MARR Coalition and Wayne State University School of Medicine Join Forces to Preserve Michigan’s Antibiotic Lifeline

MARR and Wayne State University School of Medicine have developed a new, CME-accredited (continuing medical education) educational program designed to promote appropriate management of upper respiratory infections. Healthcare professionals can access each of the three one-hour modules and obtain CME credits until December 31, 2011.

“Wayne State University School of Medicine is pleased to be part of this effort to educate physicians on appropriate antibiotic use,” said David Pieper, Assistant Dean, CME Wayne State University School of Medicine, Executive Director, Southeast Michigan Center for Medical Education, “It is very much in tune with our mission to provide the medical resources needed to improve the overall health of the community.”

Specifically designed for Michigan primary care practitioners, including physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, the presentation includes information about antibiotic resistance, treatment guidelines for upper respiratory infections (URIs), and strategies to improve patient satisfaction when antibiotics are requested but not necessary for the treatment of the illness. It also provides useful advice on how to establish effective practice protocols that improve patient outcomes by setting reasonable expectations for URI treatment and management.

The webinar is presented by members of the MARR Coalition, including Stephen Lerner, MD, Professor of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases; Mohamad Fakih, MD, Medical Director, Infection Control, St. John Hospital and Medical Center; and Marla Rowe Gorosh, MD, Senior Staff, Family Medicine, Organizational Development, Henry Ford Health Systems. David Pieper and MARR Coalition Executive Director, Jane Finn, provided additional support and content development.

Healthcare practitioners nationwide are also invited to participate through MARR’s partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Michigan Osteopathic Association will provide CME accreditation.

 “This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Michigan Antibiotic Resistance Reduction Coalition (MARR). 

The Wayne State University School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.  The Wayne State University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category I Credits™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.”

The Michigan Osteopathic Association is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to sponsor continuing medical education. The Michigan Osteopathic Association designates this program for 3 hours of AOA Category 2-A CME credit.

The MARR Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving our antibiotic lifeline through education, research and collaborative partnerships. MARR is affiliated with the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI).

For more information about the web-cast, please contact Jane Finn, MARR Coalition Executive Director, via e-mail at jane@mi-marr.org.