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KCMS is Working For You in Olympiaby KCMS Lobbyist, James Paribello
KCMS was well represented by essential leadership, with CEO Nancy L. Belcher and physician member Teresa Girolami testifying on priority legislation.
Dr. Girolami made the trip South to Olympia to testify in person on HB 1357 - Modernizing the prior authorization process. Her testimony detailing the potentially harmful impacts of delaying prescription medication can have provided a vital personal perspective.
Dr. Girolami has been working with KCMS's Delegate Council to craft legislation regarding prior authorization for the past five years, and we are delighted that HB 1357 is getting traction.
King County Medical Society's Delegate Council wrote resolutions and is advocating for legislation in Olympia, including:
- Protecting physician's ability to provide reproductive services
- Addressing the forensic pathologist shortage
- Updating the prior authorization process
- Improving behavioral health access
- Restricting teen vape sales
- Enhancing firearm safety
- Preventing scope creep
- Reducing Pb exposure
If you want to be involved in crafting legislation, don't hesitate to contact us at KCMS. Our Delegate Council work begins in May and establishes priorities for the next legislative session. Contact sbrath@kcmsociety.org
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Get InvolvedCommittees are a great way to meet other members and get involved with KCMS! If you are interested in joining or need meeting information, contact Shurlon at sbrath@kcmsociety.org.
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Thank you, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health!Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has continued its tradition of paying for all its physician's KCMS memberships. Thank you, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, for your dedication to KCMS.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health recognizes that its physicians are indispensable partners in providing patients with the best medical care. KCMS has represented physicians for over 135 years to ensure that King County physicians are supported, and their unique voices are heard.
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EvergreenHealth named among America’s 50 Best Hospitals™
for the third year in a row
The community-owned health system is again placed in the nation's top 1% of hospitals.
EvergreenHealth has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals™ for the third consecutive year, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting doctors and patients. The achievement places EvergreenHealth in the top 1% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance. It recognizes the Kirkland-based health system as the only hospital in the Puget Sound region to earn this honor from Healthgrades in 2023.
In addition to this year’s recognition, EvergreenHealth has placed among Healthgrades’ top 250 hospitals each year for 10 consecutive years, and it has placed among Healthgrades’ top 100 hospitals for seven consecutive years, beginning in 2017.
“As a community-owned hospital, we hold ourselves accountable to providing the highest levels of quality clinical care and service to our patients and families, and we’re so proud that our commitment to excellence places us among the top-performing hospitals in the country,” said Jeff Tomlin, MD, CEO of EvergreenHealth. “Recognitions like these serve to validate the dedication of our physicians, staff and volunteers who strive to continually enhance every aspect of the clinical experience for our community. But what we’re most proud of is knowing that behind this recognition are families and individuals who are living and leading healthier, happier lives because of their care.”
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Check the KCMS calendar for events.
It takes a lot of work to keep track of so many events, including those listed below. Regularly check our KCMS website HERE; we will update events regularly with links and more information.
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National Advocacy Conference
The AMA is hosting its National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., their first time meeting in person since 2020!
Featured speakers
• Michael Beschloss, Presidential Historian and Bestselling Author
• April Ryan, White House Reporter and Political Analyst
• Bill Whitaker, CBS News Correspondent on 60 Minutes
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Examining Equity: Washington Health Alliance 2023 Community Checkup Webinar March 7, 2023, @ 1 p.m.
Join the Washington Health Alliance leadership and its many stakeholders to examine the most ambitious Community Checkup report yet. For the first time, the report, a staple of healthcare quality analysis in WA state, will take a sharp look at equity utilizing the Area Deprivation Index, a tool validated by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
This hour-long webinar will serve as the start of what the Alliance anticipates will be impactful conversations on improving the quality of care for all Washingtonians.
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Dr. Ralph Sacco
Ralph L Sacco, MD, the first neurologist to serve as president of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the only physician to serve as president of both the AHA and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), died recently. Dr. Sacco believed in the responsibility of physicians to advocate for healthcare advances. Looking out for the next generation meant so much to Dr. Sacco; he said:
"We have to send the message to our mentees to get involved with organizations. The organization gains, and you gain," Sacco said."And I think it's critical to advocate for the policies ... and funding that will make a difference. All of us have to be part of the solution."
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"It's critical to advocate for the policies ... All of us have to be part of the solution."
We couldn't do all that we do without YOU. Compared to other medical societies locally, throughout the state, and nationwide, KCMS dues are among the lowest priced. KCMS member dues are kept purposefully low to ensure physician inclusivity, equity, and access.
Historically, physician member dues are funded as a medical staff benefit or part of a CME budget. KCMS offers significantly reduced KCMS dues rates for organizations. Please, encourage your employer or reach out to us with any questions at sbrath@kcmsociety.org
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MEMBERS ON THE MOVEDo you have news? Share your news in our next newsletter!
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| WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST KCMS MEMBERS
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Shahriar Heidary, MD
Dr. Shahriar Heidary completed an Echocardiography fellowship at Harvard University Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital after he received his general Cardiology training at the University of Southern California.
Dr. Heidary finished an advanced cardiac imaging fellowship in Cardiac MRI at Stanford University. He was an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford University Medical School. He was part of a private practice in San Jose, CA, for 10 years before shifting gears and moving to Seattle, WA, to work in community health.
Dr. Heidary is now a practicing cardiologist and Director of Specialty Services at Sea Mar Community Health Center in White Center. He is now a Clinical Instructor at the Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, and on the American Heart Association, Puget Sound Board. He focuses on preventative cardiology, cardiac imaging, and general outpatient cardiology.
His goal is to help every patient as much as possible every time. He is committed to achieving the best well-being and health for all his patients.
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Matthias Struck, DO
Dr. Matthias Struck earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington, after which he completed medical school at the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia.
Dr. Matthias Struck was raised in Washington State’s Skagit Valley and now serves as a hospitalist at Valley Medical Center. He has a particular interest in critical care medicine and LGBTQ representation. Dr. Struck’s experience in rural and urban underserved communities has cultivated a belief that quality health care is best achieved through diverse medical teams prioritizing compassionate and inclusive patient care.
When he’s not serving patients, Dr. Struck enjoys cooking, home renovation projects, and recreating on Lake Washington.
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Natalia Usoltseva, MDDr. Usoltseva earned her M.D. at the Siberian State Medical University in Russia. She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her clinical and research interests include health promotion, preventive medicine, and care and treatment for men and women during health and illness.
Dr. Usoltseva truly believes in the benefits of working with a patient as a team based on listening and open communication. She is dedicated to providing the best care, tailored to each patient, with an evidence-based approach and scientific knowledge. She personally believes in the importance of preventive medicine and strives to provide patients with all the necessary tools for good health.
In her spare time, Dr. Usoltseva enjoys hiking, skiing with her husband and children, jogging, and reading modern and classic literature.
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