Activities
Policy
Zumbro Valley Medical Society (ZVMS) encourages physicians and physicians in training to use their experience, commitment, and dedication to their patients’ health to advocate for policies that improve health, health care, and the practice of medicine. ZVMS regularly provides physician advocates a platform to advocate for change in health care access. ZVMS has helped pass county ordinances restricting tobacco use and sales and is currently working to address structural racism in health care within Olmsted County.
In advocating for patients, communities, and the profession of medicine, ZVMS provides opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and connections towards creating change at the state and local levels.
ZVMS members join Minnesota Medical Association’s Day at the Capitol to meet with state representatives to educate them on legislative priorities.
ZVMS helped passed Tobacco 21 in April 2019 and Smoke-Free Restaurants and Workplace Ordinances prior to that.
In its legislative committee, members discuss legislative actions and draft advocacy strategies.
ZVMS has also held advocacy workshops to train participants to use their voices and experiences.
Community and Public Health
Zumbro Valley Medical Society (ZVMS) invites physicians and physicians in training to become involved in community efforts to improve the health and health care of Southeast Minnesota. ZVMS continually seeks ways to collaborate with others to amplify our impact.
ZVMS has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, including collecting and distributing cloth masks, identifying volunteer opportunities for medical students, and raising funds for organizations serving people experiencing homelessness.
ZVMS has organized presentations to supplement the training of medical students. Topics have included: responding to inflight-medical emergencies, reversing opioid overdoses with naloxone, using organized medicine to advocate for change, and recognizing the signs of sexual exploitation.
ZVMS has been a co-organizer of Bounce Day, a community-wide disaster preparedness simulation.
ZVMS co-created Community Reflections on Living and Dying, a month-long series of events to encourage people to reflect on and talk about beliefs and experiences related to living and dying.
Professional Collaboration
Zumbro Valley Medical Society (ZVMS) provides opportunities for physicians and physicians in training to connect with others at the local, state, and national levels. ZVMS has co-hosted local events in partnership with the Minnesota Medical Association and with national leaders in medicine. ZVMS has also convened events that bring together community groups and medical professionals.
In January 2020, ZVMS welcomed back Mayo Clinic-trained AMA President-elect Susan Bailey, MD, to Rochester for a three-day visit, which included her keynote address at the ZVMS annual meeting and a visit to Mayo Clinic Laboratories, a site that has played a key role in Minnesota’s response to combat COVID-19. Dr. Baily is currently working to ensure all providers have access to Personal Protective Equipment. (Watch Dr. Bailey’s inauguration address as AMA President here.)
In August 2019, twelve ZVMS members discussed immunizations efforts with the U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Jerome Adams, MD, during his visit to the Mayo Clinic. Surgeon General also had an opportunity to meet with physicians in training and discuss local initiatives to address the social determinants of health.
ZVMS had the honor to host Dr. Patrice Harris, the first Black woman to serve as the American Medical Association (AMA)’s President during a three day visit. At the time of Dr. Harris’ visit in January 2019, she was President Elect and Chair of the AMA’s Opioid Task Force. Her visit was filled with many memorable events including meetings with medical students and residents, a keynote address to our members, and a local news appearance to discuss the opioid crisis. During Dr. Harris’ year as AMA President, she remained focused on the opioid crisis, mental health access, and addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Harris summarized her unprecedented year during her final address during a special meeting of the AMA’s House of Delegates.
