Save the Date for AAHPM Courses
Mark your calendars now for the AAHPM Advanced Clinical Update Course in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Hospice Medical Director Course which will be held August 6-8, 2009 in Chicago, IL.

AAHPM Seeks Physician Advocate
In light of impending changes with healthcare policy with a new administration, the AAHPM Board of Directors has voted to increase its commitment to advocacy by employing a part-time (8-16 hours/week) Physician Advocate in 2009. The responsibilities of the Advocate will be to: assist the AAHPM Board in delineating policy options and formulating policy positions in reaction to legislative and regulatory challenges at the state and national levels; provide medical representation to legislative committees, members of Congress, the White House and Federal Agencies and other organizations to advance the interests of the AAHPM (in collaboration with the AAHPM advocacy representative); and serve as a liaison to the Public Policy Committee and help identify relevant legislative and regulatory concerns. To view a complete job description, click here. To be considered for the position, please submit a letter of interest and CV (no more than 8 pages) to resources@aahpm.org by Monday, January 19, 2009.

AAHPM Signs Letter to Oppose the US's Obstruction on Access to Opioids
AAHPM recently signed on to a letter to the U.S. Secretary of State and various other officials regarding the US's obstruction on access to opioid analgesics during the drug policy review process. The letter forms a basis to seek a more constructive U.S. position on opioid analgesic access during upcoming negotiations with the current administration, and could also serve as a starting point for seeking a dialogue with the new administration.

Palliative Care Designated as One of Six Key Focus Areas of National Priorities Partnership (NPP)
The NPP will focus on six priority areas, including access to palliative and hospice care for patients facing life-threatening illness. 

Hospice and Palliative Medicine Receives CMS Recognition
AAHPM recently received notification from CMS that the agency now recognizes Hospice and Palliative Medicine as a medical subspecialty. This new recognition will simplify and improve Medicare reimbursement. Click here for more details.

AAHPM 2007/2008 Progress Report
This report provides information on Academy initiatives, as well as updates on AAHPM's strategic goals.