Cloning, Opposition to Financial Incentives for Organ Donation Among Health Care Issues to be Discussed at AOA Meeting

6/21/2002

From: Mary Ann M. Pagaduan, 800-621-1773, ext. 8040 or 312-202-8040; or Mike Campea, 800-621-1773, ext. 8043 or 312-202-8043; both of AOA

CHICAGO, June 21 -- Today, approximately 79,600 people are waiting to receive an organ transplant. However, the demand for organs is often greater than the supply. Last year, over 6,000 people died while on the waiting list. That breaks down to about 16 people each day. In a few weeks, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) will discuss the issue of financial incentives for organ donors. The resolution being brought before the AOA's House of Delegates will recommend that the osteopathic medical profession oppose financial incentives and investigate other, more ethical, alternatives for increasing the number of organ donors.

During July 19-21, representatives of the nation's approximately 47,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) will convene at Chicago's Fairmont Hotel for the AOA's annual House of Delegates meeting. During this business meeting, organizational policies will be set; 2002-2003 officers will be elected; and Anthony Minissale, D.O., of York, Pa., will be installed as president.

Aside from the resolution opposing financial incentives for organ donations, the delegates will discuss several topics including:

-- The issue of cloning (reproductive cloning vs. therapeutic cloning) continues to be debated in the political and scientific worlds. Animal models of reproductive cloning have shown evidence of biological and physiological problems, while therapeutic cloning has a potential for better understanding a variety of diseases. Therapeutic cloning is the idea of repairing patients with their own cells. For instance, making a skin cell turn into heart cells to repair the heart.

The AOA will vote to adopt the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences on human cloning, which support therapeutic cloning.

-- The relationship between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry have been strained due to concerns about alleged unethical gifts to health care providers.

The AOA will vote to support the new PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals, which states that interactions between pharmaceutical representatives and healthcare professionals should be focused on providing product information as well as scientific and educational information.

-- The tragic events of last September have made Americans more aware of the importance of preparing for terrorism. Terrorists attacks occur without warning, catching everyone off-guard and in many cases, away from their families.

The AOA will vote to recommend that each family have a family disaster plan, including emergency contacts, identification of "meeting points," and a disaster supply kit.

-- With 61 percent of the American public considered overweight, obesity continues to pose a health problem for many. Chicago, the hometown of the AOA, is among one of the country's fattest cities, ranking number 2 behind Houston, Texas.

The AOA will vote to endorse continued curriculum enhancement for osteopathic students, interns, and residents to receive specific training in obesity education and approve continuing medical education on this topic for physicians.

-- There have been several instances of vaccine shortages in the past few years. The insufficient supply means that some people cannot get immunized, and it also means higher costs for the vaccines that are available. These high costs are passed on to the physicians, states, or even the patients.

The AOA will vote to develop ways that encourage more companies to produce vaccines and produce them in greater quantities.

The American Osteopathic Association represents approximately 47,000 osteopathic physicians, promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical colleges and health care facilities.

------ Advanced registration is not required but recommended. Media can check in and obtain badges in the press room, which will be operational Friday and Saturday. Those who have pre-registered will receive copies of proposed resolutions prior to the meeting. The AOA's public relations division can provide information on meeting activities and arrange interviews with D.O.s and AOA leaders. Fax registration forms to Mary Ann Pagaduan at 312-202-8340.