SEPTEMBER EDITION, VOLUME 2014, NO. 9
2014 FMA Annual Meeting – Your President’s Perspective By Alfredo Paredes, M.D., President, CMS Board of Governors
Capital Medical Society sent another full delegation to the 2014 FMA Annual Meeting. We were fortunate to have a mix of seasoned delegates and a number of new delegates join this year. All were prepared for the Annual Meeting by reviewing over 30 resolutions in advance. We actively participated in the Northwest Florida Caucus meetings, spoke about resolutions before Reference Committees, and spoke on issues during the House of Delegates in Orlando. It was important to see the commitment of our delegation as the practice of medicine is being attacked on so many fronts. Our CMS members have a real impact on the state level. Dr. Mike Forsthoefel served on Reference Committee II, Finance and Administration, and Dr. Christie Alexander served on Reference Committee III, Legislation. These Reference Committees influence the strength of individual resolutions going forward, some of which make it to the legislature for enactment. Capital Medical Society gets respect from other Florida medical societies given our location in the heart of state government. We have an unfair advantage being inside the Capital, but also an obligation to show up polished, professional, and well-informed at the FMA Annual Meeting. Our delegation was vocal and convincing in testimony offered throughout the meeting. The Northwest Florida Caucus met at 6:00 a.m. on July 26th and 27th. These meetings helped us connect with our colleagues from Bays, Santa Rosa, and Escambia County Medical Societies. This was Bays turn to chair the caucus. Bays Medical Society had fine-tuned an online grid that gave all three medical societies the opportunity to review each other’s comments on the resolutions in advance of the Annual Meeting. It was incredibly helpful and saved time in reviewing the 30+ resolutions that had been sent forward. We also had CMS members who were representing their specialty societies join us for our caucus meetings and a joint caucus dinner. This was a great opportunity for the new delegates to be mentored by and network with those who have been involved in organized medicine for many years. Dr. Alma Littles was especially proud to be joined by several of her former students and residents serving on this year’s delegation.
Dr. Littles and “her kids” (l-r: Dr. Hillary Hulstrand, wife of Dr. Victor Hulstrand, FSU COM Class of 2006; Dr. Christie Alexander, FSU COM Inaugural Class of 2005; and Dr. Hugh VanLandingham, one of her chief residents when she was the TMH Family Medicine Residency Director) all now serving as FMA delegates!
Although not supported by the House of Delegates, Capital Medical Society did send forward Resolution 14-309 Limiting Medical Liability Insurance Profits. Dr. Forsthoefel spoke before the House of Delegates on the issue. Dr. David E. Winchester, son of Dr. Gary Winchester, sent forward Resolution 14-113 A Pilot Program to Encourage Expansion of Postgraduate Training Programs in Community Hospitals. The resolution was supported by the House of Delegates. Currently Florida does not have enough residency slots for the number of medical students graduating each year in Florida. Three CMS Members were elected to serve on the 201415 FMA Board of Governors at the FMA Annual Meeting. Congratulations!
John Katopodis, M.D. – Secretary
David Stewart, M.D. - Medical Specialties
Andrew Borom, M.D. - Surgical Specialties
CAP SCAN - A CAPITAL MEDICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATION
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