Latest updates on ACP's priorities, initiatives

ACP-Curbsiders podcasts available

In May, ACP began a partnership with The Curbsiders, a podcast hosted by internists focusing on internal medicine-related topics, to launch a CME-accredited series. After listening to any partnered episode, ACP members can log on to ACP's Online Learning Center to claim CME credit and MOC points. The Curbsiders also is available on iTunes and other podcast platforms.

The most recent ACP-Curbsiders podcast, “Point-of-Care Ultrasound for the Internist,” is available now. ACP also recently issued a statement in support of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in internal medicine. ACP is collaborating with other professional societies to facilitate the implementation of appropriate uses of POCUS throughout internal medicine training and practice.

Physician salaries and gender equity

In a recent survey published Aug. 7 by Annals of Internal Medicine, ACP found that female internists earn less than their male counterparts regardless of area of practice. The median annual salary for men was on average $50,000 higher than women, with women earning 80 cents for every dollar earned by men. Female physicians earned less than men in every specialty, ranging from a salary difference of $29,000 for internal medicine specialists to $45,000 for subspecialists.

“While actionable steps have been taken to improve gender diversity in the medical workforce, very real barriers to equity in physician compensation still exist,” said ACP President Ana María López, MD, MPH, FACP. “ACP strongly supports any efforts to eliminate the gender inequities that exist in compensation and career advancement opportunities for females in the internal medicine profession. Our convenience sample study adds to the body of literature of physician gender pay inequity and serves as a call to action to find solutions to correct and prevent these inequities.”

Promoting gender equity and eliminating the inequities in compensation physicians can face is a longstanding goal of ACP. In April, the College published a paper, “Achieving Gender Equity in Physician Compensation and Career Advancement,” in Annals of Internal Medicine calling for the adoption of equitable compensation policies in all organizations that employ physicians, investment in leadership development, negotiation and career development programs, and parental and family leave policies.

ACP comments on Title X proposed rule

On July 31, ACP submitted a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reiterating its strong opposition to any changes to the Title X rule that would make it increasingly difficult for patients to access comprehensive health care services, including reproductive care and contraception, and that would interfere with the patient-physician relationship. The full text of the letter is online.

First-ever ACP Town Hall webinar held

Members had a chance to interact directly with College leaders during ACP's first Town Hall webinar on July 25.

ACP's EVP/CEO, Darilyn Moyer, MD, FACP; ACP President Ana María López, MD, MPH, FACP; Andrew Dunn, MD, MPH, FACP, Chair of the Board of Regents; and George Abraham, MD, MPH, FACP, Chair of the Board of Governors, gave an update on ACP's key activities and how and why the College addresses priority issues, as well opportunities to get engaged. College leadership also answered questions from members. A recording of the webinar is available online.

The webinar was held in conjunction with the 2017-2018 Annual Report of the Executive Vice President and CEO, which highlights activities, efforts, and achievements ACP has undertaken over the past year. The Annual Report is available online.

ICYMI: Highlights from ACP Internist Weekly

• Host a #ProudtobeGIM event and apply for grant funding. ACP is partnering with the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) on #ProudtobeGIM, a nationwide campaign to introduce medical students and PGY 1-2 residents to the field of general internal medicine. Selected institutions will receive an honorarium in the amount of $2,000 to host one or more local event(s) aimed at encouraging medical students/early residents to enter the field. The application deadline is Sept. 21, 2018 at 5 p.m. ET.
• ACP announces new, updated Practice Advisor modules. “Diagnosis and Initial Management of Hypertension,” “Management of Uncontrolled Hypertension,” “Managing Diabetes Mellitus,” and other ACP Practice Advisor modules are available for ACP Practice Advisor users. Successful completion of modules enables the participant to earn CME and MOC Practice Assessment points.
• ACP launches online, interactive heart failure guide for patients. “Heart Failure, What You Need to Know” is now available in English and Spanish, featuring an interactive platform and including printable materials, detailed animations, and quizzes for patients to test their knowledge.