2023 Annual Oration — The Science and Art of Making Medical Decisions
Wednesday, November 29, 2023, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. ET – Virtual Live Webinar
History of the Oration
The MMS Annual Oration dates back to 1804 when Dr. Isaac Rand delivered his dissertation entitled, On Phthisis Pulmonalis, and the Use of the Warm Bath. For more than 200 years, MMS orators have addressed a wide spectrum of topics germane to the
evolving practice of medicine.
About the Orator
John B. Wong, MD
Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center
Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine
To learn more about Dr. John B. Wong, click here.
Program Description
This is indeed the most exciting time to engage in clinical sciences. Sir William Osler described medicine as “a science of uncertainty and an art of probability.” Epidemiology and evidence alone cannot provide the answer to the “What should we do?” questions
that physicians face every day. Given uncertainty, trade-offs and values, how should patients, clinicians and policymakers decide among diagnostic and therapeutic choices to make optimal decisions? Medical interventions may have benefits but also
adverse effects. Clinical and health policy decisions necessitate weighing benefits and harms and trading off competing objectives. This oration will discuss integrating the science (evidence) and art (uncertainty and patient values) for optimal,
evidence-based efficient patient-centered care choices in the face of uncertainty.
Program Objectives
-
Assess, value, and weigh scientific evidence of benefits and harms in medical decisions
-
Integrate the role of uncertainty in testing and treatment decisions
-
Apply a systematic rational approach to patient-centered decision making
Program Fees:
Physician Member – $90
Physician Nonmember – $180
Allied Health Professional/Other – $75
Resident/Student – Free
*Click here for member educational voucher information
Accreditation Statement
The Massachusetts Medical Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA Credit Designation Statement
The Massachusetts Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
