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Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is time for Farewells and Goodbyes. As founding Editor of the Southeastern Newsletter, I am proud of our twelve years of growth and success. It has been a labor of love and I will of course miss it and you all. But the best is yet to come. Our five newsletter staffers over the years have all made improvements and I expect the Newsletter will continue to evolve and improve. We have published guest editorials and articles from some of you as essays for the “Business Corner” and “Beyond the Stethoscope.” I thank you all that have been contributors. The Newsletter is in great hands with Dr Shawn Jones, our next Editor, of Kentucky who has important life experience, superb writing skills, wide travels and high intelligence. You can read more about Dr. Jones here.
The AMA Interim meeting was in Hawaii and might be our last there, but, on the other hand, might not be, given our current restriction in venues. The State of Hawaii and the local hotel industry helps to subsidize our local meeting and hotel costs, but NOT the general costs for our local states and societies sending delegates.
The meeting was held with good tone, although several controversial issues were ultimately referred back to the AMA Board or Council for further input and study. Since both Drs. Sue Bailey and Gerry Harmon served as president in COVID shutdown days, there was a special reception for them and their families on the ocean side Great Lawn of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This provided all attendees an opportunity for some fun, personal greeting, and friendship.
For about four years we have been working with the Puerto Rico Medical Association, particularly our own Dr. Bill Clark from Georgia, to both strengthen them internally and to strengthening their ties to the SED. Dr. Yussef Galib Frangie Fiol made his maiden AMA speech as he successfully proposed AMA help the Territory with its Medicare and Medicaid programs, which are historically underfunded compared to the rest of the country, despite about 75% of their general population dependent on government sponsored health care coverage and systems; he also achieved AMA help for the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.
Dr. Madera and the AMA officers continued their celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the AMA, emphasizing success in the long-term goals of Chronic Disease Management, Physician Satisfaction and Development, Medical Education Reform, and Patient Care with Equity. The AMA also views the meeting as promoting or highlighting Private Equity impact on Medical Education and Patient Care, a new Task Force to Study Gun Violence and Safety, use of the Opioid Settlement funding of projects, Pulse Ox technology, Athletes and Medical Care, removing genetics from Medical School applications, Health Effects of Green House Gasses, and Scope of Practice creep.
We at the SED would emphasize Reimbursement Policies of the Insurance Industry, Medicare Reimbursement and Reform, and the protection from the criminalization of normal medical care and procedures. See the Report of the SED Resolutions Committee chaired by Dr Chris Gribbin of New Jersey.
The Southeastern Breakfast Monday morning was highlighted by comments from two AMA Staffers: Todd Askew, Senior Vice President for Advocacy, who reviewed recent US election results and progress on Medicare Care Reform and reversal of proposed Medicare cuts in DC, and Roger Brown, PhD, retiring as long time chief staff of the AMA House of Delegates Office, who has patiently assisted and educated SED leadership for many years, for a wave from the floor and our applause. John Poole, MD, Chair also offered me a few minutes for “goodbye” comments.
Happy Holidays and stay safe,
John Poole, MD, Chair (NJ)
Clay Hays, MD, Chair-elect (MS)
Alan Wilson, MD, Vice-Chair (AR)
Claudette Dalton, MD, Immediate Past Chair (VA)
Stephen Imbeau, MD, SED Newsletter Editor (SC)
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