FSMB launches new series of videos that highlight issues impacting state medical boards

The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) has launched a new series of videos featuring interviews with health care leaders about issues impacting state medical boards and their mission of protecting the public.

According to FSMB CEO Humayun Chaudhry, DO, MACP, the series, titled "FSMB Spotlight," will educate health care providers, state and federal officials and the public about the work of state medical boards in protecting the public.

"The series will feature conversations about health care - especially those with a nexus with state regulation of the nation's more than 900,000 physicians and 100,000 physician assistants," said Dr. Chaudhry, who will serve as host of the series.

In the series' inaugural interview, new FSMB Chair Art Hengerer, MD, FACS, discusses several issues he plans to focus attention on during his year in office, including:

• Increasing awareness among physicians of the opioid prescribing crisis and steps they can take to combat the problem;

• Educating various stakeholders about the FSMB's new "Model Guidelines for the Recommendation of Marijuana in Patient Care," which set forth standards for physicians choosing to incorporate the recommendation of marijuana in patient care and management; and

• Physician wellness and burnout as a patient safety issue of concern to state medical boards and consumers.

"We need to make sure physicians are aware of their own wellness," said Dr. Hengerer. "If they're not healthy and well, they can't do a good job taking care of their patients."

Throughout the year, FSMB Spotlight interviews will highlight various state and federal leaders, officials, and legislators along with FSMB partner organizations, state medical and osteopathic board members, and newsmakers.