinking,” Dr. Harte said. “The Society’s focus on staying ahead of changes in health care and advocating for patients makes it an organization that will shape health care in the years to come.”
Dr. Harte was also a deputy editor for the Journal of Hospital Medicine – SHM’s flagship, peer-reviewed publication for hospital medicine research – for 9 years, and was instrumental in developing its “Clinical Care Conundrums” series.
Samir S. Shah, MD, MSCE, MHM
Dr. Samir S. Shah was selected as an MHM in honor of his leadership in hospital medicine as a stellar researcher, devoted mentor, and key contributor to the Society.
He is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, as well as director of the division of hospital medicine and chief metrics officer at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he holds the James M. Ewell Endowed Chair.
“Dr. Shah is a leading figure in the founding and growing of pediatric hospital medicine, ensuring that research is a central focus of this specialty,” Dr. Wellikson said.
“Much of what I’ve done is foundational – developing leaders and creating networks of mentoring relationships and a culture of sponsorship to help others succeed so that we can advance the field and patient care faster and further together,” Dr. Shah said, commenting on his MHM recognition. “I am honored and humbled. I’m proud to have contributed to the academic development of the field through research, mentorship, and sponsorship. My team and my colleagues have helped me to become a better leader. I view this award as a recognition of their efforts to help me advance pediatric hospital medicine as an academic discipline.”
In January 2019, Dr. Shah assumed the role of Journal of Hospital Medicine editor in chief. He has held other leadership positions with the journal, including associate, deputy, and senior deputy editor, since 2009. He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and more than 150 book chapters. He is also editor or coeditor of 12 books.
Dr. Shah has also served as the primary research mentor to more than 85 medical students, residents, fellows, junior faculty, and postdoctoral students, and as a career and professional development mentor to countless others. He is the primary research mentor for five current National Institutes of Health or Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality K-series career development award recipients.
Dr. Shah has helped to develop and better leverage data infrastructure to help scale research and link variation in clinical practice to outcomes nationally to determine best clinical practice. For example, he partnered with the Children’s Hospital Association, where he chairs the Pediatric Health Information Research Groups.
“While his individual research accomplishments are exceptional, his more lasting impacts in pediatric hospital medicine are in creating and growing research networks and advancing academic growth of the field,” Dr. Wellikson said.
Dr. Shah received the 2009 Award of Excellence for Research from SHM and has served on both the Awards and Research committees.
This year, the Society of Hospital Medicine will induct two new Masters in Hospital Medicine (MHM), the society’s highest professional honor. After the new honorees receive their designations, there will be only 30 MHMs society-wide, out of a universe of more than 60,000 hospitalists.
“The MHMs are truly the ‘hall of fame’ for hospital medicine and our society,” said Larry Wellikson, MD, MHM, the CEO of SHM.
SHM first introduced the MHM designation in 2010. The honor is reserved for hospitalists who have uniquely distinguished themselves in the specialty through the excellence and significance of their contributions to hospital medicine specifically and health care as a whole. SHM members are nominated for MHM consideration, and the SHM Board of Directors rigorously reviews qualifications and selects each year’s MHM class.
The two hospitalists receiving the MHM designation at HM19 are Brian Harte, MD, MHM, and Samir Shah, MD, MHM.
Brian Harte, MD, MHM
“Dr. Harte was selected as an MHM in honor of his unwavering dedication to hospital medicine and the Society as a stellar clinician and inspiring leader,” Dr. Wellikson said.
Dr. Harte is president of Cleveland Clinic Akron General and the Southern Region and is an associate professor of medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. He formerly served as president of Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital and Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital.
Dr. Harte’s contributions to hospital medicine have been numerous, both as an educator and a clinician. “Because of his prowess for improving hospital operations while continuing to uphold the highest standards of clinical care, Dr. Harte advanced quickly, developing and growing the presence of hospital medicine throughout the Cleveland Clinic network,” Dr. Wellikson said.
Regarding the award, Dr. Harte said, “I’m honored to receive this recognition and would like to thank my colleagues at SHM. I will continue to work to advocate for patient care and to challenge physicians to lead improvements in quality and safety.”
Dr. Harte served on the SHM Board of Directors for 6 years, including serving as treasurer and president. He served on a number of committees, including the Annual Conference and Public Policy committees. He has presented at multiple SHM Annual Conferences on leadership, quality and patient safety, and hospital operations.
“SHM is progressive in its thinking,” Dr. Harte said. “The Society’s focus on staying ahead of changes in health care and advocating for patients makes it an organization that will shape health care in the years to come.”
Dr. Harte was also a deputy editor for the Journal of Hospital Medicine – SHM’s flagship, peer-reviewed publication for hospital medicine research – for 9 years, and was instrumental in developing its “Clinical Care Conundrums” series.
Samir S. Shah, MD, MSCE, MHM
Dr. Samir S. Shah was selected as an MHM in honor of his leadership in hospital medicine as a stellar researcher, devoted mentor, and key contributor to the Society.
He is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, as well as director of the division of hospital medicine and chief metrics officer at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he holds the James M. Ewell Endowed Chair.
“Dr. Shah is a leading figure in the founding and growing of pediatric hospital medicine, ensuring that research is a central focus of this specialty,” Dr. Wellikson said.
“Much of what I’ve done is foundational – developing leaders and creating networks of mentoring relationships and a culture of sponsorship to help others succeed so that we can advance the field and patient care faster and further together,” Dr. Shah said, commenting on his MHM recognition. “I am honored and humbled. I’m proud to have contributed to the academic development of the field through research, mentorship, and sponsorship. My team and my colleagues have helped me to become a better leader. I view this award as a recognition of their efforts to help me advance pediatric hospital medicine as an academic discipline.”
In January 2019, Dr. Shah assumed the role of Journal of Hospital Medicine editor in chief. He has held other leadership positions with the journal, including associate, deputy, and senior deputy editor, since 2009. He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and more than 150 book chapters. He is also editor or coeditor of 12 books.
Dr. Shah has also served as the primary research mentor to more than 85 medical students, residents, fellows, junior faculty, and postdoctoral students, and as a career and professional development mentor to countless others. He is the primary research mentor for five current National Institutes of Health or Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality K-series career development award recipients.
Dr. Shah has helped to develop and better leverage data infrastructure to help scale research and link variation in clinical practice to outcomes nationally to determine best clinical practice. For example, he partnered with the Children’s Hospital Association, where he chairs the Pediatric Health Information Research Groups.
“While his individual research accomplishments are exceptional, his more lasting impacts in pediatric hospital medicine are in creating and growing research networks and advancing academic growth of the field,” Dr. Wellikson said.
Dr. Shah received the 2009 Award of Excellence for Research from SHM and has served on both the Awards and Research committees.
Welcome back to National Harbor
Welcome to HM19 in National Harbor, Maryland! This marks the fourth time the SHM’s annual conference has been held in National Harbor, beginning with Hospital Medicine 2013. With close proximity to the nation’s capital and a number of national museums, memorials, and other historic sites, National Harbor has much to offer in addition to the jam-packed education conference schedule we have planned for you. There is also a nearby Ferris wheel dubbed the “Capital Wheel” for thrill seekers.
Thanks to the many responses you provided to SHM’s newly opened call for conference content suggestions for HM19, we are proud to present you with a conference genuinely created “by hospitalists, for hospitalists.” We encourage you to take full advantage of the wide array of learning opportunities the Annual Conference Committee curated from your input for HM19. We encourage you to explore new ideas, attend sessions that catch your eye, and dive head first into interactive workshops at HM19.
The Annual Conference Committee members will be wearing large buttons to identify themselves, and we welcome any questions and feedback about the meeting. The committee members worked hard to create a pre-course day and main meeting with something for everyone, knowing there is great diversity under the hospitalist tent. In addition to cultivating relevant and timely sessions sourced from your input, the committee’s guiding lens for HM19 content has always been “what do practicing hospitalists need to know now.”
HM19 offers a diverse array of clinical content. Learn the latest evidence for a variety of topics common in hospital medicine during the expanded 3 days of Clinical Updates. There are 2 days of Rapid Fire talks that answer top-of-mind clinical questions we all have while caring for hospitalized patients. The Perioperative/Co-Management track, along with an additional clinical update and workshop dedicated to this special arena of care for hospitalists, is back with its unique and useful content. We even repeat some of the most popular sessions on Day 2 of the conference, providing attendees with more opportunities to attend all the must-see didactic sessions offered at HM19.
Building on momentum from previous years, HM19 continues the tradition of an intentional focus on how to develop and sustain an enjoyable, productive career in hospital medicine for its attendees. There are workshops offered at HM19 specifically devoted to career development as well as career-mentoring opportunities, specific sessions on financial planning and improving one’s business acumen, and educational tracks dedicated for early career hospitalists and those of us who need and desire some mid-career seasoning.
We have added two new tracks to this year’s conference: Between the Guidelines and Clinical Mastery. We also have expanded The Great Debate track from three sessions to six overall—not counting Another Great Debate session on clinical practice guidelines, which can be found in the Between the Guidelines track. Choose who you think wins the debate as two experts go at it on various controversial clinical topics in each session. Don’t miss out on the new Medical Jeopardy session with hand-selected “brainiac” competitors, but please remember – there are no points for second place! This year we have two Stump the Professor sessions on Day 3 of the conference, both featuring challenging clinical unknown cases and master diagnosticians in hospital medicine. Join us to see if either professor will be stumped!
Everyone’s favorite educational tracks have returned for HM19, including Diagnostic Reasoning, Health Policy, High Value Care, Medical Education, Pediatrics, Practice Management, and Quality. Coming off successful additions to last year’s conference, the NP/PA and Palliative Care tracks also have returned for HM19.
Don’t forget to check out the interactive workshop sessions at HM19. Nearly 150 workshop proposals were submitted in this year’s open call for content, and we proudly feature 21 of the best – the most workshops that have ever been showcased at SHM’s Annual Conference.
Aside from Plenary Sessions for HM19, the real can’t miss(es) for the conference are the Update in Hospital Medicine, receptions and competitions for Research, Innovations, and Clinical Vignette (RIV) posters. Day 2 features the best of hospital medicine research and innovations for 2019, but there is also a 3-day track devoted to Academic/Research sessions at HM19 that you won’t want to miss.
During the conference, please remember to check out the Exhibit Hall, attend an SHM Quick Talk, and participate in an SHM Special Interest Forum. Make sure you download the HM19 At Hand app (www.hm19athand.org) to plan your conference schedule, rate speakers/sessions, and participate in audience response systems. If you have suggestions for topics and/or speakers you would like to see featured at next year’s annual conference, Hospital Medicine 2020 (HM20) in sunny San Diego, then let your voice be heard by submitting these new ideas for both didactic and workshop sessions to the HM20 open call for content via the online portal. Once the conference concludes, don’t forget to apply for accreditation based on your attendance as applicable: 18.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, 14.00 MOC points, 21.50 AAFP credits, 21.50 AOA Category 2-A CME credits, and/or 12.73 AANP contact hours.
This year’s proximity to the nation’s capital allows for the conference to take place in conjunction with Hill Day on March 27. Come join SHM and fellow hospitalists on Capitol Hill in Washington, to have your voice heard regarding political issues important to hospital medicine.
This conference would not be possible without the tireless and relentless effort of SHM staff and leadership, our terrific speakers and faculty, and all the volunteer committee members of SHM. We are excited you are here, and we hope this conference elevates your education in hospital medicine, advances your career, and provides you with enduring networking opportunities.
We sincerely thank you for attending HM19. Enjoy National Harbor and the nation’s capital!
Dr. Smith is an associate professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, and course director of HM19.
Welcome to HM19 in National Harbor, Maryland! This marks the fourth time the SHM’s annual conference has been held in National Harbor, beginning with Hospital Medicine 2013. With close proximity to the nation’s capital and a number of national museums, memorials, and other historic sites, National Harbor has much to offer in addition to the jam-packed education conference schedule we have planned for you. There is also a nearby Ferris wheel dubbed the “Capital Wheel” for thrill seekers.
Thanks to the many responses you provided to SHM’s newly opened call for conference content suggestions for HM19, we are proud to present you with a conference genuinely created “by hospitalists, for hospitalists.” We encourage you to take full advantage of the wide array of learning opportunities the Annual Conference Committee curated from your input for HM19. We encourage you to explore new ideas, attend sessions that catch your eye, and dive head first into interactive workshops at HM19.
The Annual Conference Committee members will be wearing large buttons to identify themselves, and we welcome any questions and feedback about the meeting. The committee members worked hard to create a pre-course day and main meeting with something for everyone, knowing there is great diversity under the hospitalist tent. In addition to cultivating relevant and timely sessions sourced from your input, the committee’s guiding lens for HM19 content has always been “what do practicing hospitalists need to know now.”
HM19 offers a diverse array of clinical content. Learn the latest evidence for a variety of topics common in hospital medicine during the expanded 3 days of Clinical Updates. There are 2 days of Rapid Fire talks that answer top-of-mind clinical questions we all have while caring for hospitalized patients. The Perioperative/Co-Management track, along with an additional clinical update and workshop dedicated to this special arena of care for hospitalists, is back with its unique and useful content. We even repeat some of the most popular sessions on Day 2 of the conference, providing attendees with more opportunities to attend all the must-see didactic sessions offered at HM19.
Building on momentum from previous years, HM19 continues the tradition of an intentional focus on how to develop and sustain an enjoyable, productive career in hospital medicine for its attendees. There are workshops offered at HM19 specifically devoted to career development as well as career-mentoring opportunities, specific sessions on financial planning and improving one’s business acumen, and educational tracks dedicated for early career hospitalists and those of us who need and desire some mid-career seasoning.
We have added two new tracks to this year’s conference: Between the Guidelines and Clinical Mastery. We also have expanded The Great Debate track from three sessions to six overall—not counting Another Great Debate session on clinical practice guidelines, which can be found in the Between the Guidelines track. Choose who you think wins the debate as two experts go at it on various controversial clinical topics in each session. Don’t miss out on the new Medical Jeopardy session with hand-selected “brainiac” competitors, but please remember – there are no points for second place! This year we have two Stump the Professor sessions on Day 3 of the conference, both featuring challenging clinical unknown cases and master diagnosticians in hospital medicine. Join us to see if either professor will be stumped!
Everyone’s favorite educational tracks have returned for HM19, including Diagnostic Reasoning, Health Policy, High Value Care, Medical Education, Pediatrics, Practice Management, and Quality. Coming off successful additions to last year’s conference, the NP/PA and Palliative Care tracks also have returned for HM19.
Don’t forget to check out the interactive workshop sessions at HM19. Nearly 150 workshop proposals were submitted in this year’s open call for content, and we proudly feature 21 of the best – the most workshops that have ever been showcased at SHM’s Annual Conference.
Aside from Plenary Sessions for HM19, the real can’t miss(es) for the conference are the Update in Hospital Medicine, receptions and competitions for Research, Innovations, and Clinical Vignette (RIV) posters. Day 2 features the best of hospital medicine research and innovations for 2019, but there is also a 3-day track devoted to Academic/Research sessions at HM19 that you won’t want to miss.
During the conference, please remember to check out the Exhibit Hall, attend an SHM Quick Talk, and participate in an SHM Special Interest Forum. Make sure you download the HM19 At Hand app (www.hm19athand.org) to plan your conference schedule, rate speakers/sessions, and participate in audience response systems. If you have suggestions for topics and/or speakers you would like to see featured at next year’s annual conference, Hospital Medicine 2020 (HM20) in sunny San Diego, then let your voice be heard by submitting these new ideas for both didactic and workshop sessions to the HM20 open call for content via the online portal. Once the conference concludes, don’t forget to apply for accreditation based on your attendance as applicable: 18.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, 14.00 MOC points, 21.50 AAFP credits, 21.50 AOA Category 2-A CME credits, and/or 12.73 AANP contact hours.
This year’s proximity to the nation’s capital allows for the conference to take place in conjunction with Hill Day on March 27. Come join SHM and fellow hospitalists on Capitol Hill in Washington, to have your voice heard regarding political issues important to hospital medicine.
This conference would not be possible without the tireless and relentless effort of SHM staff and leadership, our terrific speakers and faculty, and all the volunteer committee members of SHM. We are excited you are here, and we hope this conference elevates your education in hospital medicine, advances your career, and provides you with enduring networking opportunities.
We sincerely thank you for attending HM19. Enjoy National Harbor and the nation’s capital!
Dr. Smith is an associate professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, and course director of HM19.
Welcome to HM19 in National Harbor, Maryland! This marks the fourth time the SHM’s annual conference has been held in National Harbor, beginning with Hospital Medicine 2013. With close proximity to the nation’s capital and a number of national museums, memorials, and other historic sites, National Harbor has much to offer in addition to the jam-packed education conference schedule we have planned for you. There is also a nearby Ferris wheel dubbed the “Capital Wheel” for thrill seekers.
Thanks to the many responses you provided to SHM’s newly opened call for conference content suggestions for HM19, we are proud to present you with a conference genuinely created “by hospitalists, for hospitalists.” We encourage you to take full advantage of the wide array of learning opportunities the Annual Conference Committee curated from your input for HM19. We encourage you to explore new ideas, attend sessions that catch your eye, and dive head first into interactive workshops at HM19.
The Annual Conference Committee members will be wearing large buttons to identify themselves, and we welcome any questions and feedback about the meeting. The committee members worked hard to create a pre-course day and main meeting with something for everyone, knowing there is great diversity under the hospitalist tent. In addition to cultivating relevant and timely sessions sourced from your input, the committee’s guiding lens for HM19 content has always been “what do practicing hospitalists need to know now.”
HM19 offers a diverse array of clinical content. Learn the latest evidence for a variety of topics common in hospital medicine during the expanded 3 days of Clinical Updates. There are 2 days of Rapid Fire talks that answer top-of-mind clinical questions we all have while caring for hospitalized patients. The Perioperative/Co-Management track, along with an additional clinical update and workshop dedicated to this special arena of care for hospitalists, is back with its unique and useful content. We even repeat some of the most popular sessions on Day 2 of the conference, providing attendees with more opportunities to attend all the must-see didactic sessions offered at HM19.
Building on momentum from previous years, HM19 continues the tradition of an intentional focus on how to develop and sustain an enjoyable, productive career in hospital medicine for its attendees. There are workshops offered at HM19 specifically devoted to career development as well as career-mentoring opportunities, specific sessions on financial planning and improving one’s business acumen, and educational tracks dedicated for early career hospitalists and those of us who need and desire some mid-career seasoning.
We have added two new tracks to this year’s conference: Between the Guidelines and Clinical Mastery. We also have expanded The Great Debate track from three sessions to six overall—not counting Another Great Debate session on clinical practice guidelines, which can be found in the Between the Guidelines track. Choose who you think wins the debate as two experts go at it on various controversial clinical topics in each session. Don’t miss out on the new Medical Jeopardy session with hand-selected “brainiac” competitors, but please remember – there are no points for second place! This year we have two Stump the Professor sessions on Day 3 of the conference, both featuring challenging clinical unknown cases and master diagnosticians in hospital medicine. Join us to see if either professor will be stumped!
Everyone’s favorite educational tracks have returned for HM19, including Diagnostic Reasoning, Health Policy, High Value Care, Medical Education, Pediatrics, Practice Management, and Quality. Coming off successful additions to last year’s conference, the NP/PA and Palliative Care tracks also have returned for HM19.
Don’t forget to check out the interactive workshop sessions at HM19. Nearly 150 workshop proposals were submitted in this year’s open call for content, and we proudly feature 21 of the best – the most workshops that have ever been showcased at SHM’s Annual Conference.
Aside from Plenary Sessions for HM19, the real can’t miss(es) for the conference are the Update in Hospital Medicine, receptions and competitions for Research, Innovations, and Clinical Vignette (RIV) posters. Day 2 features the best of hospital medicine research and innovations for 2019, but there is also a 3-day track devoted to Academic/Research sessions at HM19 that you won’t want to miss.
During the conference, please remember to check out the Exhibit Hall, attend an SHM Quick Talk, and participate in an SHM Special Interest Forum. Make sure you download the HM19 At Hand app (www.hm19athand.org) to plan your conference schedule, rate speakers/sessions, and participate in audience response systems. If you have suggestions for topics and/or speakers you would like to see featured at next year’s annual conference, Hospital Medicine 2020 (HM20) in sunny San Diego, then let your voice be heard by submitting these new ideas for both didactic and workshop sessions to the HM20 open call for content via the online portal. Once the conference concludes, don’t forget to apply for accreditation based on your attendance as applicable: 18.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, 14.00 MOC points, 21.50 AAFP credits, 21.50 AOA Category 2-A CME credits, and/or 12.73 AANP contact hours.
This year’s proximity to the nation’s capital allows for the conference to take place in conjunction with Hill Day on March 27. Come join SHM and fellow hospitalists on Capitol Hill in Washington, to have your voice heard regarding political issues important to hospital medicine.
This conference would not be possible without the tireless and relentless effort of SHM staff and leadership, our terrific speakers and faculty, and all the volunteer committee members of SHM. We are excited you are here, and we hope this conference elevates your education in hospital medicine, advances your career, and provides you with enduring networking opportunities.
We sincerely thank you for attending HM19. Enjoy National Harbor and the nation’s capital!
Dr. Smith is an associate professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, and course director of HM19.
Welcome to HM19
Welcome to Hospital Medicine 2019 (HM19), the largest conference of the year specifically focused on hospital medicine. The Society of Hospital Medicine is proud that HM19 brings together a broad range of stakeholders in hospital medicine, including physicians of many specialties, advanced practice providers, administrators, pharmacists, C-suite executives, recruiters, and educators. Your decision to join your colleagues at HM19 demonstrates your commitment not only to the specialty of hospital medicine but also to the patients you serve.
This year’s renowned speakers will present important sessions addressing the rapidly evolving health care landscape. To open the main meeting on March 25, Marc Harrison, MD, president and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare, will present his featured address on the future of health care. You will also hear from the president of SHM, Nasim Afsar, MD, MBA, SFHM, about the state of hospital medicine.
On March 26, we are proud to welcome Tait Shanafelt, MD, from Stanford, who will talk about strategies to prevent burnout and create resilient hospitalists.
On March 25 and 26, be sure to attend one of SHM’s Special Interest Forums, where you can choose to network and connect with other hospitalists interested in the same areas you are. There are more than 30 forums from which to choose. On March 26, SHM will open the International Hospital Medicine Lounge. We hope to welcome more than 100 hospitalists from around the world to HM19.
Please make sure to download the HM19 At Hand meeting app, a wonderful resource for every HM19 attendee that puts the conference at your fingertips. Create an individualized conference experience from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet one-on-one with members of SHM’s Board of Directors, who will be available in the SHM Pavilion during scheduled visit times. Please consult the Meet the Board schedule in the HM19 At Hand app for further information.
On behalf of the SHM Board of Directors and staff, welcome to HM19 and to the Gaylord at National Harbor. Through this meeting’s rich selection of educational opportunities, research offerings, and networking events, SHM continues to further its mission to promote excellence in the practice of hospital medicine. SHM remains at the forefront of health care today, empowering hospitalists and transforming patient care.
Dr. Wellikson is CEO of SHM.
Welcome to Hospital Medicine 2019 (HM19), the largest conference of the year specifically focused on hospital medicine. The Society of Hospital Medicine is proud that HM19 brings together a broad range of stakeholders in hospital medicine, including physicians of many specialties, advanced practice providers, administrators, pharmacists, C-suite executives, recruiters, and educators. Your decision to join your colleagues at HM19 demonstrates your commitment not only to the specialty of hospital medicine but also to the patients you serve.
This year’s renowned speakers will present important sessions addressing the rapidly evolving health care landscape. To open the main meeting on March 25, Marc Harrison, MD, president and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare, will present his featured address on the future of health care. You will also hear from the president of SHM, Nasim Afsar, MD, MBA, SFHM, about the state of hospital medicine.
On March 26, we are proud to welcome Tait Shanafelt, MD, from Stanford, who will talk about strategies to prevent burnout and create resilient hospitalists.
On March 25 and 26, be sure to attend one of SHM’s Special Interest Forums, where you can choose to network and connect with other hospitalists interested in the same areas you are. There are more than 30 forums from which to choose. On March 26, SHM will open the International Hospital Medicine Lounge. We hope to welcome more than 100 hospitalists from around the world to HM19.
Please make sure to download the HM19 At Hand meeting app, a wonderful resource for every HM19 attendee that puts the conference at your fingertips. Create an individualized conference experience from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet one-on-one with members of SHM’s Board of Directors, who will be available in the SHM Pavilion during scheduled visit times. Please consult the Meet the Board schedule in the HM19 At Hand app for further information.
On behalf of the SHM Board of Directors and staff, welcome to HM19 and to the Gaylord at National Harbor. Through this meeting’s rich selection of educational opportunities, research offerings, and networking events, SHM continues to further its mission to promote excellence in the practice of hospital medicine. SHM remains at the forefront of health care today, empowering hospitalists and transforming patient care.
Dr. Wellikson is CEO of SHM.
Welcome to Hospital Medicine 2019 (HM19), the largest conference of the year specifically focused on hospital medicine. The Society of Hospital Medicine is proud that HM19 brings together a broad range of stakeholders in hospital medicine, including physicians of many specialties, advanced practice providers, administrators, pharmacists, C-suite executives, recruiters, and educators. Your decision to join your colleagues at HM19 demonstrates your commitment not only to the specialty of hospital medicine but also to the patients you serve.
This year’s renowned speakers will present important sessions addressing the rapidly evolving health care landscape. To open the main meeting on March 25, Marc Harrison, MD, president and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare, will present his featured address on the future of health care. You will also hear from the president of SHM, Nasim Afsar, MD, MBA, SFHM, about the state of hospital medicine.
On March 26, we are proud to welcome Tait Shanafelt, MD, from Stanford, who will talk about strategies to prevent burnout and create resilient hospitalists.
On March 25 and 26, be sure to attend one of SHM’s Special Interest Forums, where you can choose to network and connect with other hospitalists interested in the same areas you are. There are more than 30 forums from which to choose. On March 26, SHM will open the International Hospital Medicine Lounge. We hope to welcome more than 100 hospitalists from around the world to HM19.
Please make sure to download the HM19 At Hand meeting app, a wonderful resource for every HM19 attendee that puts the conference at your fingertips. Create an individualized conference experience from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet one-on-one with members of SHM’s Board of Directors, who will be available in the SHM Pavilion during scheduled visit times. Please consult the Meet the Board schedule in the HM19 At Hand app for further information.
On behalf of the SHM Board of Directors and staff, welcome to HM19 and to the Gaylord at National Harbor. Through this meeting’s rich selection of educational opportunities, research offerings, and networking events, SHM continues to further its mission to promote excellence in the practice of hospital medicine. SHM remains at the forefront of health care today, empowering hospitalists and transforming patient care.
Dr. Wellikson is CEO of SHM.
Quality, value take center stage
Dr. Marc Harrison of Intermountain Healthcare
The opening keynote at HM19 features one of the more prominent physician executives in the United States, speaking about a subject of great interest to hospitalists – how to increase the quality and value of care.
Dr. Marc Harrison is president and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare, based in Salt Lake City, the largest health care provider in the Intermountain West. Trained as a pediatric critical care physician, Dr. Harrison ranked second on the 2018 Modern Healthcare list of “Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders.” His previous experience has included service as CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, chief of international business development at Cleveland Clinic, and chief medical operations officer at Cleveland Clinic.
As the HM19 keynote speaker, Dr. Harrison said he will speak about how to move U.S. health care toward a model that adds more value for people, in the form of not only better quality and more accessible and affordable health care but overall healthier people, as well.
“I will talk about some of the market forces that are affecting health care and why we’re in the health care environment we’re in today,” Dr. Harrison said. “The cost of health care is unsustainable and unaffordable for people, and I want to talk about how Intermountain Healthcare is moving to a population-health and value-based model.”
Dr. Harrison said he wants to explain to hospitalists how Intermountain Healthcare is positioning itself to be sustainable in the future.
“I’ll talk specifically about how hospitalists are positioned to impact health care delivery,” he said. “At Intermountain Healthcare, we have recently restructured in two streams of businesses: Specialty-based care, which is our hospital-type services and specialist services providing high-level acuity care, and community-based care, which is really the services that are designed to keep people healthy and out of our hospitals as much as possible.”
According to Dr. Harrison, hospitalists at Intermountain Healthcare “live right at that intersection of those two streams of care, so they’re uniquely positioned to influence both health care quality and the cost of health care, as well as keeping people healthy.”
He hopes HM19 attendees will leave his keynote with an understanding of the need to be proactive and responsive in this new health care environment.
“They’re going to have to be courageous, bold, and agile to change,” Dr. Harrison said. “They need to always be thinking about how to create more value for their patients, including the experience that they provide not only for patients but among colleagues within their group, and then within their health system.”
The need to transform with the challenging environment we’re in is just one part, he added. “You’ve got to take that philosophy and apply it to the budget constraints that health care systems are facing. You have to implement a model that allows front-line caregivers to contribute their best thinking and their best ideas so that the whole system can progress forward together. Those who are closest to the work on the front lines can contribute to innovation, but they have to be realistic – considering their budget restraints and the pressures that they’re facing.”
The key for Dr. Harrison is that there really is a need for change and that, in the country as a whole, there exist perverse incentives that make it easy to not do the right thing.
“We need to totally rethink the way that we look at health care so that the focus is keeping people well, only doing those things that add value so that care can become affordable,” Dr. Harrison said. “One of the things that voters said when they came out of the polls in November 2018 was that they were concerned about the cost of health care. For those of us working in health care to ignore that is just wrong – it’s something that we need to pay attention to and do something about.”
Influencing Lives Earlier, More Effectively and More Affordably
Marc Harrison, MD
Monday, 8:40 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Potomac ABCD
Dr. Marc Harrison of Intermountain Healthcare
Dr. Marc Harrison of Intermountain Healthcare
The opening keynote at HM19 features one of the more prominent physician executives in the United States, speaking about a subject of great interest to hospitalists – how to increase the quality and value of care.
Dr. Marc Harrison is president and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare, based in Salt Lake City, the largest health care provider in the Intermountain West. Trained as a pediatric critical care physician, Dr. Harrison ranked second on the 2018 Modern Healthcare list of “Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders.” His previous experience has included service as CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, chief of international business development at Cleveland Clinic, and chief medical operations officer at Cleveland Clinic.
As the HM19 keynote speaker, Dr. Harrison said he will speak about how to move U.S. health care toward a model that adds more value for people, in the form of not only better quality and more accessible and affordable health care but overall healthier people, as well.
“I will talk about some of the market forces that are affecting health care and why we’re in the health care environment we’re in today,” Dr. Harrison said. “The cost of health care is unsustainable and unaffordable for people, and I want to talk about how Intermountain Healthcare is moving to a population-health and value-based model.”
Dr. Harrison said he wants to explain to hospitalists how Intermountain Healthcare is positioning itself to be sustainable in the future.
“I’ll talk specifically about how hospitalists are positioned to impact health care delivery,” he said. “At Intermountain Healthcare, we have recently restructured in two streams of businesses: Specialty-based care, which is our hospital-type services and specialist services providing high-level acuity care, and community-based care, which is really the services that are designed to keep people healthy and out of our hospitals as much as possible.”
According to Dr. Harrison, hospitalists at Intermountain Healthcare “live right at that intersection of those two streams of care, so they’re uniquely positioned to influence both health care quality and the cost of health care, as well as keeping people healthy.”
He hopes HM19 attendees will leave his keynote with an understanding of the need to be proactive and responsive in this new health care environment.
“They’re going to have to be courageous, bold, and agile to change,” Dr. Harrison said. “They need to always be thinking about how to create more value for their patients, including the experience that they provide not only for patients but among colleagues within their group, and then within their health system.”
The need to transform with the challenging environment we’re in is just one part, he added. “You’ve got to take that philosophy and apply it to the budget constraints that health care systems are facing. You have to implement a model that allows front-line caregivers to contribute their best thinking and their best ideas so that the whole system can progress forward together. Those who are closest to the work on the front lines can contribute to innovation, but they have to be realistic – considering their budget restraints and the pressures that they’re facing.”
The key for Dr. Harrison is that there really is a need for change and that, in the country as a whole, there exist perverse incentives that make it easy to not do the right thing.
“We need to totally rethink the way that we look at health care so that the focus is keeping people well, only doing those things that add value so that care can become affordable,” Dr. Harrison said. “One of the things that voters said when they came out of the polls in November 2018 was that they were concerned about the cost of health care. For those of us working in health care to ignore that is just wrong – it’s something that we need to pay attention to and do something about.”
Influencing Lives Earlier, More Effectively and More Affordably
Marc Harrison, MD
Monday, 8:40 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Potomac ABCD
The opening keynote at HM19 features one of the more prominent physician executives in the United States, speaking about a subject of great interest to hospitalists – how to increase the quality and value of care.
Dr. Marc Harrison is president and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare, based in Salt Lake City, the largest health care provider in the Intermountain West. Trained as a pediatric critical care physician, Dr. Harrison ranked second on the 2018 Modern Healthcare list of “Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders.” His previous experience has included service as CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, chief of international business development at Cleveland Clinic, and chief medical operations officer at Cleveland Clinic.
As the HM19 keynote speaker, Dr. Harrison said he will speak about how to move U.S. health care toward a model that adds more value for people, in the form of not only better quality and more accessible and affordable health care but overall healthier people, as well.
“I will talk about some of the market forces that are affecting health care and why we’re in the health care environment we’re in today,” Dr. Harrison said. “The cost of health care is unsustainable and unaffordable for people, and I want to talk about how Intermountain Healthcare is moving to a population-health and value-based model.”
Dr. Harrison said he wants to explain to hospitalists how Intermountain Healthcare is positioning itself to be sustainable in the future.
“I’ll talk specifically about how hospitalists are positioned to impact health care delivery,” he said. “At Intermountain Healthcare, we have recently restructured in two streams of businesses: Specialty-based care, which is our hospital-type services and specialist services providing high-level acuity care, and community-based care, which is really the services that are designed to keep people healthy and out of our hospitals as much as possible.”
According to Dr. Harrison, hospitalists at Intermountain Healthcare “live right at that intersection of those two streams of care, so they’re uniquely positioned to influence both health care quality and the cost of health care, as well as keeping people healthy.”
He hopes HM19 attendees will leave his keynote with an understanding of the need to be proactive and responsive in this new health care environment.
“They’re going to have to be courageous, bold, and agile to change,” Dr. Harrison said. “They need to always be thinking about how to create more value for their patients, including the experience that they provide not only for patients but among colleagues within their group, and then within their health system.”
The need to transform with the challenging environment we’re in is just one part, he added. “You’ve got to take that philosophy and apply it to the budget constraints that health care systems are facing. You have to implement a model that allows front-line caregivers to contribute their best thinking and their best ideas so that the whole system can progress forward together. Those who are closest to the work on the front lines can contribute to innovation, but they have to be realistic – considering their budget restraints and the pressures that they’re facing.”
The key for Dr. Harrison is that there really is a need for change and that, in the country as a whole, there exist perverse incentives that make it easy to not do the right thing.
“We need to totally rethink the way that we look at health care so that the focus is keeping people well, only doing those things that add value so that care can become affordable,” Dr. Harrison said. “One of the things that voters said when they came out of the polls in November 2018 was that they were concerned about the cost of health care. For those of us working in health care to ignore that is just wrong – it’s something that we need to pay attention to and do something about.”
Influencing Lives Earlier, More Effectively and More Affordably
Marc Harrison, MD
Monday, 8:40 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Potomac ABCD
Hospitalists on the Hill
Advocating for HM in DC
Another Hill Day is coming – the all-day advocacy event on Capitol Hill is scheduled in conjunction with the Society of Hospital Medicine’s Annual Conference whenever it is held in Washington, DC. In 2019, Hill Day will take place on March 27, the final day of HM19.
This will be the fourth Hill Day, and the last for some time, said Ron Greeno, MD, FCCP, MHM, senior advisor for government affairs at SHM and the society’s immediate past president. For at least the next 5 years, SHM’s annual conferences won’t be held in Washington, so there will not be any opportunities to plan a Hill Day during that time. “Members may want to take advantage of this opportunity,” Dr. Greeno said. “The people who do this never forget it.”
How Hill Day works
Sign up for Hill Day and you’ll spend a day visiting legislators and their health care staffers to educate them on what hospital medicine is, what a hospitalist does, and some of the pressing issues that affect the profession, said Joshua Lenchus, DO, RPh, FACP, SFHM, chair of the SHM Public Policy Committee. “We try to leverage participants’ work and home addresses to pair them up with legislators from that area. Some hospitalists have personal or professional relationships with some of the legislators, and even if they’re not in their area, we’ll try to leverage that. And for people who have expertise in a particular topic, we try to arrange an audience with a member of Congress who may be promoting or sponsoring a bill related to that.”
Hill Day volunteers will attend an orientation to learn more about what the day will look like and what they’ll be talking about in their meetings. “We’ll only have time to cover one or two issues, and we’re in the process now of choosing the issues we want to address. We orient participants on those subjects so everybody is kind of saying the same thing,” Dr. Greeno said. “People shouldn’t be afraid of not being conversant with the issues because we do sufficient orientation that everybody gets comfortable enough to do a good job.”
Registration for Hill Day is happening online now. HM19 attendees can register at https://s1.goeshow.com/shm/annual/2019/registration_form.cfm.
“We beg people: If you sign up, show up, because we have many more people trying to participate than we can accommodate,” Dr. Greeno said. “If you change your mind, that’s fine because we have a waiting list, but please let us know because somebody else wants to take your place.”
The purpose of Hill Day
Educating legislators and their health care staff is the goal of the day, and it’s an important job. “Hospital medicine is still a relatively new field,” Dr. Lenchus said. “There are a fair number of legislators who still don’t know what a hospitalist is or what hospital medicine is. Part of our visits is always to educate them about what we do and what our impact is on the health care landscape of the country.” He added that educating Hill staff about the most pressing issues is another primary goal.
“Finally, and this is what separates us from other organizations that do legislative advocacy, we try to leave them with the idea that we’re here to help,” Dr. Lenchus said. “If there’s an issue or a particular bill that we’re asking them to sponsor or cosponsor, that’s one part of a visit. But by and large, we are trying to leave them with the sense that SHM is a resource when it comes to health care–related issues. We want to be there for legislators so that they can understand our position accurately from the outset.”
In short, Hill Day offers a rare opportunity to have direct access to the people who are voting on new legislation affecting hospitalists and affecting the implementation of existing legislation. “This is where the rubber meets the road,” Dr. Lenchus said. Each time a Hill Day is held, he noted, attendance increases. “That’s a true testament to the level of involvement and the interest that hospitalists have across the country. If you’re at all interested, you should absolutely sign up. This will be an amazing experience.”
The lasting impact
Though it’s just one day, Hill Day’s effects are significant.
“Before I started doing this work, I often thought, ‘What impact could someone have going into a legislator’s office?’ ” Dr. Greeno said. “But the answer is ‘A lot.’ The members and staff really do listen – especially if an advocate is highly educated and represent what legislators consider an important constituency, like health care providers. Health care is a hot topic, and it’s probably going to be one of the hot topics in the next election. Hospitalists have good ideas, and as a result these meetings are extremely influential; we wouldn’t do it otherwise. It is fun, but we’re not doing it for fun. We’re doing it because we know we can make a difference.”
In fact, in terms of impact on Capitol Hill, SHM punches above its weight, he added.
“We’re a relatively new society; we’re not huge. There are lots of societies that are much bigger than us and have many more resources, but people on the Hill have told us they like talking with us because they know we’re not looking at things the same way,” Dr. Greeno revealed. “We’re trying to help, and the issues that we’re addressing are not necessarily self-serving. We’re not saying, ‘You need to do this because it will make more money for our doctors.’ Instead, we’re saying, ‘You need to do this because the way it’s being done now is hurting patients. It’s hurting the health care system, and we have ideas about how to make that better.’ ”
SHM’s impressive track record has earned the society a positive reputation that will underlie the Hill Day meetings. “When we first set up the policy shop at SHM, we wanted to be seen as providers who cared about the American health care system and our patients,” Dr. Greeno said. “We have established that reputation, and that has led members on Capitol Hill to recognize us as being well intentioned and knowledgeable. So we have an outsize influence in Congress for our age and our size. When 200 hospitalists go to Capitol Hill, it’s an important thing.”
For more information about Hill Day, including details about participation, visit shmannualconference.org/hill-day/.
Advocating for HM in DC
Advocating for HM in DC
Another Hill Day is coming – the all-day advocacy event on Capitol Hill is scheduled in conjunction with the Society of Hospital Medicine’s Annual Conference whenever it is held in Washington, DC. In 2019, Hill Day will take place on March 27, the final day of HM19.
This will be the fourth Hill Day, and the last for some time, said Ron Greeno, MD, FCCP, MHM, senior advisor for government affairs at SHM and the society’s immediate past president. For at least the next 5 years, SHM’s annual conferences won’t be held in Washington, so there will not be any opportunities to plan a Hill Day during that time. “Members may want to take advantage of this opportunity,” Dr. Greeno said. “The people who do this never forget it.”
How Hill Day works
Sign up for Hill Day and you’ll spend a day visiting legislators and their health care staffers to educate them on what hospital medicine is, what a hospitalist does, and some of the pressing issues that affect the profession, said Joshua Lenchus, DO, RPh, FACP, SFHM, chair of the SHM Public Policy Committee. “We try to leverage participants’ work and home addresses to pair them up with legislators from that area. Some hospitalists have personal or professional relationships with some of the legislators, and even if they’re not in their area, we’ll try to leverage that. And for people who have expertise in a particular topic, we try to arrange an audience with a member of Congress who may be promoting or sponsoring a bill related to that.”
Hill Day volunteers will attend an orientation to learn more about what the day will look like and what they’ll be talking about in their meetings. “We’ll only have time to cover one or two issues, and we’re in the process now of choosing the issues we want to address. We orient participants on those subjects so everybody is kind of saying the same thing,” Dr. Greeno said. “People shouldn’t be afraid of not being conversant with the issues because we do sufficient orientation that everybody gets comfortable enough to do a good job.”
Registration for Hill Day is happening online now. HM19 attendees can register at https://s1.goeshow.com/shm/annual/2019/registration_form.cfm.
“We beg people: If you sign up, show up, because we have many more people trying to participate than we can accommodate,” Dr. Greeno said. “If you change your mind, that’s fine because we have a waiting list, but please let us know because somebody else wants to take your place.”
The purpose of Hill Day
Educating legislators and their health care staff is the goal of the day, and it’s an important job. “Hospital medicine is still a relatively new field,” Dr. Lenchus said. “There are a fair number of legislators who still don’t know what a hospitalist is or what hospital medicine is. Part of our visits is always to educate them about what we do and what our impact is on the health care landscape of the country.” He added that educating Hill staff about the most pressing issues is another primary goal.
“Finally, and this is what separates us from other organizations that do legislative advocacy, we try to leave them with the idea that we’re here to help,” Dr. Lenchus said. “If there’s an issue or a particular bill that we’re asking them to sponsor or cosponsor, that’s one part of a visit. But by and large, we are trying to leave them with the sense that SHM is a resource when it comes to health care–related issues. We want to be there for legislators so that they can understand our position accurately from the outset.”
In short, Hill Day offers a rare opportunity to have direct access to the people who are voting on new legislation affecting hospitalists and affecting the implementation of existing legislation. “This is where the rubber meets the road,” Dr. Lenchus said. Each time a Hill Day is held, he noted, attendance increases. “That’s a true testament to the level of involvement and the interest that hospitalists have across the country. If you’re at all interested, you should absolutely sign up. This will be an amazing experience.”
The lasting impact
Though it’s just one day, Hill Day’s effects are significant.
“Before I started doing this work, I often thought, ‘What impact could someone have going into a legislator’s office?’ ” Dr. Greeno said. “But the answer is ‘A lot.’ The members and staff really do listen – especially if an advocate is highly educated and represent what legislators consider an important constituency, like health care providers. Health care is a hot topic, and it’s probably going to be one of the hot topics in the next election. Hospitalists have good ideas, and as a result these meetings are extremely influential; we wouldn’t do it otherwise. It is fun, but we’re not doing it for fun. We’re doing it because we know we can make a difference.”
In fact, in terms of impact on Capitol Hill, SHM punches above its weight, he added.
“We’re a relatively new society; we’re not huge. There are lots of societies that are much bigger than us and have many more resources, but people on the Hill have told us they like talking with us because they know we’re not looking at things the same way,” Dr. Greeno revealed. “We’re trying to help, and the issues that we’re addressing are not necessarily self-serving. We’re not saying, ‘You need to do this because it will make more money for our doctors.’ Instead, we’re saying, ‘You need to do this because the way it’s being done now is hurting patients. It’s hurting the health care system, and we have ideas about how to make that better.’ ”
SHM’s impressive track record has earned the society a positive reputation that will underlie the Hill Day meetings. “When we first set up the policy shop at SHM, we wanted to be seen as providers who cared about the American health care system and our patients,” Dr. Greeno said. “We have established that reputation, and that has led members on Capitol Hill to recognize us as being well intentioned and knowledgeable. So we have an outsize influence in Congress for our age and our size. When 200 hospitalists go to Capitol Hill, it’s an important thing.”
For more information about Hill Day, including details about participation, visit shmannualconference.org/hill-day/.
Another Hill Day is coming – the all-day advocacy event on Capitol Hill is scheduled in conjunction with the Society of Hospital Medicine’s Annual Conference whenever it is held in Washington, DC. In 2019, Hill Day will take place on March 27, the final day of HM19.
This will be the fourth Hill Day, and the last for some time, said Ron Greeno, MD, FCCP, MHM, senior advisor for government affairs at SHM and the society’s immediate past president. For at least the next 5 years, SHM’s annual conferences won’t be held in Washington, so there will not be any opportunities to plan a Hill Day during that time. “Members may want to take advantage of this opportunity,” Dr. Greeno said. “The people who do this never forget it.”
How Hill Day works
Sign up for Hill Day and you’ll spend a day visiting legislators and their health care staffers to educate them on what hospital medicine is, what a hospitalist does, and some of the pressing issues that affect the profession, said Joshua Lenchus, DO, RPh, FACP, SFHM, chair of the SHM Public Policy Committee. “We try to leverage participants’ work and home addresses to pair them up with legislators from that area. Some hospitalists have personal or professional relationships with some of the legislators, and even if they’re not in their area, we’ll try to leverage that. And for people who have expertise in a particular topic, we try to arrange an audience with a member of Congress who may be promoting or sponsoring a bill related to that.”
Hill Day volunteers will attend an orientation to learn more about what the day will look like and what they’ll be talking about in their meetings. “We’ll only have time to cover one or two issues, and we’re in the process now of choosing the issues we want to address. We orient participants on those subjects so everybody is kind of saying the same thing,” Dr. Greeno said. “People shouldn’t be afraid of not being conversant with the issues because we do sufficient orientation that everybody gets comfortable enough to do a good job.”
Registration for Hill Day is happening online now. HM19 attendees can register at https://s1.goeshow.com/shm/annual/2019/registration_form.cfm.
“We beg people: If you sign up, show up, because we have many more people trying to participate than we can accommodate,” Dr. Greeno said. “If you change your mind, that’s fine because we have a waiting list, but please let us know because somebody else wants to take your place.”
The purpose of Hill Day
Educating legislators and their health care staff is the goal of the day, and it’s an important job. “Hospital medicine is still a relatively new field,” Dr. Lenchus said. “There are a fair number of legislators who still don’t know what a hospitalist is or what hospital medicine is. Part of our visits is always to educate them about what we do and what our impact is on the health care landscape of the country.” He added that educating Hill staff about the most pressing issues is another primary goal.
“Finally, and this is what separates us from other organizations that do legislative advocacy, we try to leave them with the idea that we’re here to help,” Dr. Lenchus said. “If there’s an issue or a particular bill that we’re asking them to sponsor or cosponsor, that’s one part of a visit. But by and large, we are trying to leave them with the sense that SHM is a resource when it comes to health care–related issues. We want to be there for legislators so that they can understand our position accurately from the outset.”
In short, Hill Day offers a rare opportunity to have direct access to the people who are voting on new legislation affecting hospitalists and affecting the implementation of existing legislation. “This is where the rubber meets the road,” Dr. Lenchus said. Each time a Hill Day is held, he noted, attendance increases. “That’s a true testament to the level of involvement and the interest that hospitalists have across the country. If you’re at all interested, you should absolutely sign up. This will be an amazing experience.”
The lasting impact
Though it’s just one day, Hill Day’s effects are significant.
“Before I started doing this work, I often thought, ‘What impact could someone have going into a legislator’s office?’ ” Dr. Greeno said. “But the answer is ‘A lot.’ The members and staff really do listen – especially if an advocate is highly educated and represent what legislators consider an important constituency, like health care providers. Health care is a hot topic, and it’s probably going to be one of the hot topics in the next election. Hospitalists have good ideas, and as a result these meetings are extremely influential; we wouldn’t do it otherwise. It is fun, but we’re not doing it for fun. We’re doing it because we know we can make a difference.”
In fact, in terms of impact on Capitol Hill, SHM punches above its weight, he added.
“We’re a relatively new society; we’re not huge. There are lots of societies that are much bigger than us and have many more resources, but people on the Hill have told us they like talking with us because they know we’re not looking at things the same way,” Dr. Greeno revealed. “We’re trying to help, and the issues that we’re addressing are not necessarily self-serving. We’re not saying, ‘You need to do this because it will make more money for our doctors.’ Instead, we’re saying, ‘You need to do this because the way it’s being done now is hurting patients. It’s hurting the health care system, and we have ideas about how to make that better.’ ”
SHM’s impressive track record has earned the society a positive reputation that will underlie the Hill Day meetings. “When we first set up the policy shop at SHM, we wanted to be seen as providers who cared about the American health care system and our patients,” Dr. Greeno said. “We have established that reputation, and that has led members on Capitol Hill to recognize us as being well intentioned and knowledgeable. So we have an outsize influence in Congress for our age and our size. When 200 hospitalists go to Capitol Hill, it’s an important thing.”
For more information about Hill Day, including details about participation, visit shmannualconference.org/hill-day/.