A Message from the ASSH President
- A column from president Robert M. Szabo, MD, MPH
One Question
- Answer our poll about registration for this year's Annual Meeting
Did You Know?
- Help us serve you better at this year's Annual Meeting in Boston
ASSH News
- 2010 ASSH Active, International and Supporting Membership Applications due February 1, 2010
- JHS Editor-in-Chief Application Materials due February 15, 2010
- Call for 2010 ASSH Volunteer Committee Application
- Now Accepting Applications for the AFSH-HVO Young Surgeon Traveling Fellowship
- OMeGA Medical Grants Association 2010-2011 Grant Opportunities
- Have You Volunteered at a Medical School This Year?
ASSH Courses and Meetings
- 2010 Master Skills Series: Trauma of the Elbow, Forearm and Wrist
- General Orthopaedic Review
- Comprehensive Review in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
Haiti Updates and Healthcare Reform News
- A Message from an ASSH Member Volunteering in Haiti
- AAOS Has Established A Haiti Website - From AAOS
- Health Volunteers Overseas Requests Help for Haiti
- Health Professionals Petition FTC for Relief From Red Flags Rule – From AMA
- Doctors With Medicare Patients Face a Big Pay Cut Soon, Unless Congress Acts - From AARP
A Message from the ASSH President
With the growth of funds due to the success of your contributions to the AFSH’s Capital Campaign, our society is in a great position to support our research mission. We have been very fortunate to have the leadership of James Chang, MD as our Research Director. Jim has led the charge to put together an impressive portfolio of opportunities for our members to advance the science of hand surgery. I have asked Jim to present these to you this week so that you might apply or encourage your younger protégées to apply for these grants. I thank you all for making these grants possible.
With much appreciation,
Bob Szabo
Dear Members,
It is the time of year to consider applying for ASSH research grants and awards. In the past several years, due to the generosity of our members and the Future in Hand Capital Campaign, the AFSH and ASSH have been able to dramatically upgrade its research portfolio to offer research opportunities at all levels. There are now grants and awards for residents and fellows, young investigators, mid-career investigators, as well as established investigators. Here is a synopsis of what is available:
U.S. Bone and Joint Decade Grant Workshop – (Applications were due January 15, 2010): The Hand Society will sponsor two ASSH members to attend the 2010 USBJD Young Investigators Initiative and Workshop Program. The program will provide early-career clinical investigators an opportunity to work with experienced researchers in our field and to assist them in securing funding and other survival skills required for pursuing an academic career. This workshop series is open to promising junior faculty, senior fellows or post-doctoral researchers who wish to secure funding for hypothesis driven research. It is also open to senior fellows who have a faculty appointment in place or confirmed.
2010 Clinician Scientist Development Program - (Application Deadline March 31, 2010): The AAOS/OREF/ORS Clinician Scientist Development Program (CSDP) seeks applicants in their PGY2-PGY 5 residency years, in fellowships, and Junior Faculty through year three who have the potential/desire to become orthopaedic clinician scientists. Up to 15 participants are selected to participate in the 1.5 day CSDP training workshop. The workshop opens with a resident dinner on Sunday, October 17, 2010 and concludes in the afternoon of Tuesday, October 19, 2010. The CSDP provides participants with an orientation to the research environment including research history, funding sources, and orthopaedic research organizations. The workshop also provides the opportunity to meet and interact with research professors and establish a mentor relationship with selected faculty. One of these applicants will be sponsored by the ASSH.
Basic Science Research Grants– (Application Deadline April 1, 2010): The American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand awards grant funding for basic science research projects related to the field of hand surgery. It is anticipated that the funding will enable these investigators to initiate projects that will lead to additional funding. There are no specific project guidelines within the framework of hand surgery. In the past, funding has been provided for a range of subjects. Seeds grants of up to $20,000 are available annually.
Clinical Research Grants - (Application Deadline April 1, 2010): The American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand funds clinical research projects related to the field of hand surgery. Applications from surgeons, researchers and allied health professionals are welcome.Grants of up to $10,000 per year, for up to two years, are available annually.
The Goldner Award: The Goldner Pioneer Award will be given annually to honor the memory of former ASSH president, educator and pioneering hand surgeon, J. Leonard Goldner, MD.This award is given to the highest rankingbasic science or clinical research grant, for a research plan that is highly innovative and is far-reaching in its appeal to the ASSH membership. The Goldner Pioneer Award will be announced at the annual ASSH meeting, and the principal investigator will be given a special plaque to commemorate this achievement.
The Weiland Medal – (Application Deadline April 1, 2010): Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 Andrew J. Weiland Medal for Outstanding Research in Hand Surgery. The medal is awarded annually to a mid-career researcher dedicated to advancing patient care in the field of hand surgery. The award is a $20,000 unrestricted gift and will honor a hand surgeon-scientist who has contributed a body of research that advances the field. The medal recognizes and supports outstanding research in order to continue Dr. Weiland’s vision for the field of hand surgery. It will be awarded to a mid-career surgeon who is less than 55 years old or a surgeon who is less than 15 years from hand fellowship training. The medal will be presented at the 2010 ASSH Annual Meeting in Boston.
As you can see, there are now a myriad of research opportunities. Please take advantage of them and help advance the science of hand surgery!
Sincerely,
James Chang, MD
One Question
We want to know: For this year's Annual Meeting in Boston, how would you like your registration material (badge, itinerary, tickets, etc.) to be distributed to you? Answer here.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the Hand Society constantly looks for ways to meet member needs? For the next few weeks, our One Question surveys will focus on questions concerning different kinds of communication and options for this year’s Annual Meeting in Boston.
We know that about 25% of our members read Weekly Member Update, and we hope that a greater number of members will open, read, and respond to the next few One Questions asking things like:
How you prefer to receive key registration materials?
Do you want an Annual Meeting tote bag?
How can we best communicate with you?
Please take 20 seconds to answer this week’s survey and upcoming questions about the Annual Meeting and help us serve you better in Boston.
With sincerest regards,
Mark. C. Anderson, CAE
Executive Vice President & CEO
American Society for Surgery of the Hand
847.384.8300
manderson@assh.org
ASSH News
2010 ASSH Active, International and Supporting Membership applications submission deadline is February 1, 2010!
Sponsor letters can be sent directly to the Membership Committee at the ASSH Central Office via mail: 6300 North River Road, Suite 600, Rosemont, IL 60018, fax: 847/384-1435 or email: jbloesch@assh.org.
INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SPONSORS
All sponsors must be Active members in the American Society for Surgery of the Hand – elected in 2007 or earlier. Contact the ASSH Central Office to verify eligibility of sponsors.
1. Sponsor must include in his/her letter the following information:
a. Length of time he/she has known the applicant
b. Knowledge of the applicant's present practice
c. Statement of unequivocal support on behalf of the applicant
2. Letter must be submitted on sponsor's letterhead.
3. Letters must be signed by sponsor.
Letters of support from sponsors must be received by the ASSH Central Office by February 1, 2010.
Contact Jeanne Bloesch – Senior Membership Coordinator at: jbloesch@assh.org if you have any questions regarding ASSH membership applications.
JHS Editor-in-Chief Application Materials due February 15, 2010
The ASSH Journal Advisory Group (JAG) is now accepting applications for the Journal of Hand Surgery Editor-in-Chief. The position would begin on January 1, 2011 at the close of the current editor's contract.
The Editor-in-Chief should have dedication and vision, and will be responible for soliciting, reviewing and selecting articles for publication, in addition to various other responsibilities. If you are interested, download the online application or contact Tara Havenga (thavenga@assh.org). Applications are due on February 15, 2010.
Call for 2010 ASSH Volunteer Committee Application
Deadline February 26, 2010 (March 18th for Affiliate Members)
Applications are now being accepted for membership to ASSH Committees for 2010-2011. The volunteer leadership, along with the Central Office, are crucial to the success of our organization. To learn more about the wide breadth of volunteer opportunities please visit the ASSH website where you will find more information about the volunteer committees and their charges. Please review the charges carefully. Members are expected to commit to the charges as listed.
Apply for an ASSH Committee here.
*Please contact Alexzandra Wallace at awallace@assh.org with any questions.*
Now Accepting Applications for the AFSH-HVO Young Surgeon Traveling Fellowship
Applications for the 2010 American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand - Health Volunteers Overseas Young Surgeon Traveling Fellowship are being accepted. All eligible surgeons (R3, R4, R5, Fellows and Surgeons within three years of completing their fellowship) with an interest in spending 4 weeks at an appropriate HVO teaching site in a developing country are invited to apply. Learn more about the AFSH-HVO Young Surgeon Overseas Traveling Fellowship. Application deadline is March 31, 2010 or email info@hvousa.org.
This fellowship is available due to a generous grant from the American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand (AFSH).
OMeGA Medical Grants Association Announces 2010-2011 Grant Opportunities
OMeGA is accepting grants applications for the 2010-2011 academic year. Fellowship grants up to $75,000 are available to academic programs in all nine orthopaedic sub-specialty areas, including Hand and Upper Extremity. Applications are reviewed by OMeGA board and review committee members. Grants are awarded based on objective criteria, and not on the use, order, or purchase of any products or services of any specific medical device manufacturer.
Residency grants up to $5,000 are also available. Applications with a broader benefit to the residency/general education program are given special consideration. Educational items include but are not limited to publications and other educational resources, courses, skills lab and cadaver sessions, and visiting professors.
The deadline to submit is Wednesday, March 24, 2010. Download OMeGA grant criteria overview (PDF) or visit the OMeGA website for additional information.
Have You Volunteered at a Medical School This Year?
We Want to Hear from You
Have you given your time volunteering as a lecturer or guest speaker at a medical school this academic year? The Hand Society wants to hear from you. As part of the Lending a Hand program, we are looking for feedback from our members who have helped introduce and promote the hand surgery field to medical students.
Please complete the volunteer survey, and next quarter we’ll list all the institutions that have been visited. Institutions visited so far this year include:
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Indiana university
University of Miami
Miller School of Medicine, FAU campus
Penn State University
Loma Linda University
Harvard Medical School
Pacific Northwest Health Sciences University
Michigan State University
Johns Hopkins University
Medical College of Wisconsin
If you are planning an upcoming visit to a medical school, Lending a Hand program materials are available on the ASSH website. Please contact Lending a Hand chair Anthony Smith, MD with any questions.
ASSH Courses and Meetings
2010 Master Skills Series: Trauma of the Elbow, Forearm and Wrist
May 21 - 22, 2010
Orthopaedic Learning Center - Rosemont, IL
Registration Deadline: May 6, 2010
The Trauma of the Elbow, Forearm and Wrist course is designed with an emphasis on adult learning with a case-based format, along with a hands-on cadaver workshop to provide you with the most current trends and techniques in trauma. Learn more about this program and review the registration fees by visiting the Trauma of the Elbow, Forearm and Wrist webpage. Or register online today!
General Orthopaedic Review
July 15, 2010
Renaissance Downtown Hotel - Chicago, IL
Registration Deadline: June 21, 2010
Co-Sponsored by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
This one-day review course, brought to you by the AAOS and ASSH, prepares you for the general orthopaedic questions on the combined CAQ exam in Hand Surgery. Held just one day prior to the ASSH Comprehensive Review in Hand Surgery course, this is a convenient opportunity to review generally accepted principles of orthopaedics across the specialties and to prepare you to maintain your certification. A skilled faculty of experienced clinicians will focus on what you need to know in all the other specialty areas of orthopaedics for the exam. Review registration fees and program details on the General Orthopaedic Review webpage. Get started by registering online today.
Comprehensive Review in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
July 16-18, 2010
Renaissance Downtown Hotel - Chicago, IL
Registration Deadline: June 21, 2010
The ASSH Comprehensive Review Course is designed as an advanced review course and update for practicing hand surgeons. The course will review the topical concepts of anatomy, biomechanics and pathology as well as diagnostic and treatment methods relating to hand and elbow surgery. The faculty are recognized experts in hand surgery and have been selected for their knowledge, expertise and contributions relating to the subject matter they present. Learn more about this program and review the registration fees by visiting the Comprehensive Review Course webpage. Or register online today.
Haiti Updates and Healthcare Reform News
A Message from an ASSH Member Volunteering in Haiti
From ASSH Member Matthew Putnam, MD: Currently, I am volunteering at the Haitian Community Hospital. There are long-term opportunities for volunteers here, and I am currently working in conjunction with a few hand surgeons: Christine Amanpour, Eric Thomas, and Brad White. While all volunteers are appreciated, we really need more teams of surgeons to come join the effort down here. We also need experienced anesthesiologists as well. Additionally, a C-arm-fluro is needed (not on-site), and we are also running out of external fixation equipment. Finally, we need surgeons to help with advanced nailing and plating.
Overall, it’s a very gratifying experience so far – people are very appreciative for all of our help. However awful they seem, the kids’ stories are especially inspiring. One of the best cases so far involved the open reduction of a 13 day-old hip dislocation in a 4 year-old boy. He is now ambulating.
AAOS Has Established A Haiti Website - From AAOS
AAOS is urging surgeons to visit the website at any time for:
- the latest updates
- information on how to volunteer
- what to pack if volunteering
- medical aid agencies looking for volunteers
- how to donate funds or equipment
- other related details
AAOS recently established a members-only blog which is dedicated to stories about and from Haiti. They are also in daily contact with members in the field, some of whom are sending stories and photos.
Health Volunteers Overseas Requests Help for Haiti
Health Volunteers Overseas is continuting to look for ways to be involved with Haiti as it moves closer to the reconstruction phase. During this time, HVO urges everyone to support the immediate needs through donations to organizations assisting in the relief efforts. A list of such organizations is available through InterAction, or contributions can be made through Global Impact's Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. These funds will be given to agencies providing assistance.
Health Professionals Petition FTC for Relief From Red Flags Rule – From AMA
In light of a recent federal court decision, four national organizations representing dentists, physicians and veterinarians called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today to exclude health professionals from controversial new regulation intended to combat identity theft.
A letter sent to FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz by leaders of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Medical Association (AMA), American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is the latest challenge to the so-called “red flags” rule. The FTC’s interpretation of the regulation imposes an unjustified, unfunded mandate on health professionals for detecting and responding to identity theft.
The organizations asked the FTC to make it clear that the rule will not apply to their members given the result of recent litigation brought by the American Bar Association against the FTC. In that case, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that lawyers should be excluded from the requirements imposed by the red flags rule.
Read the letter to the FTC.
Doctors With Medicare Patients Face a Big Pay Cut Soon, Unless Congress Acts - From AARP
In some parts of the country, doctors are already turning away new Medicare patients, including some gynecologists in Columbus, Ohio, primary care doctors in suburban Washington, D.C., and physicians at a Mayo Clinic in Glendale, Ariz., according to recent reports.
The pending cut in physicians’ reimbursements is the result of a complicated payment formula Congress approved in 1997 in order to control Medicare costs. But since 2003, whenever a pay reduction was imminent Congress has blocked it—and sometimes even given doctors a slight raise—to cope with the intense opposition to the cuts.
This time, however, the American Medical Association (AMA) and AARP say they want more than a nail-biting, last-minute, stopgap measure. They’ve launched a campaign demanding a permanent solution that would end what has become a regular ritual of lobbying Congress to block pay cuts.
Read the full AARP article.