The Worcester District Medical Society Alliance (WDMSA), founded in
1948, is an organization committed to the health and wellbeing of our
community. The WDMSA has a longstanding history of collaboration with
the Worcester District Medical Society (WDMS) in pioneering health
initiatives. Our efforts have included participation in a poliomyelitis
immunization program in 1963 and assisting in the implementation of sex
education and bullying prevention programs. In 1997 our collaborative
efforts continued with designing an immunization magnet board in
English, Spanish and Vietnamese that was distributed to new mothers
increasing childhood immunization. TheWDMSA has supported outreach programs, health fairs, and for the
last two years has collaborated with the WDMS, the Worcester Department
of Public Health, and the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS)
establishing an influenza immunization project. Since 1959, the
Worcester District Medical Society and the WDMSA Nursing Scholarship
Program has awarded 160 scholarships. In 2005, the WDMSA piloted the
Pedometer Research Project in partnership with the Elm Park Community,
and continue our efforts.
| WDMS Alliance Officers |
| President: |
Francine Vakil |
| Vice-President: |
Martha Pike |
| Secretary: |
Neena Patwardhan |
| Treasurer: |
Zenie Popkin |
| Co-Treasurer: |
Sheila Massarelli |
The Alliance focuses its efforts on three major
areas:
Health Promotion
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At Health Fairs, we provide a vast array of
literature, bookmarks, stickers, key chains, coloring books, posters
and more. All materials are provided and printed by the AMAA or MMSA.
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In a partnership with a community school, we
provide pedometers and a program of nutrition and exercise for school
children.
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Our own “Soapy” costume is available to teach
preschool children the importance of hand washing to prevent the
spread of germs/illnesses.
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We collaborated with the WDMS, the Worcester
Department of Health and others to facilitate Community Immunity Day.
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Fundraising for our own Nursing Scholarship has
provided assistance to local nursing students of BSN programs. Our
committee chooses the recipient based on scholastic achievement,
community service and their essay. Beginning in 2009 we will be
awarding a second category of scholarship for graduate nursing
students.
Legislation
Family of Medicine
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Doctor’s Day is a national day of recognition. We
celebrate by recognizing the contributions of physicians on March
30th.
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Open your doors and host a medical student,
resident or fellow in your home during their interviews.
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We serve as WDMS and MMS Committee Liaisons,
representing the Alliance as voting members of Worcester District
Medial Society and
Massachusetts Medical Society committees.
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Social activities abound with book clubs, potluck
dinners, local speakers and participation in events with the WDMS.
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Friendships are formed as we work together for a
common cause: our commitment to advancing the health and well-being of
our community.
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