MetroWest Daily News: Mass. public health experts wary of increased cases of flu, RSV and COVID-19
December 30, 2022 – "Our level of concern has been elevated to the point at which we are compelled to share and recommend mitigation measures," said the Presidents of the MMS, Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics
Massachusetts Chapter.
To read the full Daily News story, click here.
Boston Herald: Boston-area COVID wastewater levels remain elevated ahead of Christmas, Massachusetts reports 10% jump in virus cases
December 22, 2022 – “With the holiday season here, the physicians of the Massachusetts Medical Society urge all individuals to exercise caution and make use of proven and effective preventive measures to remain safe," said MMS President Dr. Ted Calianos.
To read the full Boston Herald story, click here.
Boston.com: ‘Exercise caution’: Mass. Medical Society urges use of masks, vaccines for holidays
December 20, 2022 – The MMS is urging residents to “exercise caution” by using masks and ensuring they and their loved ones are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and flu shots headed into holiday gatherings.
To read the full Boston.com story, click here.
Salem News: State extends COVID-19 policy to deal with RSV
November 21, 2022 – The MMS and other state health groups issued a statement calling for more mitigation measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases that are "causing severe illness and stretching capacity in emergency departments and hospitals."
To read the full Salem News story, click here.
CommonWealth Magazine: Hoping to deliver at a Massachusetts birth center? Good luck
November 20, 2022 – "The Medical Society is concerned over the closure of birthing centers, including those that served to meet the cultural needs of those from underserved populations," said MMS President Dr. Theodore Calianos.
To read the full CommonWealth Magazine story, click here.
Boston.com: Heads of 3 Mass. medical associations call for public’s help battling RSV
November 17, 2022 – Citing an “unusual increase” in respiratory illness that has hospital and ER capacity stretched thin, three Massachusetts physician groups are calling on the public for help.
To read the full Boston.com story, click here.
WBUR: Mass. medical groups call for RSV mitigation measures
November 17, 2022 – Leaders of three statewide medical groups warned that physicians are dealing with a spike of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, particularly in children, "that is causing severe illness and stretching capacity in emergency departments
and hospitals."
To read the full WBUR story, click here.
NBC Boston: RSV cases in Massachusetts have medical groups calling for more mitigation
November 16, 2022 – An "unusual increase" in cases of a respiratory virus is ramping up pressure on the already-strained health care sector in Massachusetts, and Bay Staters should take steps including possible indoor masking to protect themselves, medical
experts said Wednesday.
To read the full NBC Boston story, click here.
Wicked Local: Flu season is upon us. Massachusetts medical experts answer your questions about vaccines.
October 10, 2022 – " We are right in the time when people should be getting vaccinated against the flu, and also, vaccines against COVID," said MMS President Dr. Theodore Calianos II.
To read the full Wicked Local story, click here.
STAT: Gender-affirming care should be embraced, not met with vitriol and bomb threats
September 23, 2022 – "Gender-affirming care means allowing young people to explore and define their gender identities at their own pace," wrote MMS Immediate Past President Dr. Carole Allen. "It is something one of my children, and our whole family, has
benefited from."
To read the full STAT story, click here.
CommonWealth Magazine: MMS president says pandemic ‘ripped the Band-Aid off’ health care inequities
September 21, 2022 – "The pandemic ripped the Band-Aid off a lot of inequities in the health care system, and a lot of things the Massachusetts Medical Society has worked feverishly for over the years became more acute," said MMS President Dr. Theodore
Calianos.
To read the full CommonWealth Magazine story, click here.
Boston Herald: Boston Children’s Hospital is target of bomb threat after ‘false information’ spreads about transgender care
August 31, 2022 – “We stand with the patients, families, caregivers, and the Boston Children's Hospital community in denouncing hate," MMS President Dr. Theodore Calianos II said in a statement earlier in August.
To read the full Boston Herald story, click here.
Boston Herald: Massachusetts reports 7,952 new COVID cases, doctors urge vaccines for students returning to school
August 25, 2022 – "Vaccines are safe and remain our most effective public health tool to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 and interruption of day-to-day learning," said the Presidents of the MMS, Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
and Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians.
To read the full Boston Herald story, click here.
Boston.com: ‘This is medical care’: Mayor Michelle Wu reacts to attacks on Boston Children’s Hospital over transgender care
August 19, 2022 – MMS President Dr. Theodore Calianos II said he supports all efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the harassment directed at Boston Children’s Hospital.
To read the full Boston.com story, click here.
Fierce Healthcare: Children's hospitals targeted in harassment campaigns over gender-affirming care for minors
August 18, 2022 – The Massachusetts Medical Society also released a statement condemning the attacks against Boston Children’s Hospital.
To read the full Fierce Healthcare story, click here.
CommonWealth Magazine: Here’s what Baker signed, amended, and vetoed
August 10, 2022 – MMS President Dr. Theodore Calianos II called the ConnectorCare subsidy program “an important resource that will allow more of our patients to have high-quality insurance while reducing out-of-pocket costs at a time in which so many
individuals and families need help.”
To read the full CommonWealth Magazine story, click here.
NBC Boston: Massachusetts shifts monkeypox vaccine strategy due to limited supply
August 5, 2022 – "They’re trying to get everyone their first dose and then hold on giving automatic second doses," said MMS President Dr. Theodore Calianos II. "I think the focus appropriately so is now in getting those populations most affected their
first dose of vaccine."
To read the full NBC Boston story, click here.
Boston Herald: Massachusetts reports 9,646 new COVID cases: BA.5 variant is ‘concerning because it can cause reinfection’ rise
August 4, 2022 – "The recent uptick in infections and positivity rate driven by the BA.5 Omicron subvariant is concerning because it can cause reinfection in those who have been previously infected with COVID-19 and those who have not had a recent booster,"
said MMS President Dr. Theodore Calianos II.
To read the full Boston Herald story, click here.
State House News Service: State to expand taxpayer-subsidized health coverage
August 2, 2022 – MMS President Dr. Theodore Calianos II said the changes will "allow more of our patients to have high-quality insurance while reducing out-of-pocket costs at a time in which so many individuals and families need help."
To read the full State House News Service article, click here.
Eagle-Tribune: Advocates push to expand state subsidized health plan
July 23, 2022 – "We believe that all people have the right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health and health care and this program is a critical component toward ensuring that is a reality," said MMS President Dr. Theodore Calianos II.
To read the full Eagle-Tribune story, click here.
Berkshire Eagle: Stockbridge physician honored by Mass. Medical Society
June 23, 2022 – Dr. Stephen Wittenberg, of Stockbridge, has been honored by the Massachusetts Medical Society as the 2022 recipient of its Senior Volunteer Physician of the Year Award.
To read the full Berkshire Eagle story, click here.
Cape Cod Times: Cape plastic surgeon named new president of Massachusetts Medical Society
June 7, 2022 – "The big issues will be the ongoing pandemic, COVID-19, as well as issues with workforce shortages in health care and sustainability of practices," said MMS President Dr. Theodore Calianos, II.
To read the full Cape Cod Times story, click here.
Eagle-Tribune: Ban on religious vaccine exemptions moves ahead
May 31, 2022 – "During the past couple years, we have witnessed the role that effective and safe vaccines play in reducing the spread of diseases that cause severe complications and disrupt day-to-day functionality in many settings, including schools,"
said MMS President Dr. Ted Calianos.
To read the full Eagle-Tribune story, click here.
Provincetown Banner: Physician with Outer Cape Health Services lauded for LGBTQ health initiatives
May 25, 2022 – Dr. Andrew Jorgensen is the chief medical officer for Outer Cape Health Services in Provincetown, Wellfleet and Harwich Port. He was presented with the 2022 LGBTQ Health Award by the Massachusetts Medical Society on May 16.
To read the full Provincetown Banner story, click here.
Boston Herald: Massachusetts COVID cases jump 25% over the weekend, doctors urge caution as infections rise
May 16, 2022 – "We urge those who are at high risk to limit their exposure to others," said MMS President Dr. Carole Allen. "We know doing so can be a tough decision to make when planning for graduations, parties, vacation, and other seasonal events."
To read the full Boston Herald story, click here.
Boston.com: COVID ‘is still with us’: Mass. Medical Society urges caution amid rising cases
May 16, 2022 – The Massachusetts Medical Society is urging residents to be cautious and use preventative measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 as cases in the state continue to rise.
To read the full Boston.com story, click here.
Gloucester Daily Times: Counties on high alert as COVID-19 surges
May 16, 2022 – The surge is prompting groups such as the Massachusetts Medical Society to recommend that people who are at higher risk of infection limit their exposure to others and masking for indoor gatherings, regardless of a person’s vaccination
status.
To read the full Gloucester Daily Times story, click here.
Boston Herald: Massachusetts parents facing baby formula shortages: ‘This is a dilemma for families’
May 11, 2022 – "This is a dilemma for families, there’s no question about that," said MMS President Dr. Carole Allen, who urged families to not hoard baby formula to make sure enough can go around the community. She also stressed it’s critical that parents
do not dilute formula.
To read the full Boston Herald story, click here.
Herald News: This SouthCoast doctor is being honored for his work during the COVID pandemic
May 9, 2022 – The MMS announced last week that it had selected Dr. Daniel Sousa, a pulmonologist and critical care physician with SouthCoast Health, as the Bristol South District Medical Society’s 2022 Community Clinician of the Year.
To read the full Herald News story, click here.
Boston.com: Three Mass. physicians groups denounced possible changes to abortion protections
May 5, 2022 – The MMS, Massachusetts Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians in a joint statement emphasized that the organizations support protecting access to abortion.
To read the full Boston.com story, click here.
Boston.com: Here’s who the Mass. Medical Society says should keep masking on public transit
April 22, 2022 – MMS President Dr. Carole Allen said in a statement that she and her colleagues at the Society "strongly recommend" all individuals who are either at high risk for COVID-19 or living with a person who is at increased risk keep masking
in all indoor settings.
To read the full Boston.com story, click here.
Salem News: Baker testifies for health care delivery plan
April 11, 2022 – MMS President Dr. Carole Allen welcomed Gov. Baker’s renewed push to require insurers and providers to spend more money on primary and behavioral health services.
To read the full Salem News story, click here.
Boston Globe: Telehealth reimbursement rules pit insurers against doctors
April 11, 2022 – “(Delays in releasing telehealth coverage regulations) makes it much more difficult at a practice level to make sure you are getting care to people in the way that they need it,” said Dr. Chris Garofalo, Chair of the MMS Committee on
the Sustainability of Private Practice.
To read the full Boston Globe article, click here.
Boston Business Journal: Battling burnout: Health care providers strive to reduce workplace stress
April 7, 2022 – "From the public’s standpoint, the pandemic has calmed down," said MMS Past President Dr. Maryanne Bombaugh. "But from the health-care system’s standpoint, it hasn’t calmed down. People are still working under incredibly difficult conditions."
To read the full Boston Business Journal story, click here.
WGBH: Doctors say it's time to end ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men
March 24, 2022 – "There are people with either acute bleeding or who have chronic diseases like sickle cell anemia or cancer or chronic anemia who need blood, and who may be adversely affected now," said MMS President Dr. Carole Allen.
To read the full WGBH article, click here.
Boston Globe: State physicians urge FDA to ease restrictions on blood donation by gay, bisexual men
March 23, 2022 – The MMS and The Fenway Institute are urging the FDA to further ease restrictions on blood donations by gay and bisexual men, calling the practice both discriminatory and problematic amid a national blood shortage.
To read the full Boston Globe article, click here.
Boston Herald: Massachusetts doctors join push for end of blood donation ban for gay and bisexual men
March 23, 2022 – The MMS and The Fenway Institute on Wednesday called on the FDA to end its 90-day blood donor deferral policy for men who have sex with men.
To read the full Boston Herald story, click here.
Boston Globe: Mass. loosens recommendation on indoor masking
February 15, 2022 – MMS President Dr. Carole Allen said there’s reason for optimism but stressed that it’s "not time to declare victory" over the virus.
To read the full Boston Globe article, click here.
State House News Service: Mass. Gov. Baker signs $101 million COVID bill
February 14, 2022 – The Massachusetts Medical Society applauded Baker's signature of the supplemental budget, praising in particular "the focus on health equity throughout the law."
To read the full State House News Service article, click here.
MedPage Today: Racist protest 'threatened' patient care, Massachusetts Medical Society says
February 11, 2021 – MMS President Dr. Carole Allen called what happened outside Brigham and Women's Hospital "appalling" and "frightening," and said that the medical society "absolutely had to speak out."
To read the full MedPage Today story, click here.
WBUR: Mass. will stop requiring masks in public schools. It's an uneasy milestone for many
February 10, 2022 – In a statement published Wednesday, MMS President Dr. Carole Allen said "cautiously relaxing in-school masking mandates... is appropriate," as long as officials stand ready to reinstate them should the virus start surging again.
To read the full WBUR story, click here.
Cape Cod Times: Parents embrace lifting school mask mandate; educators urge caution about timing
February 10, 2022 – MMS President Dr. Carole Allen urged caution in relaxing in-school mask mandates and asked that people respect those who need to continue wearing facial coverings.
To read the full Cape Cod Times story, click here.
Boston.com: What the Mass. Medical Society said about ending the school mask mandate
February 9, 2022 – "We must watch local metrics closely and be prepared to swiftly reinstate all proven preventive measures if the number of positive cases spike in a school or community," said MMS President Dr. Carole Allen.
To read the full Boston.com story, click here.
Medscape: Students lead reform when it comes to med school racial inequity
January 7, 2022 – Partnerships to address inequities on a statewide scale are in full swing in Massachusetts. There, four medical schools are joining forces with the state's Department of Public Health and the MMS to address inequities.
To read the full Medscape story, click here.
