Public Health
Population Health and Readmission Prevention
Isha Misra, M.D. MCMS Public Health Committee Co-Chair Hospital readmissions pose a significant challenge for the US healthcare system. Each year, about 3.8 million patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge, generating over $50 billion in hospital costs. Research demonstrates that about 27% of readmissions are potentially preventable. Preventable readmissions are indicative of gaps…
Read MoreHelp Expand Access to Specialty Care in Montgomery County
Farhana Arastu, MPP Programs and Public Policy Director, MCMS Thousands of Montgomery County residents face barriers to accessing specialty care due to limited insurance coverage, financial challenges, or lack of access to specialists. Physicians can make a meaningful difference by participating in one of several programs designed to connect patients with needed specialty services. Project…
Read MoreEnvironmental and Public Health Update: Navigating PFAS, Global Pathogens, and Local Action
Kisha N. Davis, MD, MPH, FAAFP Health Officer, Montgomery County, Maryland First, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Medical Society for honoring me with the Public Health Advocacy Award at the annual meeting. This recognition truly reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the health of all Montgomery County residents, and I am…
Read MoreMaryland’s Chronic Disease Benchmarks: Where the Gaps Are and What Physicians Can Do
Maryland’s 2026 State Health Improvement Plan sets specific, measurable targets for five priority health areas through 2029. The chronic disease section is the most directly relevant to day-to-day clinical practice, and the numbers reveal some significant gaps worth knowing. Cancer Screening Is Lagging Only 49.3% of Maryland adults ages 45-75 have received a recommended colorectal…
Read MoreJune is Pride Month: LGBTQ+ Healthcare Resources
LGBTQ+ Health Resources in Montgomery County: A Physician’s Guide Montgomery County has more LGBTQ+ residents per capita than most Maryland jurisdictions, but a 2024 report from the Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) found the County functions as a healthcare “desert” for transgender patients. Only three clinics offer any gender-affirming services, and none specializes exclusively in…
Read MoreHantavirus and the Andes Virus Outbreak
What Maryland Physicians Need to Know An active multi-country outbreak of Andes virus, the only hantavirus strain capable of person-to-person transmission, has prompted the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to begin monitoring two state residents following potential exposure. While confirmed cases remain far from Maryland and the risk to patients is considered very low, the…
Read MoreMaryland Commission on Public Health Listening Session
Physicians Encouraged to Participate in the Maryland Commission on Public Health Listening Session Maryland’s Commission on Public Health is holding a series of regional public listening sessions across the state. They are collecting information about the basic public health capabilities of state and local health departments and analyzing the state’s ability to respond to major…
Read MoreWUMCO Receives 2024 Webster Sewell MD Award
2024 Webster Sewell MD Award Recipient Profile: Western Upper Montgomery County Help, Inc. Presented by the Montgomery County Medical Society and the National Capital Physicians Foundation, this annual award is given to honor an individual or organization that is committed to providing greater access to health care for the people of the National Capital…
Read MoreMontgomery County Babies Born Healthy Program (BBH)
The Montgomery County Babies Born Healthy Program (BBH) is an Initiative Developed in Response to Montgomery County’s High Disparity in Infant Mortality Rates BBH is a comprehensive program that delivers evidenced based services to pregnant Black/ African American individuals. Potential clients who are Medicaid- eligible and reside in the areas of Silver Spring (White Oak,…
Read MoreNational Children’s Dental Health Month
February is just around the corner. This month kicks off National Children’s Dental Health Month, which is a month-long national health observance that brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others. Care for Kids, Montgomery County’s health…
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