Janice Wachtler, BAE Retires as ACOEP Prepares for the Future
ACOEP Executive Director Janice Wachtler with ACOEP Past President Mark Mitchell at the 2019 Scientific Assembly January marks the end of an era for the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP) as longtime Executive Director Janice Wachtler, BAE officially enters retirement. “For decades Jan’s name has been synonymous with ACOEP,” said ACOEP President Robert Suter, DO, MHA, FACOEP-D. “It’s safe to say we would not be where we are without her stewardship, and ACOEP will not be the same without her in the driver’s seat.” Jan’s tenure [...]
Back by Popular Demand, ACOEP’s Written Board Prep Returns to Chicago this February
ACOEP’s Written Board Prep returns to our hometown of Chicago this winter, February 24th-28th. Led by top-notch faculty, this five-day course offers all the information and resources you need to ace your board exam. “The course is designed to hit all the high-yield and moderate-yield topics from the AOBEM table of specificity and ABEM clinical model,” Written Board Prep Course Chair, Brian Acunto DO, EJD, FACOEP, said. The revamped course is specifically created with the attendees in mind, breaking down topics into smaller lectures to keep attendees engaged. “It’s designed [...]
ACOEP’s Advocacy Roundup
Latest Update on OON/Surprise Billing Surprise, out-of-network billing is a critical issue facing every physician practicing emergency medicine. ACOEP has worked with our partners at ACEP to advocate on behalf of physicians and patients, but your voice is needed in speaking up to members of Congress as they debate new legislation on this topic. This toolkit has been compiled to give you talking points, background information, and all of the tools you need to speak knowledgably on this topic. Do not miss this opportunity to safeguard your livelihood and protect [...]
ACOEP’s Advocacy Roundup
Emergency medicine providers are the front line of healthcare in this country, and this experience is a vital component to the discourse surrounding healthcare laws and regulations. It has never been more important to remain active and engaged in advocating for yourself, your colleagues, and your patients. Urge Your Representatives to Pass Legislation to Prevent ED Violence ACOEP stands with ACEP, the Emergency Nurses Association, and other organizations in support of the “No Silence on ED Violence” legislation that Congress is scheduled to vote on this week. Representative Joe Courtney [...]
ACOEP Community Mourns the Loss of Peter Rosen, MD
Peter Rosen, MD during a panel discussion at ACOEP's 2016 Spring Seminar The ACOEP community is saddened to learn of the passing of pioneering visionary, Peter Rosen, MD. Considered by many to be the “Father of Emergency Medicine,” Dr. Rosen’s influence was unmatched in his work as physician, educator, and author. Rosen’s Emergency Management: Concepts and Clinical Practice is not only the first textbook published on emergency medicine, but subsequent editions are considered a necessity for any physician working in EM. “Dr. Rosen was a giant in our [...]
ACOEP’s Committee for Women in EM Brings Human Trafficking Education Course to Scientific Assembly
More than 100,000 children are sex trafficked each year in the United States. While each case is different, the median age for children recruited into sex trafficking is 14-17 years old, with some victims as young as seven. Often emergency rooms are used to treat trafficked individuals, making it crucial for emergency medical personnel to be able to recognize and offer the appropriate treatment and resources in these critical situations. Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans (PATH), founded by the American Medical Women’s Association in 2014, developed the specific curriculum [...]
ACOEP to Assist Residents Following Announcement of OVMC Closing
Ohio Valley Medical Center (OVMC) and East Ohio Regional Hospitals (EORH) announced they are closing. The American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians is actively working with OVMC’s program director to secure placement for 16 emergency medicine residents, as well as one emergency medicine/internal medicine resident. ACOEP invites any program directors who have residency positions available to contact Educational Programs Manager Kefah Spreitzer who is working directly with program representatives. She can be reached at 312.445.5702 or KSpreitzer@acoep.org with any questions. “Residency is a critical, difficult time in the best of [...]
Janice Wachtler, ACOEP’s Long-Time Executive Director, Announces Plans to Retire
After 27 years leading the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP), stalwart Executive Director, Janice Wachtler, BAE, CBA has announced plans to retire. Jan will remain on in an advisory capacity through January 2020, as she works with the ACOEP Board of Directors on a succession plan. A celebration of Jan’s work and accomplishments will be held in conjunction with ACOEP’s 2019 Scientific Assembly in Austin, Texas. Details are forthcoming! “Jan has served as ACOEP’s vanguard for over two decades,” said ACOEP Board President Christine Giesa, DO, FACOEP-D. “It’s [...]
Congratulations and Thanks to ACOEP’s Geri Phifer
Executive Assistant Geri Phifer retires after more than nine years at ACOEP This week ACOEP staff gathered to celebrate the hard work and dedication of Executive Assistant Geri Phifer who is retiring at the end of July. Loved for her wit, warmth, and ability to always find the best price on office supplies, Geri has been a vital member of the ACOEP team since 2010. Geri has always kept the office running smoothly, particularly at conference time when much of the staff is away. She handled many administrative [...]
A Call to Action to Fight Against Surprise Billing
The American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP) is encouraged by progress made this week on the “No Surprises Act” in the House of Representatives, bi-partisan legislation designed to ban balance billing for emergency services of insured patients. Furthermore, it would set a reimbursement rate as the health insurers’ median in-network amount. The No Surprises Act was rolled into the “Reauthorizing and Extending America’s Community Health (REACH) Act” (H.R. 2328). Doctors Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Larry Bucshon (R-IN) introduced an amendment adding an independent dispute resolution (IDR) to the appeals [...]