Exciting Advocacy News for FL: National Stage - Dr. Kantor appointed again to FMA Council on Lgislation

From FMA:

TO: Daniel Kantor, M.D.

FROM: Miguel Machado, M.D., President

RE: Reappointment to the FMA Council on LegislationTO:


I would appreciate your willingness to accept reappointment to serve on the FMA Council on
Legislation as the Medical District B representative during my term as President of the FMA,
effective July 31, 2011. Attached is a list of those who have been asked to serve with you.

There are two FMA Board of Governors & Council Days scheduled during the appointed year.
This meeting format is intended to facilitate interaction between the various councils/committees while minimizing travel expenses. While I cannot confirm the specific date and time each group is meeting, every effort is being made to accommodate a Friday or Saturday meeting time concluding with the Board of Governors meeting on Sunday. I respectfully ask that you keep the dates open for scheduling. FMA staff assigned to each council/committee will distribute meeting details approximately 6-8 weeks in advance. Please keep in mind that there may be instances when a particular group may find it necessary to meet by conference call, rather than in person. Those details will be provided by appropriate staff as well.

Exciting Advocacy News for FL: National Stage - Dr. Kantor placed on AMA Reference Committee on Legislation

From the AMA:

Dear Dr. Kantor

On behalf of the Speakers, it is my pleasure to invite you to serve the AMA House of Delegates at its Interim Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 12-15, 2011, as a member of Reference Committee B (Legislation).

As a member of a Reference Committee your responsibilities will include:

· Participation in the hearing on Sunday, November 13. (This open hearing will last as long as is necessary to receive comments on the business before you.)

· Participation in preparation of the report of the Reference Committee. (This includes an executive session of the full committee that immediately follows the conclusion of the open hearing as well as additional meetings, as needed, until the final report is complete. This often means being available throughout the night and the following morning.)

· Presence before the House during its consideration of the report of your Reference Committee.

In addition, virtual reference committees are planned for November as was done for Reference Committee E in June. Virtual (online) testimony will be accepted from approximately October 14 to October 30. Each reference committee will then have to meet by phone sometime the next week (October 31–November 4) so that a draft report can be prepared and posted on November 7 or 8, in time to allow the report to be reviewed by members of the House prior to the meeting. This process, although still in its trial phase, worked well in June, and in the end, resulted in a less harried experience for the reference committee members; we are hopeful for a similar experience at this meeting.

Your work on a Reference Committee is a service to American medicine and a very important contribution to the democratic process followed by the House of Delegates.

Outpouring of support for deceased neurologist, Jim Nealis, MD

In response to our earlier obituary for the passing of Jim Nealis, MD - Past President, Florida Society of Neurology (see original obituary), we received the following message:

Thank you. When I first arrived at Harvard in 1976, Jim was a fellow at the Seizure Unit (where I was assigned) with Dr. Cesare Lombroso. I did not know a soul there and Jim became a good friend, even inviting me out for St Patrick’s Day. He was a caring doctor and a fun guy to work with. I will never forget him. My condolences to his family.

Herminio Cuervo

Your FSN ... Helping Neurologists help their patients.

Daniel Kantor, MD
Medical Director
Neurologique

President
Florida Society of Neurology

www.neurologique.org

FSN Distinguished Panel: Drs. Alternburger and Wilson and Senator Fasano

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Medicine 2011: Issues Facing Neurologists and Their Patients:

Local, State and Federal perspectives

Distinguished Guests:

Senator Mike Fasano -- Florida District 11

Karl Altenburger, MD – Past President, Florida Medical Association (FMA)

Cecil Wilson, MD --Immediate Past President, American Medical Association (AMA)

Schedule: September 17^th, 2011

12:00 – 12:15: Lunch preparation – FSN Business Meeting

12:15 – 12:20: Call to Order (Introduction of Board)

Daniel Kantor, MD

12:20 – 12:25: Introduction of distinguished panel

Daniel Kantor, MD

12:25 – 12:40: Pills Mills: How the Senate saved

FL Senator Mike Fasano

12:40 – 12:50: How the FMA works with specialists

Karl Altenburger, MD

12:50 – 1:10: Neurologists in the House of Medicine

Cecil Wilson, MD

1:10 – 1:20: Panel Discussion

Distinguished Guests

1:20 – 1:30 New Business and Concluding Remarks

Daniel Kantor, MD

FSN in Your Corner: Protecting you and your patients

Dear Fl Neurologist,

Your FSN has been working hard for you – on the local, State and Federal levels and we are excited by the results.

Innovative Annual Meeting:

As you know, the FSNAnnual Meeting is fast approaching on Sept. 16 – 18, 2011. We are excited by the addition of a cognition & TBI (traumatic brain injury) program in the 37th Annual Course in Neuropsychology and Behavioral Neurology. Our Advances in Neurology Workshop promise to be innovative with Controversies in Neurology and Challenging Cases posed to and by our Neurology Chairmen. Your staff and primary care referring colleagues are sure to be enlightened by the Neurology for the Non-Neurologist: Localizing Neurologic Symptoms. Your family will be dazzled by the Disney Yacht Club pool and the proximity to the Disney parks … in short, everyone is sure to have an enlightening, productive and fun time at the FSN Annual Meeting at the Disney Yacht Club on September 16 – 18, 2011. If you haven’t yet, then please be sure to register and reserve your block of rooms online.

Unprecedented Distinguished Panel:

I am most proud of the distinguished panel that I will be introducing on Saturday September 17^th, 2011 at 12:00 – 1:20 PM. Cecil Wilson, MD – Immediate Past President of the AMA, Karl Altenburger, MD – Past President of the FMA (FL Medical Association) and Senator Mike Fasano will be addressing the topic of “Medicine 2011: Issues Facing Neurologists and Their Patients - Local, State and Federal perspectives.” The caliber of our panelists speaks volumes to the notoriety of your FSN and its place within the House of Medicine … with all the changes facing us, don’t be left in the dark!

Senator Mike Fasano	FL District 11
Karl Altenburger, MD	Past President, FL Medical Association (FMA)
Cecil Wilson, MD	Immediate Past President, AMA

Alert: West Nile Virus Outbreak:

There have been cases of Dengue Fever and neuroinvasive West Nile virus in different parts of the State. I have kept neurologists in Duval county abreast of the information disseminated by the FL Department of Health regarding the West Nile Virus cases. It is a privilege to represent you in discussions with the varied Public Health departments protecting the citizens of our great State. The FSN was the only State Specialty Society represented in these teleconferences and we are leading the way in both physician and Public education regarding this potentially dangerous outbreak … wherever there is an issue touching upon the nervous system, your FSN will be there representing YOU and your patients.

Value-added Membership benefits:

Your FSN recognizes that the economic downturn has affected each and everyone one of us, and we have developed a member benefits package to suit your needs:

1. Universal Waste Management (biomedical waste) -- 10% discount and lower price than competitors for FSN members Tel. (352)234-4BIO (4246)

2. TNP (The Neurologists’ Program) -- malpractice insurance and risk management

3. Long-term Care Insurance Program (Affinity)-- see below.

4. I.C. Systems Collection Agency

5. Medscape CMEs

6. The Southern Headache Society --we may do joint CME programs with discounts to FSN members (join the google group)

7. Discounts on medical books through Cambridge Publishing and Oxford Publishing (email fsneuro@gmail.com for your Promotional Code)

8. FSN lapel pins … get yours today!

9. Future pan-FL dinners

10. Regional pan-FL dinners -- stay updated and give your input.

Advocacy Victories … Finally Some Good News!

Your FSN advocated diligently for you and your patients. We have made strategic partnerships with the FMA (we have two neurologists on the FMA Board of Governor’s and I sit on the FMA Council on Legislation and the FMA PAC [Political Action Committee]), the AMA (I was recently elected to the FMA delegation to the AMA), the AAN (through various leadership, including Advocacy) and other organizations, such as the FL Academy of Physician Assistants (I sat alongside the FMA and FOMA [FL Osteopathic Medical Association] Presidents). Additionally, we have ties to the FL Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and I recently ha a productive meeting with the Medical Director of First Coast Service Options (the FL Medicare contractor) – I will present this information at the FSN Annual Meeting.

1, Pill Mills – Board-certified neurologist are not limited by this legislation and you are free to practice without registering with the State.

2. Gun bill – It is not a felony to talk to your patients about safety (even gun safety) … just document the reason.

3. Sports concussions – the FL High School Athletics Association recognizes (without the need for government intervention or legislation) that only MDs/Dos are qualified to return an athlete to play … Your FSN is leading the way in education and protecting our youth.

4. EMG/NCS – We are setting up a joint panel of 3 neurologists and 3 physiatrists with the FL PM&R Society to explore issues related to EMG/NCS and how they affect your practice (and your patients’ safety) – please let us know your local concerns.

5. Booster seats – FL has seatbelt laws but does not sufficiently protect our children, and the FSN is committed to supporting FL Pediatricians in their noble advocacy efforts.

6. Bicycle helmets – FL Academy of PAs (FAPA) Foundation is working to raise Public awareness regarding bicycle helmet safety and the FSN supports protecting our youth’s brains … get your family involved today.

7. IPAB (Independent Payment Advisory Board)- The FSN was the only State Neurology Society to sign the opposition letter (signed also by the AAN) – your Board is proactive and will not let you down. http://bit.ly/ppFWfA

Outreach: Nigeria Florida Neuroscience Partnership (NFNP):

Giving beyond our borders: FL has 6 Neurology residency programs, as does Nigeria, yet the population of Nigeria is ~10 times greater than FL. With the spirit of giving to others, the FSN has been instrumental in forming the NFNP and is proud to announce the 2^nd Annual NFNP Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria on October 10 - 14, 2011. Be a part of this unique program and see another side of Neurology. There are only 50 neurologists in Nigeria! For some stories on the NFNP, please see: Article 1, Article 2, Article 3.

You can make a tax-free donation to the FSN (a 501(c)3 not-for-profit) in the name of the NFNP. You are going to make tax-deductible charitable donations anyway, why not make it to a project that helps millions of people without proper neurological care? A $100 donation (less than a dinner for two at a nice restaurant) will cover the expenses of 1 Nigerian to this important conference … better yet, volunteer to join the Faculty and fly to Abuja (potential group discounts available through Delta).

Your FSN enters the 21^st Century:

Have you jumped on the Social Media wave? Want to follow issues important to

Have you jumped on the Social Media wave? Want to follow issues important to you and your patients? Follow your FSN on twitter at twitter.com/FLneurology or on facebook (search: florida-society-of-neurology). Want to pay your dues online? Visit fsn.aan.com

Developing Leaders:

Your FSN is there for you on the local, State and National levels.

We are currently accepting nominations for the FSN Board of Directors and for Officers. The positions open are: President-Elect (2011 – 2013), Secretary-Elect (2011 – 2013) and Treasurer-Elect. As of the upcoming FSN Annual Meeting, your current Secretary, Glen Finney, will have completed his term (2009 – 2011) and your incoming Secretary will be Rossitza Chichkova (2011 – 2013); your current Treasurer, Nestor Galvez-Jimenez, will have completed his term (2009 – 2011) and your incoming Treasurer will be David Decker (2011 – 2013).

Thank you Glen and Nestor for your service!

Please email us your nominations (including self nominations) to fsneuro@gmail.com.

Congratulations to Achraf Makki, MD – I have recommended him to sit on AHCA’s advisory group for a new utilization management program for Florida Medicaid’s Advanced Outpatient Diagnostic Imaging services. I would like to remind everyone who isn’t a PALFer, to go ahead and apply by Sept 18, 2011 for the January 12 – 15, 2012 Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum. Developed your leadership skills … make FL proud.

Welcome New Members:

Your FSN would like to welcome the following new members:

• · Tetsuo Ashizawa, MD
• · David Burks, MD
• · Alfred Erontera, MD
• · Gregory Hanes, MD
• · Donna Hill, MD
• · Roman Kesler, DO
• · Ramon Lugo, DO
• · Benjamin Moore, MD
• · Donald Negroski, MD
• · Steven G. Sable, DO
  
• · Denise Taylor, DO

For your convenience, to pay your dues, you can use PayPal.

CME Corner:

The SouthernHeadache Society is hosting its 1st Annual Meeting in Asheville, NC

Do you have CME programs that you would like other FSN members to know about? Email us.

Your FSN is here for YOU.

Thank you,

Daniel Kantor, MD
Medical Director
Neurologique

President
Florida Society of Neurology

** Come to the FSN Annual Meeting: Sept 16 - 18, 2011. Register Today! **
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Be a leader, help the network ... join neurologique@gmail.com

Multiple Sclerosis Team Approach Rule *** MS Patient Network


www.neurologique.org

Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, YouTube and more.


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The Florida Society of Neurology (FSN) has endorsed a discounted Long Term Care Insurance Program. This discounted program is now being made available to all FSN members and their families.

Considering the high cost for Long Term Care, this program is designed to help protect you, your family and your retirement security. Protection is available should you need care at home, in an assisted living or nursing home facilities.

To request information on this program click HERE.

This program offers special discounts not available to the general public for:

• you
• your family members including

Ø spouses

Ø parents

Ø grandparents

If you would like to forward this to a family member please feel free to do so.

Jacksonville Sharks: ArenaBowl XXIV World Champions

They've done it again!

Yet another Jacksonville team has made us proud by winning a National Championship.


Last year the Jacksonville Axemen Rugby Team won the National Championship (although this year they were defeated in round one of the playoffs). This year, the Jacksonville Sharks Arena Football Team made all of Jacksonville proud by winning ArenaBowl XXIV.

The team returned to Jacksonville on Saturday August 13th, at around the same time that I was returning from lecturing at the FAPA (FL Academy of Physician Assistants) Summer conference on MS and how to perform a neurologic exam. At the airport, a reporter commented to me (I am the Jacksonville Sharks and the Jacksonville Axemen Team Neurologist) that no players had a concussion this past year -- this is inaccurate but understandable. The general Public mistakenly associates concussions with only glaring brain injury, however concussion are often more subtle. Tim Tebow's concussion in October 2009, helped raise some awareness regarding concussions (see the video), although it is very hard to believe that it was his first. To further raise awareness, Dr. Kantor joined the medical advisory board of the Seeing Stars Foundation.

We call concussions mTBI (or mild traumatic brain injury), but they are not always so mild.




- Dr. Daniel Kantor, MD
Medical Director
Neurologique


Board Certified, Headache Medicine

info@neurologique.org
www.neurologique.org