Christopher R. Morris, MD, FACR
Private Practice, Arthritis Associates
Southern Medical Association President, 2021
Kingsport, TN

Residents and medical students learn a mountain of scientific facts during medical school and residency; unfortunately most get little on factors that will affect them once they have completed their graduate medical education. This session will review the effects that activities in Washington and the state capitals have on the practice of medicine.  Another mysterious aspect of practicing medicine are insurance types and issues; a review of such foreign phrases such as MIPS, MACRA and the different types of medicare will help take the mystery of these components that are part of every-day medical practice and will be addressed.  Finally, the importance of being an “active advocate” for our patients, our practices and our profession will be presented. At the conclusion of this session the attendee will be better prepared to:

• Define Advocacy and discuss its importance in medicine
• Understand the various parts of government entities and how they affect medical practices and research
• Describe the types of insurance, and how they affect patient care
• Be aware of how to be an active Advocate for their patients, their practices and professions
• Recognize the challenges medical professionals face every day