Recruitment and Retention Minutes september 2007
MINUTES
WVRHEP RECRUITMENT & RETENTION
COMMITTEE MEETING
September 10th, 2007, Days Inn, Flatwoods
Attending: Dave Brown, Patricia Crawford, Deborah Curry, Tom Hefner, Sandra Y. Pope, Jo Ann Raines, Anna Reno, Sonnie Strader, Nannette VanDyke-McDonald. Staff: Alicia Tyler. Absent: Jay Bonfili, Terri Bliziotes, Norm Ferrari, Marilyn Fox, Lew Holloway, Sharon Lansdale, Bob Walker, Melissa Wheeler, Bob Whitler. Guests: Rose Albert, Jodie Jackson, Ken Shannon, Elaine Mason, Richard Meckstroth.
Tom Hefner, serving as chair, opened the meeting. The minutes of the March 12th meeting were approved on motion (Reno/Van-Dyke-McDonald).
STAFF REPORT
Alicia reported that October 15th is the deadline for the Health Sciences Scholarship Program (HSSP). She is working with Jodie and other staff on the 2007 Health Sciences and Rural Health Report Card and RHEP Annual Report. Deadline for submissions is September 15th.
Alicia said that the Behavioral Health Commission is getting ready to make preliminary recommendations this fall and a final report by January 2008. The Workforce group has identified the following issues:
- Direct care staff need competitive salaries and benefits. These are generally individuals with a high school education who provide daily care to patients.
- Training is needed for all staff.
- Financial incentives are needed for recruitment of professionals.
UPDATE ON PHYSICAL THERAPY SHORTAGES
Ralph Utzman reported that there are still shortages of physical therapists, both in West Virginia and nationally. The problem in West Virginia is one of distribution, with particular shortages in southern WV. Cuts in reimbursement under the Balanced Budget Act resulted in a temporary drop in applications from PT students, but there has been a rebound. WVU graduates about 28 PT students each year. In 2006, 17 graduates are in WV and 5 are in rural WV. In 2007, students are still taking board exams, but of those who have finished, 11 are in WV and 3 are in rural WV. By 2010, WVU will have 34 graduates. Of the 3 WVU PT students who received HSSP awards, all 3 are serving their obligations.
AHEC RURAL RESIDENCY PLANS
- Debbie Curry reported on the Southwestern AHEC plans for FY 2008. The grant will be used to fund four physician residents to lead AHEC teams, two rural leadership fellowships for new physicians, and one rural health policy fellow.
- Patti Crawford reported that the Southeastern AHEC will use their grant to fund four rural health leadership fellowships for physician residents and new physicians. Topics to be studied include pediatric obesity, immunization, and chronic disease management. In addition, funding will support continuing education opportunities, including videoconferencing and home study monographs. Patti said that the Southeastern AHEC is working with the Region 1 Workforce office on a Virtual Surgery project.
- Alicia reported that the Eastern AHEC will use their funding to enable rural practitioners to participate in a new project of the Harpers Ferry family medicine center. The center has received a grant to restructure its residency program and develop the concept of a patient-centered home. This is one of 14 projects funded nationally by the American Academy of Family Practice. The project includes enhanced web access to the practice and patient communication via email and phone.
MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS
Hilda Heady reported that a Legislative group is studying health care access for returning soldiers, particularly the lack of mental health services. Hilda has addressed a Joint House-Senate study group on how other states are addressing the problem of returning veterans with brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. Hilda has requested $100,000 for the Health Sciences Scholarship Program for clinical psychologists and social workers to help meet this need. Senator John Hunter and Delegate Barbara Fleischauer are leading the study group.
RHEP SURVEY OF WV PHYSICIANS RURAL TRAINING
Jodie Jackson and Dr. Ken Shannon gave a presentation on two current research projects that are being conducted with guidance from Dr. Don Pathman at UNC-Chapel Hill and funding from the Higher Education Policy Commission.
(1) Study One – This is a survey of physicians to evaluate the effectiveness of the RHEP curriculum in enhancing rural recruitment and retention. It will evaluate differences in the scope of work and community involvement of physicians with RHEP training vs. no-RHEP training. The study is designed to provide useful data for curricular improvement.
(2) Study Two – This study will identify trends in the proportion of graduates from West Virginia’s three medical schools who are retained in the state and, in particular, in rural areas. It will identify changes over time, particularly since RHEP began. The data will come from the AMA Masterfile for selected years from 1981 to 2006, and will include a breakdown of primary care vs. subspecialists.
Tom Hefner suggested that Study Two include international graduates, not just graduates of U.S. medical schools. He said that in Braxton Co. some physicians who were educated in other countries have stayed for many years and their children are now attending our medical schools. Other committee members agreed with his comments.
2007 WVU PLACEMENT REPORT
Elaine Mason discussed her annual report on career guidance and assistance provided to WVU residents and fellows. Of the 117 residents/fellows she assisted, 62 (53%) are staying in West Virginia, 54 (46%) are going out of state, and 1 is unknown. She announced that the West Virginia Job Fair she coordinates is scheduled for October 8th (residents, fellows, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) and October 9th (health professions students).
ROUND THE TABLE
Anna Reno said that 28 people participated in the community health forum held in Parkersburg. It was one of 7 forums sponsored by the WV Rural Health Association, and held with help from RHEP and AHEC staff. She said that Minnie Hamilton has hired a new pediatrician and a new ER physician in Gilmer Co. The Ritchie Co. primary care center is opening a satellite in Doddridge Co.
Dave Brown said that the Northern Greenbrier clinic at Williamsburg has hired a DO resident who got offers from many places. The clinic has also incorporated the Brownings (husband and wife physician team in Hillsboro) into its practice.
The meeting was adjourned.