Allegheny County Medical Society Issues Statement on Allegheny County’s Proposed 18-Week Paid Parental Leave Policy
The recently proposed 18-week paid parental leave policy in Allegheny County has received much attention, with many recognizing the direct connection between parental leave and healthier families, stronger workplaces, and better long-term public health outcomes. In its statement, ACMS highlighted that adequate parental leave improves maternal and infant health, strengthens family bonding, and supports workforce […]
Have an Idea for Change in Medicine? Write a PAMED Resolution.
Every year, physicians across Pennsylvania have the opportunity to directly shape organized medicine and healthcare policy through the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) House of Delegates. And often, it starts with one physician asking: “Why are we doing it this way?” Or: “Could this be improved?” One of the most impactful ways ACMS members can help […]
At a Crossroads: Why Physician Unionization is Gaining Momentum
By: Vint Blackburn, MD – Chair of the ACMS Delegation to PAMED & Member of the ACMS Advocacy Task Force To unionize or not to unionize? This seems to be a significant question among doctors these days, especially those working in large corporate medical centers. At the Allegheny County Medical Society, as part of the […]
From Caregiver to Cancer Specialist: Dr. Prerna Mewawalla’s Mission to Advance Blood Cancer Care
Prerna Mewawalla, MD, serves as Director of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy within the Division of Hematology and Cellular Therapy at Allegheny Health Network, specializing in hematology and cellular therapy and making a profound impact on patients facing complex blood disorders such as multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. When she began medical school, she intended […]
National Healthcare Decisions Day: What Patients Should Know About Advance Directives
April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a day physicians dedicate to encouraging people to create an advance directive, a document that outlines medical procedure preferences in scenarios where a patient is incapable of making the decision. Several years ago, the Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS) and the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA) collaborated to […]
Mpox Cases Rising in Allegheny County: What Physicians and Patients Should Know
By: Jen Fiddner, MPH, CIC, Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Jillian Irwin, MD, MPH, Medical Director The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has identified an increase in locally acquired clade II mpox infections among county residents. Nine infections have been reported in Allegheny County between January 1 and March 30, 2026. Only six infections were reported […]
Two ACMS Physicians Receive Prestigious Honors for Medical Excellence
This month is rich with health awareness efforts from Heart Month to National Kidney Month, spotlighting the importance of prevention, education, and community health. No surprise that two Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS) members were recognized with awards, noting their accomplishments and contributions to the Western Pennsylvania medical community: Dr. Stanley Marks, Chairman of the […]
AMA National Advocacy Conference Recap
By Sara Hussey, MBA, CAE Washington, DC | February 23–25, 2026 In late February, I joined physician leaders from across the country in Washington, DC for the American Medical Association National Advocacy Conference (NAC). The conference brings together organized medicine to share frontline experiences, strengthen advocacy skills, and elevate physician voices on policies that protect […]
Creative Voices in Medicine – Dr. Najya A. Williams
Creation Story By Najya A. Williams, MD – Family Medicine PGY-1 Our annual photo contest has long been a popular tradition and a great way for physicians to share their creative side. With that spirit in mind, the ACMS Bulletin is introducing a new section dedicated to highlighting the artistic talents of our members. As […]
Protecting Safe Access to Medical Care in Allegheny County
Update (March 2026): On March 10, 2026, Allegheny County Council passed an ordinance limiting cooperation between county employees and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The measure restricts the use of county resources for federal immigration enforcement activities, except where required by law or court order, reinforcing that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. While […]