ACOFP President

By Ronnie B. Martin, DO, FACOFP dist.

June 17, 2008

Family Medicine in Kirksville
Resident member of the ACOFP Board of Governors Stephanie G. Meissen, DO and her husband James Meissen, DO, both residents at OSUCOM Family Medicine Program in Tulsa, OK joined me Monday as guests of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Student Chapter of the ACOFP and their immediate past president and National Student Board President Andrew Gough and Margaret A. Wilson, DO, Chair of the Family Medicine Department and student chapter advisor.

During the morning we met with Dean Philip C. Slocum, DO to discuss the historical, present and future role of osteopathic family medicine in the mission and vision of A.T. Still College of Osteopathic Medicine, KCOM and how ACOFP remains committed to assisting all of our colleges in meeting their goals. Meeting with Jeffrey A. Suzewits, DO, the coordinator for clinical education, we had the opportunity to plan how ACOFP can assist with the clinical training of KCOM students and how KCOM can assist ACOFP in maintaining contact with student members while they are on clinical rotations.

At a noon gathering, Dr. Meissen and I had the opportunity to discuss with pre-clinical members of the chapter our personal passion for the practice of family medicine and the rewards that we had received from our practices. We discussed the wide diversity of practice styles and options available to family medicine specialists, osteopathic family medicine resident opportunities and options including fellowships and special emphasis tracts and the opportunities available today and anticipated in the future for those who choose to enter osteopathic family medicine. We discussed the changing landscape of practice facing primary care and family medicine in the U.S. health care system, including the medical home and the development of patient centered team based approaches to medical care. During our time at the "Mecca", we had the opportunity to meet with several members of the Family Medicine residency program in addition to their program director, John C. Collins, DO, and presented how ACOFP can assist them in achieving personal and professional success.

Dr. Meissen and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students and faculty who took the time to meet with us and to host us during our visit.

Dr. Rubin in Maine
Steven F. Rubin, DO, FACOFP dist., immediate past president of the ACOFP and his wife Roni represented the ACOFP at the Maine Osteopathic Association and Maine ACOFP State Society meeting this past weekend. Bringing greetings from the ACOFP Board of Governors, Dr. Rubin informed the 140 attendees of ACOFP initiatives in reforming and expanding the scope of the Osteopathic Family Medicine residency, the ACOFP advocacy efforts in support of osteopathic family physicians and the development of the medical home. Dr. Rubin and Roni were hosted by outgoing president Joel Kase, DO, who also serves the profession as the editor of the Osteopathic Family Physician News. During the weekend, Dr. Rubin had the pleasure to induct the new officers for the Maine Chapter of ACOFP, including new state president, Alexander Brazelovich, DO.

I know that all of you join me in extending congratulations to physicians honored by their colleagues during the event-- including the recognition of Kenneth Johnson, DO with a Public Service Award for his work within the state and Meredith Norris, DO, as young physician of the year. Steven Weisberger, DO, was recognized as the Osteopathic Physician of the Year, and Douglas J. Jorgensen, DO, FACOFP was presented the Distinguished Service Award. Congratulations to one and all and thank you for your service to our profession and your patients .

New CME from ACOFP
Keep current with the changes in the practice of osteopathic family medicine without leaving your home through ACOFP’s CD educational program! This three-disk CD set provides a comprehensive overview of important topics in contemporary family medicine. The content is based on ACOFP's 2007 Intensive Update & Board Review. This three-disk CD set is available for $385 for Members and $535 for non-members that includes a six month membership to ACOFP. This program has been approval for 16 American Osteopathic Association Category 1-B CME credits.

Back to the Future
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Georgia Campus ACOFP student chapter sponsored a “Futuring” Workshop. Barry Doublestein, President of the Osteopathic Institute of the South, spoke to the student members about the field of “Strategic Foresight” and the importance of future planning in family medicine. He asked those present to take action in order to make family medicine the best profession possible for both patients and physicians. SAACOFP members engaged in activities where they were able to take part in developing one of the strategic foresight tools discussed. Amanda Fischer, is the chapter president.

Make your opinions known! Send an email to me and ACOFP. Share your thoughts, make comments, and tell us what you have been doing in regards to osteopathic family medicine.

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