2016 Annual Meeting Recap
Physicians from across the state met on April 22nd-23rd at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain to discuss advocacy efforts, elect new leaders, participate in educational opportunities and plan for the future of healthcare in our state. From prescription drug abuse to health care reform policies, advocating for the patient was the theme of the weekend’s speeches and educational programs.
Friday’s events kicked off with honoring 26 physicians for 50 years of service and commitment to their patients at the annual 50 year club luncheon. Friday evening physicians, medical society staff and guests gathered to celebrate and inaugurate incoming president Scott Cooper, MD of Rogers.
During his inaugural address, Dr. Cooper stated that to him, “the greatest value of the Arkansas Medical Society is in its advocacy in public policy.” Dr. Cooper went on to note the importance of physicians taking the lead to control health care spending and advocating for the best and most fiscally responsible public health initiatives. Dr. Cooper also reiterated the need to continue working to combat prescription drug abuse.
Prescription drug abuse was addressed again in the educational programs on Saturday by Kirk R. Lane, Benton chief of police and Dr. Gene Shelby, of Hot Springs. The speakers illustrated the harsh reality of this epidemic, what is being done to combat it statewide, as well as what physicians can do individually.
Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Gregory Bledsoe also spoke on the topic of Health Care Reform and touched on where we are as a state and where we are going.
The weekend concluded with the annual meeting of the Arkansas Medical Society’s House of Delegates. The group is composed of physician leaders from every corner of the state and is AMS’ legislative and policy making body.
During the House of Delegates meeting, new officers were elected including Dr. Amy Cahill of Pine Bluff, who was announced as the society’s president-elect. Dr. Cahill will take office at the society’s 2017 annual meeting. In her acceptance speech, Dr. Cahill urged all physicians to join the medical society and get involved, stating that the society provides a unique opportunity to have a voice in the direction of medicine.
Other newly-elected leaders include President-Elect Amy Cahill, MD (Pine Bluff); Treasurer Brad Bibb, MD (Jonesboro); AMA Delegates Scott Ferguson, MD and G. Edward Bryant (West Memphis), AMA Alternate Delegates Omar Atiq, MD (Pine Bluff) and Alan Wilson, MD (Crossett); and District Trustees Matthew Haustein, MD (Jonesboro), Doug Coleman, MD (White Hall), Michael Hickman, MD (Hot Springs), Angelo Coppola, MD (Little Rock), Blake Scheer, MD (Little Rock), Toby Vancil, MD (Little Rock), Stacy Zimmerman, MD (Clinton), Kristie Gast, MD (Ft. Smith), and medical student, Ashleah Courtney (originally from Pine Bluff, attending UAMS).
The Arkansas Medical Society is a voluntary professional association, established in 1875, representing more than 4,300 physicians and medical students as well as the patients and communities they serve.
Photos from the 2016 meeting:
