Chairman's Message

”Tempora mutantur, nos et mutanmur in illis”

For those of you who are Latin aficionados, you probably know what the title means. And for the others, like me, the translation can be loosely interpreted as: ”Times change, and we are changed with them.” These are indeed important words to heed in this era of major transformations planned for the delivery of healthcare. With that in mind, your Florida Section ACOG, soon to be District XII, is preparing to meet the challenges ahead with (1) a streamlined and more efficient structure, (2) updated objectives, and (3) renewed energy.

A Streamlined and More Efficient Structure
As we have previously described, as its own District, Florida will be able to convey more consequential messages to the national ACOG structure, because we will be represented at that level as one of 12 Districts with voting power equal to that of every other district. We will no longer be just one small fraction of District IV.

Another increase in efficiency will be the allotment of all of our district and section dues to Florida, rather than having most of it distributed to other states within District IV. Those funds will enable enhanced participation with the state legislature and more robust Junior Fellow programs.

Additionally, as District XII takes form, we will be able to fully utilize the legal and organizational processes of the Congress to help further our own local agendas. Furthermore, as the FOGS board is reconstituted to a nominal structure, we will be eliminating redundant meetings while optimizing existing and emerging leadership talent. Finally, through a svelte two person leadership configuration of our proposed six sections, local participation should be enhanced while minimizing section expenditure.

Updated Objectives
In a previous newsletter, we mentioned the formation of committees within District XII. In my travels around the state meeting with many of our key leaders, we are gradually congealing a plan for committee structure which is looking very strong, albeit somewhat optimistic. I ask you, our members, to give serious consideration to participation in one of more of the important committees. As in most districts, XII will have (1) a Maternal Mortality Committee and (2) a Patient Safety Committee. Also as customary, we will enjoy a very active (3) Legislative Committee and will add (4) an Annual Meeting Committee. The missions of those committees will be further elaborated in future issues of the newsletter. Additionally, we will have some excellent opportunities for expansion of committee activities. One possible concept we might consider is a (5) Committee on Underserved Women. The initial function may include identification of areas within the state in which women lack access to basic services such as pap smears and mammograms. Later, this committee may consider partnering with the Department of Health as well as with private foundations to develop ways to assist with the provision of such services. Another concept that we have discussed is a (6) Committee on Practice Management. This committee, in contrast to the outward-direction of the Underserved Women Committee, would direct its timely efforts internally to improving the ability of our own physicians to practice more effectively and efficiently in the new healthcare market. This committee may have the potential for assisting the ob/gyn practitioner with utilization of newer technologies such as electronic health records and information databases. It would also act as a liaison with third party payers, liability insurance providers, medical equipment and pharmaceutical manufacturers, traditional FOGS partnering firms and others-all with the objective of making professional life more productive and rewarding. One additional committee we might consider is an (7) Academic Institution Committee. Composed of residency program directors and/or ob/gyn department heads, this group will interact to help resolve problems common to Florida ob/gyn training programs, advance ob/gyn educational objectives, and assist the FOGS President and the Meeting Committee in organizing the scientific program for the annual meeting.

Renewed Energy
We have been gifted over the years with a remarkable array of talented and experienced individuals that have given generously of their time and treasure to the causes of FOGS and ACOG. From our academic institutions to the numerous private practices—large and small—throughout Florida, busy physicians have taken time from their personal and professional lives to help make FOGS and the Florida Section effective in the pursuit of our objectives in continuing education, medical politics, and social responsibility. However, it is clear that as enthusiastic as those individuals remain, many are inching closer to retirement. Therefore it is absolutely necessary, in order to maintain and increase our momentum in the above mentioned pursuits, that we recruit and engage the next generation of young leaders. It will be from these younger physicians that creative ideas, fresh approaches, and renewed energy arise. Our Junior Fellow Liaison officer, Shelly Holmström, MD is actively seeking Junior Fellows who are interested in leadership positions. However, we also need a cadre of younger practicing Fellows who will be ready to step up to the plate and lead District XII in the years to come. I ask each of you to look to your own practices and groups, and thoughtfully consider joining the ranks of your colleagues who will help to lead ACOG and FOGS move beyond the frustrations of inaction, and become part of the solution to the challenges that we face in our profession. Are you willing to help us move in the best direction in changing times?

On behalf of the entire Section Advisory Council, I would like to invite all of you, our members, to attend the Annual Meeting on August 12-14 in Orlando, where we will further discuss the details of the emerging District XII and hopefully you will be inspired to join us as future leaders. FOGS President Andy Kaunitz, MD has organized a truly outstanding, world-class scientific program, and our Compass Management team is preparing for you a captivating social agenda in a delightful venue. As we said earlier, ”Times change, and we are changed with them.” Be part of the new ACOG organization and help us make the changes which will benefit Florida obstetrician-gynecologists and our patients.