Dear Colleagues,
This was a year marked by uncertainty and upheaval, but even in the most trying of times, internal medicine stepped up and stood out for its leadership role and steady focus on prioritizing the welfare of patients and focusing on evidence-based guidance. Thank you for leading by example and leading through change and for staying strong and focused on the greater good, during an unprecedented and prolonged global health care crisis that challenged us all both personally and professionally. I continue to feel so proud to be working with you and for you, and I am more encouraged than ever that, together, we can continue to achieve positive changes for our patients and demonstrate the vital role and unique value of internal medicine.
In the fight against racism, bias, discrimination, harassment, and inequity, the College has been an outspoken voice advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the physician workforce and in society. We developed and recommended strategies to reduce disparities and discrimination in health care, law enforcement, education, and the physician workforce. We examined social determinants that contribute to poorer health outcomes, and we developed specific policies to reduce their impact on health. We joined with other societies and stakeholders in multiple efforts advocating for policies that improve health equity and promote diversity within health care. We called for finding innovative and practical solutions for distributing COVID-19 vaccines equitably among and within countries in need. And we worked to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion were integrated within our own organization.
We continued to highlight the unique role and value of internal medicine for patient care and in the health care system. We joined others to advance primary care, shift how primary care is financed, and dismantle the regulatory and financing structures that interfere with optimal health.
All throughout the past year the College continued its efforts to support you through the COVID-19 global pandemic. We provided timely and relevant clinical guides and resources, successfully advocated for regulatory issues key to helping internists manage the pandemic and its effects, published timely policies and guidance on vaccines and other related issues, created pathways to order PPE and other critical equipment, and provided opportunities and encouragement to protect your emotional health. The Annals of Internal Medicine COVID-19 Article Collection grew daily, tracking the course of the evolving pandemic and related issues and delivering a robust collection of scientific information to help inform decision making.
By weathering this past year together, we have gained a new appreciation for the diverse circumstances shaping health care for our colleagues and our patients. We have started to make progress in raising awareness of health inequities and, I hope, in overcoming them. As we move into a future that will be different from our past, ACP remains committed to supporting the needs of our membership working both with you and for you in support of our mission to enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine.
Thank you for leading through change and leading by example. Thank you for your enduring care for your patients and for your contributions to internal medicine every day.
Sincerely,
Darilyn V. Moyer, MD, FACP
Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer
dmoyer@acponline.org
@DarilynMoyer
Celebrating the Value and Essential Role of Internal Medicine Specialists and Subspecialists
ACP celebrates the essential role of internal medicine specialists and subspecialists. Recognizing the unique and critical role of internists to patient care in particular and to the health care system overall is a priority for the College. We continue to highlight the work of internal medicine specialists and subspecialists and generate awareness about what and how internal medicine contributes to health care through communication channels such as social media, radio ads, internet sites, videos, and podcasts.
We’ve established October 28 as National Internal Medicine Day, a day to officially recognize internal medicine and celebrate the achievements of internists. Our I.M. Proud campaign continues to honor ACP internists and their pride in internal medicine as a profession, with outreach to residency programs, medical schools, internal medicine interest groups, and others. Through our websites, social media platforms, and other promotions we continue to highlight the many ways internists embody their profession and show the various career paths available through internal medicine.
Join the conversation on social media and share your professional pride by using the hashtag #IMProud, and be sure to tag @ACPInternists.
Advancing Primary Care
ACP is engaged in several collaborations and initiatives to support, advance, and improve the future of primary care, much of which is delivered by internal medicine specialists. The New Primary Care Paradigm is a collaborative of seven of the nation’s largest primary care physician organizations, including ACP, that have joined together to change the way primary care is delivered, financed and developed. They put forth specific recommendations to advance primary care as a public good, shift the model of primary care financing, and dismantle the regulatory and financing structures that interfere with optimal individual and population health.
This past year, ACP sponsored Implementing High-Quality Primary Care: Rebuilding the Foundation of Health Care, a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that analyzes the challenges facing primary care and lays out an implementation plan for strengthening primary care medicine for patients and physicians.
ACP is also a co-founder of Primary Care for America, a public affairs campaign that began this year, comprising 11 organizations focused on demonstrating the value of primary care, the need for increased primary care investment, and the importance of innovation in primary care delivery and payment models.
Working for You and With You: Supporting Internists During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic
Internal Medicine: Leading by example. Leading through change. There has never been a time to be more proud to be an internist than over the past year, given all that internal medicine physicians and ACP members have done to help save lives and contribute to the greater good. Internists are experts in uncertainty and have helped lead this country and the world through a global pandemic and unprecedented changes, often at great personal cost.
Throughout the ongoing pandemic, internists have been on the front lines and behind the scenes, providing patient care and developing policies and practices that reduce risk and improve outcomes. To support these efforts, ACP continued to develop and update online tools and resources in real time to help internists care for their patients and navigate the practical, financial, and ethical impacts of the pandemic. ACP also vigorously advocated for the needs of ACP members and their patients. ACP issued timely policies addressing a variety of clinical, ethical, public health, and public policy issues in response to the evolving challenge of the COVID-19 national emergency.
With the arrival of safe and effective vaccines and an easing of the number of U.S. infections and deaths, there is hope for an end to the pandemic. Uncertainty persists and concerns remain high as the virus continues to spread domestically and internationally, but ACP remains committed to its ongoing efforts to support internists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following are some highlights of COVID-19 resources, information and efforts ACP developed over the past year. A comprehensive look at all related information can be found in ACP’s COVID-19 Hub.
COVID-19: An ACP Physician’s Guide
This comprehensive, mobile-friendly online resource served a critical role for internists working in a multitude of settings throughout the pandemic with its reliable, timely clinical overview of infection control and patient management. It includes sections about transmission, clinical presentations, treatment, communication tips, post-hospitalization recovery, and vaccination. The guide remains available; however, it was updated a final time on Friday, June 11, 2021, and physicians are advised to follow the most recent CDC, WHO, and local guidance as appropriate. (CME credit and MOC points available.)
Annals of Internal Medicine COVID-19 Article Collection and Resources
Annals of Internal Medicine is continuing to publish new content at a rapid pace and nearly every day and has a growing collection of research articles, commentaries, essays, podcasts, and graphic narratives related to COVID-19.
ACP and Annals of Internal Medicine COVID-19 Forums
ACP and Annals of Internal Medicine hosted a series of virtual forums that featured experts providing practical information on what physicians and other health care professionals need to know about the COVID-19 and related topics.
- COVID-19 Forum V: Evaluation and Care of Patients With Persistent Symptoms Following Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection
- COVID-19 Vaccine Forum IV: Practical Clinical Considerations
- COVID-19 Vaccine Forum III: Allocation and Distribution
- COVID-19 Vaccine Forum II: Promoting COVID-19 Vaccination
- COVID-19 Vaccine Forum: What Physicians Need to Know
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
With the arrival of vaccines, ACP developed robust COVID-19 vaccination resources that reflect guidance in clinical, public, and ethical policy and include educational materials and recent developments concerning COVID-19 vaccines and their distribution, such as videos from ACP’s Adult Immunization initiative on COVID-19 vaccines. (mRNA and J&J).
Timely ACP Clinical Guidance in Response to the
COVID-19 Crisis
ACP issued timely clinical guidance policies to help clinicians provide the best clinical care in light of limited evidence in response to the evolving challenge of the COVID-19 national emergency. ACP’s Scientific Medical Policy Committee began publishing “Rapid Living, Practice Points” to provide timely COVID-19 clinical advice that addresses key clinical questions. The Committee used new methods to rapidly develop the practice points, based on the best available evidence, and to maintain them as living advice by regularly assessing and incorporating new evidence.
Practice Points COVID-19 topics include the following (links are to the latest update, for full archive please see https://www.acponline.org/clinical-information/guidelines):
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Treatment efficacy and safety, including use of remdesivir and chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine.
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Antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, including antibody durability after initial infection and antibody protection.
Leading Advocacy Efforts
ACP continues to advocate for and address the needs of internists and their patients during the COVID-19 crisis. Responding to the rapidly changing landscape of the U.S. health care system, ACP pushed for PPE, regulatory relief, and programs to support practices, help internists weather financial hardships, and address vaccine efforts. Telehealth-related advocacy helped attain equal reimbursement for telehealth visits as for in-person visits and aimed to ensure patients have equal and easy access to telehealth.
COVID-19 Practice Management Information and Resources
An ACP toolkit has helped practices during COVID-19 by providing guidance on adjusting to non-clinical aspects of the pandemic. It includes resources on:
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Telehealth billing and coding information
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State and private payer policies
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Practice financial assistance
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Practice management issues
Telehealth and Telemedicine
As COVID-19 triggered a rapid increase in demand for telehealth visits, ACP developed comprehensive, practical Telehealth Resources to help internists extend their practice and deliver care via video and telephone visits and remote patient monitoring. The resources, which address many practical details related to running successful telemedicine programs, will continue to hold value after COVID-19 wanes, since many internists have now integrated telehealth into their practices and patients value the flexibility it provides.
Providing PPE to ACP Members
Early in the COVID-19 crisis, ACP partnered with Project N95, a not-for-profit COVID-19 critical equipment clearinghouse, to provide PPE for ACP members. The partnership now extends to an online marketplace, reducing the time ACP members need to wait for needed N95 masks, gloves, and other high-needs items, with prioritized customer service to ACP members and shipment available to U.S. addresses.
I.M. Emotional Support Hub
COVID-19 compounded the stressors of practicing medicine. To safeguard physician health and well-being, ACP created the I.M. Emotional Support Hub, which offers curated resources and information to protect physicians’ emotional health, encourage them to practice self-care, and sustain ACP members in caring for those in need.
Supporting COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake and Education
ACP supports and participates in ongoing efforts to help increase confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and encourage measures to slow the spread of disease through public education. ACP is a founding member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) national volunteer COVID-19 Community Corps, offering Toolkits, resources, and materials to support community outreach that are available through HHS’s COVID-19 “We Can Do This” public education campaign. Other communication efforts that ACP supported included the Ad Council’s COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative, “It’s Up to You,” “Made to Save,” “This Is Our Shot,” “I Got The Shot,” the COVID-19 Primary Care Survey, and the COVID-19 Real-Time Learning Network.
COVID-19: In Memoriam
Stay informed with webinars, podcasts and join the conversation through ACP’s COVID-19 Hub to discuss COVID-19 related issues with other ACP members.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Our Commitment
Over the past year, as internists and other health care professionals across the country rallied to express the importance of racial justice and equity in health care, ACP committed to being an anti-racist, diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We pledged to engage in self-reflection; commit to action; and work together to end racism, bias, discrimination, harassment, and inequity in our society, in our profession, in our communities, and within ourselves.
This commitment includes research, policy development, and evidence-based solutions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We examined racism and discrimination as social determinants of health and recommended strategies to address and mitigate racism and discrimination in law enforcement, an issue ACP had not previously addressed in policy recommendations. In addition, we examined the multifaceted ways U.S. society contributes to poorer health outcomes for persons based on their race, ethnicity, and religious, and cultural identities, and we recommended specific policies to address the issue.
In line with our history of leadership in DEI and as a follow up to our 2019 ACP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy, we have been collaborating with other societies and stakeholders on DEI initiatives, including co-sponsoring grant programs and sharing best practices and policies. We have also established a DEI Committee to guide our ongoing efforts.
The DEI Shift Podcast
This year, ACP partnered with The DEI Shift, a podcast hosted by internists and focused on DEI issues. The podcast, now in its third season, provides thought-provoking discussions, stories, and practice-changing data for a health care audience.
Women in Medicine
Aligned with our DEI commitment, our Women in Medicine activities reinforce our commitment to promoting gender equity, eliminating the inequities in compensation and career advancement, and addressing the unique challenges female physicians confront over the course of their careers in order to foster an inclusive environment that promotes growth and development for female physicians.
Advocacy and Policy Development
ACP actively advocated for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Medicaid access, diversity in the physician workforce, and efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 across marginalized and excluded racial and ethnic populations. Our focus on DEI also manifested in the publication of multiple policy papers, including:
- The American College of Physicians’ Commitment to Being an Anti-Racist, Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Organization
- Racism and Health in the United States: A Policy Statement from the American College of Physicians
- A Comprehensive Policy Framework to Understand and Address Disparities and Discrimination in Health and Health Care
- Understanding and Addressing Disparities and Discrimination in Education and in the Physician Workforce
- Understanding and Addressing Disparities and Discrimination Affecting the Health and Health Care of Persons and Populations at Highest Risk
- Understanding and Addressing Disparities and Discrimination in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Affecting the Health of At-Risk Persons and Populations
To learn more, visit ACP’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page.
KEEPING CURRENT ON CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE
Annals of Internal Medicine continues to be one of the most highly cited, read, and influential medical journals in the world.
Impressive Impact Factor, Greater Online Usage and Visibility
Annals’ new Impact Factor is 25.391, according to Clarivate Analytics. Annals remains the most-cited general internal medicine journal in the world. We are proud of our large global readership and frequent media mentions.
Most Talked-About Research
This year, Annals published some of the most talked-about articles of the year, including several “living reviews” that are updated regularly as new data on COVID-19 becomes available. These articles included:
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Prevalence of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection
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Effectiveness of Adding a Mask Recommendation to Other Public Health Measures to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Danish Mask Wearers
The latter article earned the highest-ever Altmetric score for an Annals article, the second-highest Altmetric score for the year among all scientific journals; and also one of the highest Altmetric scores ever for any scientific article and the highest score for all COVID-19 content for the year, which comprised 30% of all research considered by Altmetric.
Altmetric's Top 100 represents the most discussed and most-cited research from all disciplines.
Original research articles, including randomized, controlled trials and systematic reviews, also garnered significant attention, including:
Annals is consistently featured and cited in the news media, bringing awareness to the important studies and information published in the journal and published articles that attracted immediate attention from the scientific community and the public.
Social Media Surge
Annals Special Features
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Annals continues to provide learning opportunities through the popular Annals On Call podcast series. In each of 76 episodes to date, Robert Centor, MD, MACP, and a guest expert discuss a clinically influential Annals article and listeners can earn CME credit and MOC points.
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The Annals of Internal Medicine Podcast presents twice monthly highlights of new articles and audio recordings of essays from Annals of Internal Medicine’s popular “On Being a Doctor” and “On Being a Patient” features.
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Annals Consult Guys videos feature lively discussion and analysis of real-world cases and situations with an opportunity to earn CME credit/MOC points.
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Beyond the Guidelines features Grand Rounds discussions including video, slides, and CME/MOC that address clinical issues using real patient cases.
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Annals Story Slams are events that celebrate storytelling by providing an opportunity for participants to verbally share brief stories with an audience.
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Annals Graphic Medicine includes original graphic narratives, comics, and other creative forms on medically relevant topics by those who provide or receive health care.
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The Annals Fresh Look blog continues to give medical students, residents, fellows, and early career physicians a place to share their thoughts and reflections on content from Annals of Internal Medicine.
Annals Graphic Medicine
Special Articles With Monthly E-Mail Alerts
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Annals for Educators is a monthly e-newsletter containing tips for using Annals to develop and enhance teaching activities.
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Annals for Hospitalists contains highly relevant Annals and ACP Journal Club content for hospitalists. It summarizes key content and links to a special article, “Inpatient Notes,” which provides unique perspectives on contemporary topics in hospital medicine.
ACP has partnered with the American Heart Association to publish Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases (AIMCC), a new digital, open-access, peer-reviewed journal. The new journal will publish case reports, case series, and image/video cases relevant to clinicians across the spectrum of medicine. It will also publish one case report accompanied by expert commentary, called the Preceptor Case, monthly.
By providing a forum for sharing the diagnosis, treatment, and management of challenging cases, the journal will contribute to the evidence-base and provide education. Its editorial team will be dedicated to upholding the efficient and careful peer-review and publishing practices expected from ACP, Annals of Internal Medicine, and from the American Heart Association’s scholarly journals. Issues will be published bi-monthly online initially, with publishing frequency expected to increase over time.
MKSAP 19: Part A Now Available
MKSAP 19, the newest version of the Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (MKSAP), continues ACP’s history of supporting lifelong learning for residents and practicing physicians through an all-inclusive, personalized learning system facilitating Board prep and longitudinal learning in internal medicine.
MKSAP 19 is completely updated, revised, and rewritten with the latest clinical information gathered from more than 100 experts in internal medicine and its subspecialties. It features an expanded General Internal Medicine text section and two separate sections for Hematology and Oncology (formerly one section combined), plus 1,200 all-new, psychometrically validated multiple-choice questions to help users assess clinical knowledge and compare their performance with that of other learners.
New features include:
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Earn-as-you-go CME credits and MOC points that let you begin earning credit immediately — a few questions at a time — rather than waiting to submit after completing an entire section
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MKSAP Quick Qs—a simulated Boards-style exam experience with concise questions mapped to the ABIM blueprint
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Enhanced multimedia—including animated whiteboards, clinical video shorts, and heart sounds—to boost audiovisual learning
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Customized learning plans to enable self-directed learning and efficient studying
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Newly integrated Board Basics study guide
Plus, as always, users can test their knowledge using unlimited custom quizzes; capture critical information with highlighting or notes; get extra practice with MKSAP Extension Questions; and stay updated with targeted, practice-changing New Info Updates.
MKSAP 19 is available in three formats: MKSAP 19 Digital; MKSAP 19 Complete; and the all-new MKSAP 19 Complete Green, an all-digital, eco-friendly format, featuring the full suite of MKSAP 19 Complete premium digital enhancements minus the print books. MKSAP 19 Part A launched on August 31, 2021; Part B will launch on January 31, 2022; and Virtual Dx will launch on March 31, 2022.
ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2021: Virtual Experience
ACP’s first-ever all-virtual annual meeting, Internal Medicine Meeting 2021: Virtual Experience, adapted to meet the challenges and uncertainties of the times, delivering educational excellence in new and innovative ways and offering the opportunity to earn more CME credit than ever. New digital delivery formats provided an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with internal medicine colleagues and the community. The Virtual Experience included more than 125 unique sessions delivered by world-class faculty, and offered the ability to earn more CME credit than ever. The meeting also featured live Q&A, live polling, live chats, contests with prizes, and a Virtual Exhibit Hall.
During the 3-day live meeting event, ACP welcomed a trio of renowned plenary speakers delivering keynote addresses on a range of topics:
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Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, MD, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: COVID-19 in 2021: Lessons Learned and Remaining Challenges
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Dr. Kimberly D. Manning, MD, FACP, Professor of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine: Broadening Your Life Lens: A Case for Diversity
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Dr. Rana Awdish, MD, FACP, FCCP, Director, Pulmonary Hypertension Program, Henry Ford Health System: Healing With Intention
We look forward to seeing you in person at ACP’s Internal Medicine Meeting 2022 in Chicago from April 28-30, 2022.
CME 100
ACP’s annual Internal Medicine Meeting was held from April 29 to May 1, 2021, as a virtual live event. For those who could not attend the 3-day live meeting event and for Premium Access registrants, ACP developed CME 100, which provides access to recordings of the livestreamed sessions to view at your convenience and the opportunity to earn CME credit and MOC points. Other features include:
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75 hours of Internal Medicine Meeting 2021 lectures and associated Q&A. Full list
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Additional 25 bonus CME sessions. Full list
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Up to 3 years of access to over 100 hours of high-quality, CME eligible content.
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Ability to watch each lecture, answer a brief quiz, and claim CME credits and MOC points as they go.
ACP Virtual Live
ACP’s Virtual Live: Internal Medicine Board Review courses were completely updated for 2021. They are ideal for learners studying for the ABIM Maintenance of Certification exam or Initial Certification exam, as well as those who need to stay current in internal medicine while earning CME credits and MOC points. ACP Virtual Live: Board Review is taught by expert faculty who provide real-time, interactive education for effective Board preparation that is convenient and safe. ACP Virtual Live offers:
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Question-based learning with live polling and peer statistics on a platform designed for classroom engagement
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Live chat and faculty question/answer interaction
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A complete, downloadable syllabus
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Tips on test-taking strategies
ACP Clinical Recommendations and Scientific Medical Policies
ACP strives to provide clinicians with recommendations based on the best available evidence; to inform clinicians of when there is no evidence; and to help clinicians deliver the best health care possible. Over the past year, ACP released the following clinical guidance:
Performance Measures
As the move toward value-based care accelerates, performance measures continue to play an integral role. ACP’s Performance Measurement Committee (PMC) is actively working to evaluate measures according to criteria to assess the validity of performance measures. This year, ACP published “Recommending Caution in Patient-Reported Outcome–Based Performance Measurement” to highlight issues that would need to be addressed before this type of measure can be applied to internists. The PMC also engages with external stakeholders in the quality arena to advance the view of internists.
Online Learning Center
ACP’s Online Learning Center is home to hundreds of curated CME and MOC activities and multimedia content, all designed to help ACP members improve their knowledge and practice. An enhanced search functionality makes it easy to explore the robust collection of journal articles, podcasts, video records, and interactive multimedia. This year saw a new look and design for the Online Learning Center, incorporating featured activities, activity packages, spotlighted activities from Annals of Internal Medicine, and recent podcasts. A key new feature is a guide to state specific requirements for CME activities, with suggested options for fulfilling those requirements.
Pain Management Learning Hub
This past year, ACP debuted a new Pain Management Learning Series to provide clinicians the education they need to care for patients with chronic pain and to earn CME credits and MOC points. The series features pain assessment, diagnostic differentials, multimodality management plans, and patient-centered communication. It consists of seven core evidence-based and patient-centered modules, two sets of case studies, and three lecture videos.
Modules:
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Pain Fundamentals
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Pain Assessment
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Pain Management Principles
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Nonpharmacologic Therapies
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Nonopioid Pharmacotherapy
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Opioid Therapy
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Opioid Use Disorder
Case studies:
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Knee Pain
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Low Back Pain
New Obesity Management Learning Hub
ACP also debuted a new learning series for practical guidance on treating patients with obesity. The Obesity Management Learning Series consists of three web-based interactive learning activities on lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery, with CME/MOC credit free for ACP members. The downloadable guide Weight Can’t Wait: A Guide for the Management of Obesity in the Primary Care Setting, developed by the Stop Obesity Alliance and endorsed by 11 medical organizations including ACP, is also available, along with multiple patient education resources. The series is enhanced by two podcasts from The DEI Shift, one on weight bias and the other on cultural considerations for patients with obesity.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
Internal medicine specialists and subspecialists are increasingly using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to improve diagnostic timeliness and accuracy. ACP has formally recognized the important role of POCUS to improve care and convened a panel of experts in internal medicine POCUS to develop a standardized curriculum for live courses and online learning modules.
A comprehensive collection of interactive point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) interactive learning modules is free to ACP members, offers CME/MOC and includes:
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Obtaining Adequate Clinical Images for Interpretation
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Lung Ultrasound
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Deep Venous Thrombosis
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Urinary System
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Abdominal Free Fluid
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Focused Cardiac Imaging
ACP also expanded its portfolio of POCUS virtual and live course offerings, now including a POCUS Virtual Mentorship Program for advanced learners. The mentorship program offers personalized instruction to help internists become more proficient in POCUS practice through hands-on, livestream video and mentored scanning sessions. Live, location-based POCUS courses also continue at both the foundational and advanced level, offering CME/MOC.
High Value Care Cases
A new series of interactive ambulatory and inpatient cases has been added to ACP’s high value care modules, designed to teach internists how to improve their delivery of high value care. Eligible for CME/MOC, this series joins a range of other high value care resources, all aimed to improve health, avoid harms, and eliminate wasteful practices. Modules include:
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Eliminate Disparities in Health Care Value
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Mitigate the Impact of High Out-of-Pocket Costs on Patient Outcomes
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Improve Your Diagnostic Process to Practice High Value Care
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High Value Hospitalization
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High Value Quality Improvement
Patient and Interprofessional Partnership Toolkits
ACP's Patient and Interprofessional Partnership Initiative incorporates interprofessional, interdisciplinary, and patient perspectives and promotes partnership with all members of the health care team. Two new educational toolkits are now available for internists, their patients, and their clinical teams:
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Team-Based Care Toolkit: Explore best practices and examples of successful team-based clinical care models for internists working with nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other members of the health care team.
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Toolkit for Physicians and Caregivers on Informal Caregiving: Access training and resources to better partner with caregivers to improve health outcomes for both patients and their caregivers.
“I Raise the Rates” Initiative
ACP’s I Raise the Rates initiative aims to increase adult influenza immunization rates using the ACP Advance team-based quality improvement (QI) approach. The initiative is funded by grants from the CDC, Merck, and GlaxoSmithKline. Opportunities to participate include:
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Apply to become a program champion and receive free QI education and peer coaching to help your practice increase immunization rates (CME/MOC available)
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View the 2021 Adult Immunization Video Series
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Sign up for the I Raise the Rates monthly newsletter and stay up to date on the latest immunization news, clinical information and I Raise the Rates program updates.
Podcasts
ACP members can earn free CME and MOC points by listening to any podcast episode from our library of programming, and episodes are also accessible through the Online Learning Center podcast collection:
Annals on Call: Host Robert Centor, MD, MACP, and guests debate and discuss recent articles from Annals of Internal Medicine.
Bedside Rounds: Host Adam Rodman, MD, FACP, focuses on historic stories of clinical medicine and how they relate to today’s society and culture.
Core IM: Host Shreya Trivedi, MD, and her team present clinically relevant internal medicine-specific topics for physicians. Core IM also offers a series of podcast episodes addressing interprofessional team care.
The DEI Shift: ACP’s newest podcasting partner, focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine. Hosted by Tammy Lin, MD, MPH, FACP; Tiffany I. Leung, MD, MPH, FACP, FAMIA; and Pooja Jaeel, MD, The DEI Shift podcast team includes diverse members across career stages—from undergraduate students to advanced career physicians—and represents a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.
ACP News Publications
ACP’s award-winning news publications cover topics ranging from general internal medicine to subspecialties. Publications offer the latest medical and ACP news, clinical and policy updates, and opinions and in-depth analysis of issues affecting physician satisfaction and patient care.
This year, ACP Internist won a Silver EXCEL Award for General Excellence in Newspapers from Association Media & Publishing, as well as a Bronze EXCEL Award for Editorial Excellence. ACP Hospitalist was honored with a Silver EXCEL Award for Best Feature Article (Circulation, 20,001 to 50,000) in Magazines for the October 2020 piece “Why and How to Apologize.”
ACP's news publications include:
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR PRACTICE AND PROFESSION
Advocating With You and For You: Advocacy in Action
ACP’s goal is always to make our health care system better for internal medicine physicians and their patients. Our advocacy efforts through evidence-based policy papers; grass roots advocacy efforts; and work with congressional leaders, regulators, and organizations with similar goals, pave the way for changes that will make a difference in the daily lives of internists, and ultimately, patients' health.
By pressing legislators and regulators and working with key agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, ACP advocates to make the regulatory and payment system work for both physicians and patients. By urging regulators and policymakers to eliminate unnecessary and costly administrative burdens that divert physicians away from patient care, we strive to reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction.
ACP’s Vison for Health Care: More Relevant Than Ever
ACP’s comprehensive set of policy papers, “Envisioning a Better Health Care System for All” challenged the U.S. to implement systematic health care reform for all, and expansive policy recommendations for how to achieve it. As the COVID-19 public health crisis, demonstrated and continues to shine a light on the flaws in the U.S. health care system, ACP’s recommendations are more important than ever. In an Annals of Internal Medicine opinion piece, “The Collision of COVID-19 and the U.S. Health System,” ACP leaders outlined how the recommendations could have helped the U.S. face COVID-19.
Working With a New Administration and Congress
The change in administration and Congress in Washington in 2021 brought a shift in the issues being discussed by policy makers and regulators. ACP’s deep portfolio of existing positions on a wide variety of health policy issues meant that we were well positioned to immediately begin providing input and help shape the conversation on many different topics, including efforts around improving our country’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and potential future pandemics; improving the Affordable Care Act and access to health care for all; mitigating the threat to public health caused by climate change; protecting scientific integrity and public officials from political interference; protecting international medical graduates and other immigrants; and working to combat disparities and discrimination and increase racial equity.
ACP’s advocacy efforts also yielded success in seeing key policies enacted in the American Rescue Plan, the advancement of ACP-supported legislation to lower prescription drug pricing; and positive movement around ACP-endorsed bills designed to help International Medical Graduates progress.
Historic Wins for Internists
ACP's Ongoing Efforts With CMS and Congress Protect Historic Payment Wins
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Wins include increased pay for office visit and other E/M codes that will result in an estimated 6% increase in total 2021 Medicare payments to internal medicine physicians.
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Medicare implemented increased payments for office visit codes to address long-standing underinvestment in primary care.
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Documentation requirements were streamlined.
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Congress provided additional funding to provide across-the-board increases in Medicare payments to physicians in all specialties.
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Regulatory and reporting requirements were eased under the Quality Payment Program.
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Flexibilities to deal with COVID-19, including virtual supervision and hardship exceptions for physician practices were extended.
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Congress authorized 1,000 new Medicare-funded GME slots.
New ACP Policies
Help for Practices
A new Independent Practice Resources online presence offers a broad range of resources designed to help practices with the business side of medicine, including regulatory rules, payment and coding, and resources for enhanced patient care.
The College’s Practice Resources section on ACPOnline.org also features a robust collection of beginning and advanced medical coding resources for physicians and office staff, including resources pertaining to E/M code changes and implementation; ICD-10 billing codes; videos; forms; and tools and payment resources on how to navigate potential payment hurdles when dealing with Medicaid, Medicare and private payer insurance companies.
The newly created health information technology section on Interoperability and Information Blocking Regulations provides resources regarding the ONC and CMS final regulations aimed at improving interoperability and patient access to electronic health, aimed helping members comply with the new Information Blocking compliance requirements.
Read the ACP Advocate newsletter to keep up-to-date on the latest ACP advocacy efforts. And, visit ACP’s Where We Stand section to see how ACP is working for you and your patients.
Advocating to Improve Certification Policies and Process
ACP continues to advocate for improvements in certification policies and procedures to meet the needs of internal medicine specialists and subspecialists, improve the value of the certificate, reduce administrative burdens, and minimize financial burdens. Most recently, ACP submitted comments on the American Board of Medical Specialties draft for new Standards for Continuing Certification for implementation by Member Boards.
Ethics and Professionalism
ACP’s Center for Ethics and Professionalism is devoted to policy development and education on issues of medical ethics and professionalism. The seventh edition of the ACP Ethics Manual reaffirms ethical tenets of medicine and re-examines their application in changing circumstances. It is also available in Spanish.
This year, ACP published a number of ethics statements and policy papers on various topics such as COVID-19 vaccines and the business of health care, developed by the ACP Ethics, Professionalism and Human Rights Committee (EPHRC) and including:
Ethics, Determination of Death, and Organ Transplantation in Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) with Controlled Donation after Circulatory Determination of Death (cDCD): American College of Physicians Statement of Concern
ACP Statement on Global COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Allocation: On Being Ethical and Practical
Physician Suicide Prevention and the Ethics and Role of a Healing Community: An American College of Physicians Policy Paper published in The Journal of General Internal Medicine
Health Information Privacy, Protection, and Use in the Expanding Digital Health Ecosystem: A Position Paper of the American College of Physicians
Employment and Health Care Business Practices: An American College of Physicians Policy Paper
American College of Physicians (ACP) Policy Statement on the Ethical Allocation of Vaccines During Pandemics Including COVID-19
Several new ACP Ethics Case Studies were published, which draw on ethical challenges encountered by physicians in everyday practice, teaching and research. These and other ethics education activities can be used as learning resources and teaching tools and completed for free CME credits and MOC points. New case studies included:
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Ethics, Electronic Health Record Integrity and the Patient-Physician Relationship
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Ethics, Professionalism, and the Physician Social Media Influencer
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Pandemic Treatment Resource Allocation Ethics and Nondiscrimination
DynaMed®, a benefit of ACP membership, gives you quick access to the latest clinical evidence at the point of care. To further enhance content and confidence as you practice, DynaMed collaborates with ACP to peer review the Overview and Recommendations (O&Rs) of internal medicine topics most highly used by ACP members. As of June 2021, ACP has reviewed the O&Rs of more than 360 topics, which are identified by the ACP logo.
A best-in-class clinical decision support tool, DynaMed® offers unique clinical guidance:
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Clinicians' Practice Points provide guidance and opinion from DynaMed expert physician editors on optimal clinical practice in the absence of robust evidence.
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Evidence Synopses offer brief summaries with key takeaways.
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DynaMed Commentaries provide a more rigorous assessment of evidence including caveats about methodological and technical aspects of clinical studies.
A free mobile app for iOS and Android lets you access information offline, write and save notes, bookmark favorites, and email topics. CME/MOC activity is tracked for all searches.
ACP JournalWise
ACP JournalWise is a personalized literature alert service for ACP members that searches over 120 top medical journals, rates the quality of articles, and delivers relevant article information by email or the JournalWise web site. Personal preferences for topics and delivery frequency can be set up in seconds. JournalWise includes alerts for new information on COVID-19 that meets strict criteria for scientific merit and clinical relevance. Functional on any device, it’s a great way for ACP members to keep up and save time.
EXPANDING THE REACH OF INTERNAL MEDICINE REGIONALLY AND GLOBALLY
Resources for Residents
Through its IMpower Initiative, ACP has developed dedicated resources and non-clinical tools to support ACP Resident/Fellow Members in their personal and professional growth. The communications cover non-clinical topics such as navigating transitions, work-life integration, maintaining well-being during residency, and preparing for life after residency.
Each month, the ACP IMpower communications offer a wide variety of topics valuable to residents at every stage of their training, and beyond.
#IMpower
The communications program combines podcasts, checklists, top-10 lists, and email. Recognizing that the needs of interns differ from those of third-year residents, topics offer content specific to the training year.
Resources for Graduating Medical Students Entering Residency
ACP has also teamed up with OnlineMedEd to provide a free Intern Mini-Bootcamp to help graduating medical students not only survive, but thrive during residency and become the doctor they want to be. The modules cover soft-skill topics such as "Your Usual Day," "Phone Skills," and "What is Telemedicine?"
Resident Well-being Curriculum
ACP’s online Resident Well-Being Curriculum connects residents with evidence-based individual and organizational strategies to foster well-being and prevent burnout. Aligned with the new ACGME requirements for resident training in well-being, three multimedia modules can be learned individually or as a complete program. Modules are free to ACP members. Nonmembers may purchase access.
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Well-being and Burnout in Residency Study burnout, its effects on physicians and patients, and the unique challenges faced by residents. |
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Individual and Organizational Strategies Explore organizational well-being strategies, the existing ACGME well-being requirements and leave policies, and learn how to build a personal well-being plan. |
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Promoting Collaborative Learning Environments for Well-being Learn the value of collaborative learning environments and positive social interaction, as well as how to recognize harmful signs of burnout in oneself or peers and how to seek help. |
ACP Chapters
Despite the hardships of the past year, ACP’s 85 chapters made remarkable shifts to achieve new heights. Hosting virtual chapter meetings and many additional virtual events brought members together for both professional development and personal wellness. These sessions provided meaningful virtual connections thanks to the amazing leadership and hard work of our Governors, Executive Directors/Chapter Staff, and Chapter Leaders. Looking ahead, Chapters are focusing their priorities on ensuring an inclusive and active leadership path for our diverse leaders and creating more opportunities for mentoring Early Career Physicians, Residents and Students. If you are interested in volunteering with your local chapter in creating educational opportunities, helping to influence state legislation, networking with your peers, guiding the next generation of internists, and giving back to your community, reach out to your local governor.
Chapter Excellence Awards
The Chapter Excellence Award serves as a guide to reach basic expectations in chapter management and inspires chapters through a tiered reward system to achieve excellence. During the second year of the newly redesigned tiered award, there were 79 recipients, including, 33 Gold Level Chapters, 18 Silver Level Chapters and 28 Bronze Level Chapters.
ACP Chapters Worldwide:
85
Southern California II Region organizes its first DEI Welcome Session
Florida Chapter celebrates members virtually including the inaugural Tulisa LaRocca, MD, Wellness Champion Award awarded posthumously to Dr. LaRocca.
Global Engagement
ACP’s global reach includes more than 21,000 members in 159 countries and 17 international chapters, in line with its continuous international membership growth.
ACP collaborates with other organizations, associations, and internal medicine societies worldwide on projects and initiatives, including educational programming and participation in key conferences and events. This year 15 physicians representing ACP leaders, FACPs and MACPs attended 18 global internal medicine virtual meetings.
Since all in-person events were on hold or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ACP continued to engage with many partners and chapters, participating in 11 webinars, as well as jointly developed webinars with the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM) and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP London). It has also provided an opportunity to further support our members around the world through these trying times and innovate by using new engagement strategies.
Countries ACP is Represented In:
159
STAY CONNECTED WITH ACP
MyACP lets you personalize a custom Launchpad for easy access to the information and resources you use most on ACPOnline.org. Just click the green “MyACP” button at the top of any page on ACPOnline to access your Launchpad. Click the blue “Visit MyACP” button on the Launchpad to update your personal information, view your CME transcripts, and see products you’ve previously purchased from ACP, including MKSAP. There’s also easy access to ACP member forums as well as timely notifications, and products and services recommended specifically for you.
Discussion Forums
ACP Member Forums provide members with an online community to interact with colleagues who have similar interests and career goals. Be sure to subscribe to alerts to receive daily e-mail digests that show new posts and that link you directly back into the discussions.
Social Media
Connect with ACP and Annals on social media for the latest news and information and to engage with your colleagues.
RETURN TO TOP
Visit ACPOnline.org to see all that ACP has to offer.
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