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Passing of the Gavel
Ann Goetcheus Gehl, MD
As my year as president comes to an end, I am optimistic about the future of Pierce County Medical Society and proud to be the first female president in almost twenty years. With our Executive Director, we plunged into complex real-estate transactions with the divesting of the PCMS building. We are on the brink of shoring up the future for our members and the organization. This achievement would not have been possible without my peers on the Board of Trustees. While there is more strategic work to do, we are on our way to PCMS 2.0.
At the board table, the impact of COVID-19 is a frequent topic of conversation. When I was installed as PCMS President, Phase 1A of the vaccine rollout was moving to Phase 1B. Currently, everyone five years and older is eligible to receive this life-saving vaccine and as a mother of two young girls, I am excited about the prospect that they may be able to receive their first COVID-19 vaccine!
Even though vaccine rates are climbing, we are still far from our goal. In response, we have partnered with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to create Rx Vax, which provides tools and resources to inspire your patients to get the COVID-19 vaccine and increase our vaccination rate. It is a valuable asset for all providers, whether you’re a surgeon, anesthesiologist, rheumatologist, dermatologist, or a family medicine doctor. A recommendation from one’s healthcare provider is among the top reasons people give for choosing to get vaccinated.
I am ecstatic to pass the virtual gavel to president-elect, Dr. Dina Titova of MultiCare Rheumatology Specialists. She will be the fifth female president in PCMS history and will lead the organization to new heights.
As a result of my term as president, may others that are underrepresented in medicine also feel inspired to take on leadership roles. My fervent hope is that PCMS will continue to successfully advocate on behalf of our medical community. It has been my honor to serve as your president and I thank you for the opportunity.
