keynote speakers announced for upcoming mma annual meeting

The Montana Medical Association (MMA) today announced that Janis Orlowski, MD, MACP, Chief Health Officer at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and Brock A. Slabach, MPH, FACHE, Senior Vice President for Member Services with the National Rural Health Care Association will be the keynote speakers at its upcoming Annual Meeting held virtually from September 17-18, 2021. MMA President Pamela V. Cutler, M.D., will be the honored host of the historic event, held annually since 1879.

This year’s meeting theme is “Better Teams. Better Care.” to drive action on the build of a delivery system that meets Montana’s rural health care needs and recognize the medical leaders who are shattering care barriers. A shift to a virtual platform will allow physicians to attend a variety of impactful sessions from the comfort of their home or office while reducing the potential for the spread of COVID-19 as cases continue to climb in Montana.

Meeting registrants will attend an education forum where Dr. Orlowski will speak on a recent AAMC report on physician supply and demand and advancing telehealth efforts. The education panel will feature representatives from the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Montana, Rocky Vista University’s Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine, the University of Washington School of Medicine, and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Participants will also attend a session on innovations in rural care led by Dr. Slabach.

President Cutler will recognize long-term MMA members, 50-year practicing physicians in Montana and present the Award of Merit and Doctor Jack McMahon Service to Physicians Award during the President’s Leadership Celebration.

Association business items will be reviewed by the MMA Board of Trustees on September 18, including the election of MMA officers and Executive Committee members. After elections, President Cutler will pass the gavel to incoming MMA President Carley C. Robertson, M.D. Participants of the 2021 Healthcare Excellence in Leadership Program will be graduating and honored for their achievements.

An overview of the event agenda and registration can be found at mmaoffice.org. The event is open to both MMA members and non-members in the health care arena. The MMA appreciates event sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, Allegiance Benefit Plan Management, Allegra Marketing, Montana Health Network/Fringe Benefit Resources, and Garlington, Lohn & Robinson.

For more information or to provide sponsorship at the upcoming meeting, contact the MMA Executive Office at mma@mmaoffice.org or (406) 443-4000.