One physician laments the degradation of medical education while another praises the growing subspecialization of medicine.

Fascinating, fun and feel-good stuff from life in medicine.

Ralph Di Libero, MD * Samuel Fink, MD * Jeffrey Penso, MD * Paul Kirz, MD * John V. Hill, MD * Robert Splawn, MD, MPH

Solutions vary from employer mandate to single payer. Here are four proposals explained.

Join fellow members of the California Medical Association for the 33rd Annual CMA Legislative Leadership Day on Tuesday, April 24, in Sacramento. Each year, physicians have the opportunity to interact with key legislators and hear about significant health policies in California. More than 500 doctors are expected to attend what's considered the most important medical-political event of the year.

Physicians weigh the value of Bush's tax-based changes in tackling the problem of the uninsured, yet remained concerned about the lack of attention to Medicare.

The governor's proposal aims to boost Medi-Cal enrollment rates for patients, but fails to increase physician payments or support doctors in underserved areas.

Patients need you to remind and encourage them to exercise.

Battle Over Fee Definitions Far From "Usual" and "Customary" * Coverage Plan Makes Splash

With heavier patient loads than ever and a physician shortage looming, the demand for physician extenders is increasing. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are doing more than just filling the gap--they're adding tremendous value to the medical team. Expect continued changes as new laws pass to address the roles and responsibilities of physician extenders.

This modern, high-tech take on the historic morbidity and mortality conference can educate a wider audience of physicians and boost patient safety for all. An article by Leo Gordon, MD.

Try these 10 ideas when looking for a professional medical practice consultant.

The third medical ecolo-nomic watershed event was the passage of Medicare and Medicaid entitlements in 1965. Federal Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) programs soon blossomed, and the federal government immediately appointed itself as an organizer of healthcare delivery.

Joe Dunn, the CEO of the California Medical Association, and Dustin Corcoran, vice president of government relations, attended a LACMA board meeting in January to discuss the CMA's response to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's health reform proposal.

Board members of the Los Angeles County Medical Association hosted a luncheon for new Lt. Gov. John Garamendi on Jan. 26. The focus of the conversation was Gov. Arnold Schwarzengger's health reform proposal.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger certainly got everyone's attention with his proposal for healthcare reform in California. Moving physicians past the inflammatory particulars of the proposal and toward thinking outside the box to share constructive concepts will be the challenge. Still, Orange County Medical Association leaders are impressed with the number of doctors who responded to the California Medical Association's request for reform ideas.

Relatively new to the medical billing world, I knew I was in for some confusion. However, I did not realize just how discombobulated the entire medical billing world really is. I wanted to compare four government payers-Medicare, Medi-Cal, the Medical Services for Indigents Program (MSI) and the Emergency Medical Services Fund (EMSF).

Like many people, I find comfort in stability, consistency and predictability. However, the thrill of new things and different ways to solve problems is exciting to me. Local physicians are definitely in for some exciting changes as the year rolls on.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved the Riverside County Medical Association's request to implement SB 1773 in Riverside County effective Jan. 1, 2007. SB 1773 allows a county to levy additional penalties under the Emergency Medical Services Fund, also known as the Maddy Fund.

The Riverside County Medical Association held its 114th Annual Installation of Officers Event on Jan. 19, 2007, at the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert. S. Ava Mahapatra, MD, was installed as president for 2007.

After five years of planning, the Riverside Medical Clinic's new 130,000-square-foot building opened on Jan. 18, 2007. American Medical Association President William Plested III, MD, was on hand to help with the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

What compels leaders to lead and command us to follow? What in their souls drives them to positions of leadership? Is it power? Might it be issues of control? Is it a need to have attention? What qualities must a leader possess to be considered great? What role does perfection play in a leader's character? And most importantly, what price does a leader pay to have that role?

On Jan. 29, 2007, the San Bernardino County Medical Society board approved the following report from the Nominating Committee, dated Jan. 9, 2007. Please review the slate of officers.

The San Bernardino County Medical Society will accept nominations for the 2007 Outstanding Physician and Citizen Awards until April 20. Three medical society members and one citizen will be honored June 21 during the Installation of Officers meeting at the Mission Inn in Riverside. The award categories are:
- Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Medical Society
- Award for Outstanding Contribution to Medicine
- Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community, and
- Outstanding Citizen Award.
Remember, the deadline for nominations is April 20. Visit our Web site at www.sbcms.org and click on the link "SBCMS Accepting 2007 Nominations." For more information, contact Linda Sue Myers at 951/787-7700, ext. 105, or e-mail lmyers@sbcms.org.

The San Bernardino County Medical Society, Riverside County Medical Association and the California Medical Association are proud to introduce you to one of our outstanding affinity partners, athenahealth, and invite you to a complimentary dinner and presentation on Wednesday, May 16, 2007.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Great Apes and Other Animals of Africa, San Bernardino
Hear Richard Moersch, MD, speak and enjoy dinner at Arrowhead Country Club. The cost is $30 per person for a steak dinner and $21 for pasta. Contact SBCMS, 951/787-7700 or 909/825-6526.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007
California Medical Association Annual Legislative Leadership Day, Sacramento
Join physicians from around the state to meet with our legislators and discuss the latest healthcare policy issues. Contact Lucy Garcia, 951/787-7700 or 909/825-6526.

Sunday, April 29, 2007
Southern California Medical Museum Annual Open House, Riverside
Calling all history buffs to attend this fun and informative event. This year's theme is "Treatment of Snake Bites, Past and Present." Contact Michele Brown, 951/787-7700 or 909/825-6526.

We survived the Medicare cuts for another year. But no sooner than we won that battle, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger launched another struggle for us. He wants to partially fund his proposed universal health plan with a new tax on physicians. Reporters started to call, asking for my opinion. The situation made me think about the importance of physicians being media savvy.

Delmer Henninger Jr., MD, operates two sleep labs and advocates for a better understanding of "one third of our lives."