Letter from MDAdvantage® Chairman and CEO Patricia A. Costante
I am proud to dedicate this spring issue of MDAdvisor to the 2022 EJI Excellence in Medicine scholarship recipients. These nine exceptional medical, dental, pharmacy and physician assistant students, who are featured on the cover, have experienced the majority of their professional education during the pandemic. This has surely provided them a unique perspective that will impact the way they provide care throughout their careers. Now, more than ever, we need to support our talented young health professionals who are dedicating their careers to caring for others, especially in these challenging times. Included in this issue are columns from three of our scholarship recipients, who generously shared some of their biggest lessons and insights from their education experience. Additional student columns will be featured in upcoming issues of the journal. To learn more about this year’s scholarship recipients and how you can support the scholarship program, visit ejifoundation.org.
In this issue of MDAdvisor, we bring you articles on a wide variety of topics, ranging from clinical updates to legislative and regulatory updates to practice management advice.
We remain focused on bringing you the latest updates on COVID-19 and specifically the progress that has been made in vaccinating all who are eligible. New Jersey Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli addresses the pandemic fatigue that we are experiencing as a nation, and discusses what physicians can do to help close the vaccine gap in their communities. We also hear from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine about their experience setting up a successful vaccination clinic, Operation Save Lives. The RowanSOM COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic leadership team developed the article as a guide to inform healthcare providers as they prepare for and respond to future healthcare crises.
Sincerely,
Chairman & CEO
MDAdvantage Insurance Company
Table of Contents
News & Acknowledgements
News & Acknowledgements
Physician Burnout, Staffing Shortages Are Top Physician Concerns
According to a recent survey on physician sentiments, burnout and concerns about staffing shortages are a worldwide issue. Nearly twice as many U.S. physicians (45%) say they have experienced burnout in the last two years, compared to their European counterparts. The stress of burnout and a lack of support staff has reportedly led to one in three U.S. doctors considering leaving the profession in the past year, and this year’s number (34%) is nearly double what it was in 2018.
U.S. Life Expectancy Falls for 2nd Year in a Row
Researchers report that life expectancy in the United States dropped again in 2021, continuing a trend that began in the first year of the pandemic. According to an analysis of provisional government statistics, average U.S. life expectancy fell to 76.60 years in 2021, from 76.99 year in 2020 and 78.86 years in 2019. Not only did longevity drop further in the United States, but the country fared worse than 19 other wealthy countries during the pandemic.
Use of NJ Aid in Dying Law Steady After 2nd Full Year
A total of 50 Medical Aid in Dying Cases were filed in 2021, which is an increase from 33 in 2020, according to a report by the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner. In addition to the 50 cases that participated in the MAiD program in 2021, paperwork was received for 3 individuals who applied and received medication but were not reported as deceased, as well as 5 individuals who applied and received medication but passed away without the use of the medication. Malignancy was the leading underlying illness accounting for 70% of cases.
