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As I expressed in my
President’s Message a year ago, our vision as a chapter is expanding
to include legislative advocacy for both our patients and our
profession. We have had a number of opportunities this past year to
do just that. From testifying on the Naturopath Bill to discussing
the Medicare crisis in Alaska, people want to know where family
physicians stand.
On the national level,
the AKAFP is also making quite a stir. For a very small chapter, we
have been very active. Marin Granholm completed her year on the AAFP
Board of Directors in October as did AFMR resident Jen Hyer (she
served as student representative on the board). Barb Doty remains
active on the Education Commission and in WONCA. She and John Cullen
served as Alaska’s delegates to the AAFP Congress and John served on
the Membership Commission. Darin Dykema received an appointment to
the Commission on Quality late last year. This kind of representation
at the national level is unprecedented for a small chapter like ours.
Yet, it is not surprising to me because Alaskan family physicians are
exceptional. I get that confirmation from our national leaders at
every meeting I attend.
We have had our
challenges; our budget for instance. With lower attendance at two of
our conferences as well as some unforeseen expenses last year, we had
to tighten our belt some and carefully reevaluate how we accomplish
the tasks we set for ourselves. With some expert assistance from our
treasurer, Louann Feldman, I can report that the Academy is in good
shape and ready to face 2008 both leaner and smarter. Although we
successfully completed a Tar Wars campaign last summer, we have not
been able to find the grant funding nor to continue the program for
its second year. I would love to see this happen in the future. Last
March, we had a Winter Update pre-conference Strategic Planning
Meeting facilitated by the Foraker Group. This session was a real
highlight for the board and has helped us address our challenges and
frame our vision for the future.
In summary, the Alaska
Academy is strong, active, and maturing. We are looking to the
future. But we are also seeking new, fresh leadership and there is
clearly a place for you in that role. Please contact me anytime with
your ideas and suggestions – especially if you are ready to roll up
your sleeves.
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