Frequently Asked Questions and Resources to Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dues
The AOAO Board of Directors plans to continue with our mission and strategic plan, but recognize that that even as states are starting to re-open in phases, our members continue to face reduced surgery schedules and financial challenges as a result of the shut downs of this spring. We are here to work with you. While we will continue with our schedule for sending notices about dues renewal, we have a mechanism with which you may request leniency with regards to your AOAO member dues. Simply write to info@aoao.org and let us know how we can help you during this time. We will respond by email, or call, within 2 business days.
Education/CME
Will any of the content from the AOAO Annual Spring Meeting be made available?
The AOAO CME Committee has been working on incorporating lectures from the Annual Spring Meeting into either the 2020 Annual Fall Meeting or the 2021 Annual Spring Meeting.
Will the Annual Fall Meeting take place as scheduled at the Marriott Downtown in Austin, TX?
The Annual Fall Meeting moderators are currently developing their sessions to provide members with quality educational lectures. While the meeting is still scheduled to take place in Austin, the AOAO leadership is monitoring CDC guidelines and the Texas state plan for re-opening on a daily basis. We are also looking at ways to accommodate all members – those who wish to see colleagues face to face and those who would feel more comfortable remaining at home. We will release up dates as soon as we have them available.
Will any of the future meetings be offered through a virtual format?
The AOAO CME Committee will be researching the option of offering virtual CME education in the future. There are many factors involved in offering such an activity. Any decisions made in this regard will be announced to members as soon as possible.
How will my meeting attendance requirements be affected by possible changes to future AOAO meetings?
Members who were due to attend the 2020 Annual Spring Meeting automatically received an extension to attend next year’s meeting. The AOAO leadership is looking into ways to accommodate members due to attend the 2020 Annual Fall Meeting who may have travel restrictions in place at that time or may be considered at risk to travel.
Will the Skills Lab be rescheduled?
The AOAO CME Committee is looking into venue options to offer the Skills Lab in conjunction with the 2021 Annual Spring Meeting, to be held at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT.
I need CME to fulfill my state requirements and for certification, how can I make up the lost credits?
The AOAO CME Committee is working towards offering content that will assist members with maintaining CME activity. We recommend you contact your state’s medical board directly to see if they are offering a waiver or special consideration for this year’s CME requirements. Questions regarding CME requirements as required for Osteopathic Continuous Certification may be directed to the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery at (312) 202-8208.
Resources
The opinions of those listed below are their own and not those of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO). AOAO strongly recommends that you perform your own independent research for the purpose of vetting the organizations listed below and any action you take is strictly at your own risk. AOAO will not be liable for any losses/damages in connection with your use of this information.
Physician Wellness
DO Starts Volunteer Mental Health Support Line for Fellow Physicians
Physician Support Line
(888) 409-0141
Legal
Michael R. Slovis
CUNNINGHAM, MEYER & VEDRINE
1 East Wacker
Suite 2200
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 578-8804 – direct dial
(312) 578-0247 – fax
mslovis@CMVLaw.com
Financial
Eliot Sokalsky
Doctors Asset Group
Financial Advisor
P. 239-561-2900
M. 610-217-5077
F. 239-210-9248
esokalsky@doctorsassetgroup.com
David Mandell
OJM Group
P. 877-656-4362
F. 866-913-4911
David@ojmgroup.com
Webinars
What the COVID-19 Stimulus Package (CARES Act) Means to You
Carole C. Foos, CPA, will discuss some of the details of the new CARES Act that will be pertinent to you as an individual taxpayer and as an owner of a medical practice or business. Discussion points will include:
- The new tax filing and payment deadline
- Payment Protection Program and forgivable loans
- Individual Rebates
- EIDL loans
- New Retirement Plan options for 2020
Your Personal Finances During the COVID-19 Crisis: Five Actions to Take Now
In this presentation, David Mandell will outline five concrete actions one can take now to improve one’s personal and family finances today and for the future. He presents a historic perspective on previous stock market downturns and discusses the importance of working with a financial advisor and adhering to a long-term financial plan.
Financial Steps to Take Now to Overcome a COVID-19 Business Downturn
Carole Foos provides practical tips for practices which have shut down or are operating at minimal capacity. Her discussion will include tips about dealing with employees, vendors, and landlords, and what to be asking advisors such as insurance agents, bankers, and accountants – all with the goal of keeping the practice as financially healthy as possible during this turbulent time.