Chapter Members Elected to ACP Fellowship
(March 2023) We would like to congratulate our chapter members on election to Fellow of the American College of Physicians. The distinction recognizes achievements in internal medicine.
Jermaine R Tomlinson, MD FACP
Fellowship is elected upon the recommendation of peers and the review of ACP’s Credentials Subcommittee. They may now use the letters “FACP” after their name in recognition of this honor. Please join me in congratulations!
Global Reception at Internal Medicine Meeting 2023
(March 2023) If you’re attending IMM23, please join us at our global reception, to be held Thursday, April 27 from 7:30-9:00pm at HQ San Diego.
This reception, featuring live entertainment, is open to all international attendees and their guests, as well as other attendees who are interested in meeting with leaders from ACP and internal medicine societies from around the world.
Member Feedback is Requested on Spring 2023 Resolutions
(March 2023) Fourteen (14) resolutions will be considered at the Spring 2023 Board of Governors (BOG) Meeting. Please review each resolution and then indicate your support or opposition by completing the electronic response form by the deadline your ACP Chapter Governor has requested or by March 22, whichever comes first.
Your comments will be forwarded to the Chapter Governor to be used as part of their testimony on behalf of the chapter. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Giampietro, BOG Administrator, at chapter@acpmembership.org. Thank you for your input.
(NOTE: Proposed resolutions should be considered confidential information and are intended to be viewed by ACP members only. Under no circumstances should proposed resolutions be shared with the news media or social networking media, nor should they be shared with other individuals and organizations. Proposed resolutions do not represent ACP policy.)
Call for Fall 2023 Resolutions
(February 2023) Are you concerned about a practice or clinical issue or have an idea you'd like to suggest? If so, you might consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or chapter council.
Initiating a resolution provides ACP members an opportunity to focus attention at the ACP national level on a particular issue or topic that concerns them. Participating in the Board of Governors resolutions process provides the ACP grassroots member a voice and allows you to shape College policy that impacts the practice of internal medicine.
Not sure how to begin drafting a resolution? Researching the College's position on an issue can give you a start. The just released ACP Board of Governors Resolutions Guide for ACP Members is now available to download and will help, too. The Guide was created to provide members a short overview of the resolutions process essentials and highlights critical ACP online resources you must use.
Once drafted, members must submit resolutions to their Governor and/or chapter council. Chapter council approval to move resolutions forward to ACP national is required. A resolution becomes a resolution of the chapter once the chapter council approves forwarding it to national. If effecting change interests you, the deadline for submitting new resolutions to be heard at the Fall 2023 Board of Governors Meeting is March 30, 2023.
Share your good idea with us. Draft a resolution.
2023 Abstract Submissions Now Available
(January 2023) Abstract submissions for the 2023 Central America Chapter Meeting are now available on the News & Meetings page.
Mary Bieter All Star Awards Voting Open
(December 2022) For the past 30 years, ACP has celebrated chapter-led programming through an annual awards program known as the John Tooker Evergreen Awards. This year we are celebrating the 30th year anniversary of this program through a special recognition program. The Mary Bieter Evergreen All-Stars Award program recognizes exceptional and sustained chapter-initiated programs that has supporting and adapted to the Internal Medicine landscape in the United States and around the world.
The goals of this program are to:
- Celebrate chapter-initiated programs that align with ACP's priority themes;
- Increase prominence of chapter programs by granting ACP's 161,000 membership base autonomy to select All-Star winners
Our chapter recently submitted "Medical Education and Community Service for Promoting a More Holistic Internal Medicine Specialist " and we need your help. For the first time in 30 years, ACP's 161,000 membership will be asked to vote on the All-Star nominations they believe are the best. If you're a Chapter member, you have 3 votes. Review the nominations at acponline.org/allstars and vote today! Voting ends January 31, 2023.
Board of Regents Action on Fall 2022 BOG Resolutions
(November 2022) A summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at the Fall 2022 Board of Governors (BOG) meeting is now available. Resolutions initiated by ACP members and endorsed by a chapter council and the BOG become ACP policy when adopted by the BOR.
If you have an idea you'd like to suggest to ACP, consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or local ACP chapter. Visit your ACP chapter website for more information on how to contact your Governor or chapter staff about proposing a resolution.
Premios ACP Centroamérica 2022
De parte del ACP Central America Chapter queremos agradecer y destacar a cada uno de estos miembros del 2022 que hicieron que sintiéramos orgullo que fueran parte de nuestro grupo con sus diferentes desafíos que atravesaron en la realización de cada uno de sus proyectos llevándolos a cabo con gran éxito.
Laureado: Dra. Ana Belén Araúz, FACP
Subdirectora médica Hospital Santo Tomás; Investigadora Asociada Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Tecnología de Panamá (INDICASAT-AIP) y del Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas; Medico Funcionario del Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas Hospital Santo Tomás; Jefe médico del Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas de The Panama Clinic; Coordinadora de Epidemiología de Clínica Hospital San Fernando. Miembro del capítulo de Centroamérica del American College of Physicians desde el año 2005, electa Fellow desde el año 2014. Miembro del Consejo del Gobernador desde hace más de 5 años. Ha dirigido por varios años el concurso de Abstracts de médicos residentes del Capítulo de Centroamérica del American College of Physicians.
Internal Medicine Resident: Dr. Alam Eduardo Guerra
Por su activa participación en la formación del Consejo de Residentes en Guatemala, con inclusión de casi 60 nuevos médicos residentes y realización de múltiples actividades de educación y voluntariado.
Medical Student: Akshita Ahir
Estudiante de medicina de la Universidad Latina. Coordinadora del Consejo de Estudiantes del capítulo del American College of Physicians. Coordinando los comités de Educación, Voluntariado y Publicidad y múltiples actividades a lo largo del año 2022.
Early Career Physician: Dra. Katiana Castillo, FACP
Directora de Educación de médicos residentes en el Hospital Manuel Amador Guerrero. Con participación de múltiples actividades docentes en la Sociedad Panameña de Medicina Interna.Miembro del capítulo desde el año 2016 y elegida Fellow en Noviembre de 2022.
Women in Medicine: Dra. Ligia González Tobon, FACP
Especialista en Medicina Interna, Geriatría y Cuidados Paliativos. Trabaja en Hospital Regional Rafael Hernández de Chiriquí y el Centro médico Mae Lewis. Miembro del American College of Physicians desde 1995, electa Fellow en el año 2015. Champion en Bienestar (Wellbeing) del American College of Physicians, donde participa activamente. Reconocida por su trabajo en Cuidados Paliativos.
Premio a la Investigación: Dra. Karen Courville, FACP
Directora de Nefrología y del Programa de Diálisis y Hemodiálisis del Hospital Gustavo Nelson Collado. Presidenta de la Asociación de Nefrología de Panamá. Investigadora activa en varios proyectos: "Enfermedad renal crónica de causa no tradicional en Panamá Centro"; "Citoquinas y Covid-19"; "Evaluación de seguridad y eficacia de la vacuna de Covid-19 en pacientes con Enfermedad Renal crónica en diálisis en Panamá"; "Caracterización genética de enfermedad renal crónica no tradicional en Panamá", entre otras. Reconocida como principal investigadora del area de Azuero por organizaciones nacionales e internacionales.
Hospitalist: Dra. Linda Navarro, FACP
Jefa del Servicio de Medicina Interna, miembro del capítulo desde el año 2007. Electa Fellow en 2019. Ha fungido como secretaria del ACP y miembro del Consejo del Gobernador desde hace varios años.
Estamos impresionados por sus grandes desempeños. Gracias por usar sus extraordinarios talentos para impulsar nuestro capítulo de Central America.
¡Son unas grandes personas y unos excelentes profesionales!
Chapter Members Elected to ACP Fellowship
(November 2022) We would like to congratulate our chapter members on election to Fellow of the American College of Physicians. The distinction recognizes achievements in internal medicine.
- Jose L. Carvallo-Cesar, MD, FACP
- Alexander Romero Guerra, MD, FACP
- Norlan Barbon, MD, FACP
- Alvaro Pachon Burgos, MD, FACP
- Karen E. Carcamo De Villatoro, MD, FACP
- Katiana E. Castillo, MD, FACP
- Lisbeth Lopez, MD, FACP
- Dimas Ariel Quiel, MD, FACP
Fellowship is elected upon the recommendation of peers and the review of ACP’s Credentials Subcommittee. They may now use the letters “FACP” after their name in recognition of this honor. Please join me in congratulations!
Congratulations Dr. Jorge Sinclair on Mastership
(October 2022) We are excited to share that the Mastership Committee and the Board of Regents have approved Dr. Jorge Sinclair to receive an award recognition during the 2023 Internal Medicine Meeting in San Diego, California.
Mastership (MACP®) ACP Bylaws state that Masters shall be Fellows who have been selected because of “integrity, positions of honor, impact in practice or in medical research, or other attainments in science or in the art of medicine.” Masters must be highly accomplished persons demonstrating impact in practice, leadership, or in medical research. Evidence of their achievements can come from many types of endeavors, such as renown within their field and/or ACP chapter, research, education, health care initiatives, volunteerism, administrative positions, care of patients, and service to their community.
One of the goals of the American College of Physicians is to “recognize excellence and distinguished contributions to internal medicine.” As a way of achieving this goal, the College offers 21 awards and a number of Masterships each year. Annually, awardees and MACPs are honored at the Convocation ceremony held during the Internal Medicine meeting. A list of past awardees and MACPs may be found online at www.acponline.org/awardslist.
Chapter Excellence Award – Gold Winner
(September 2022) I am pleased to announce that our chapter is in receipt of the Gold Level of the 2022 Chapter Excellence Award! The award recognizes truly extraordinary chapters that surpass excellence in chapter management. We are in the company of 47 other outstanding chapters. In order to achieve the Gold Level of the Chapter Excellence Award, chapters must meet twenty Bronze criteria, seventeen Silver criteria and multiple Gold level activities. Criteria include such activities as having a legislative action plan or agenda, holding a volunteerism/community service activity, holding multiple stand-alone meetings, having revenue sources outside of dues and meeting registration fees, implementing a strategic plan, implementing a formal recruitment and retention plan and measuring outcomes, conducting various activities for Medical Students, Residents and Early Career Physicians. I would like to extend a special thanks to those chapter members who assisted us in all of these endeavors! For their hard work and dedication, we received this award.
We Request Your Feedback on the Proposed Fall 2022 Board of Governors Resolutions
(August 2022) We would like to request your feedback regarding resolutions that will be considered at the Fall 2022 Board of Governors Meeting. The resolutions have been posted on ACP Online for your review and cover an array of topics such as supporting paid sick leave for U.S. workers, covering insulin pumps under CMS Part B for insulin dependent diabetics, and integrating a health equity framework into methods for developing ACP clinical guidelines.
After considering the intent of each resolution and how it fits with the College’s Mission and Goals, please provide your feedback on each resolution and indicate your support or opposition by completing the electronic response form by August 31. Your input will be used as part of testimony on behalf of the chapter.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to provide comments regarding these resolutions. By providing your feedback on the Board of Governors resolutions, you have helped to shape College policy that impacts the practice of internal medicine. Please visit the chapter’s Web site after the Fall 2022 Board of Governors meeting for updates.
Congratulations New Central America Chapter Fellow
- German A. Espino, MD, FACP
(July 2022) Congratulations to the Central America Chapter's newest Fellow. Fellowship in the College is an honor. Being an FACP® is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internist lives and practices.
BOR Action on Spring '22 BOG Resolutions
(June 2022) A summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at the Spring 2022 Board of Governors (BOG) meeting is now available. Resolutions initiated by ACP members and endorsed by a chapter council and the BOG become ACP policy when adopted by the BOR.
If you have an idea you'd like to suggest to ACP, consider submitting a resolution to our chapter.
Doctor's Dilemma
(April 2022) La competencia de conocimientos médicos se dio entre los equipos de Costa Rica, Guatemala, y Panamá. El equipo del Complejo Hospitalario Metropolitano Dr Arnulfo Arias Madrid de Panamá, resultó Ganador y nos representara en la competencia en IM2022 en Chicago.
Potential ACP Governor-elect Candidates
Nominations Due by April 14, 2022
(March 2022) As you know, the ACP national office is conducting a Governor-elect election for our chapter this year. The Local Nominations Committees will be responsible for identifying up to two candidates who are willing and able to serve a four-year term (April 2024 - April 2028), in addition to a year of training as Governor-elect (April 2023 - April 2024).
We are looking for a dynamic leader who exhibits integrity, shows commitment to the College and demonstrates dedication to the Chapter and the medical community. The successful candidate will work with Chapter members and with leaders in internal medicine at the national level. A Governor typically spends several hours per week on College Business with the support of executive administrative staff. Serving as an ACP Governor can be an extremely rewarding and life changing experience.
Click here to view the Governor Job Responsibilities.
Only ACP MACPs and FACPs are eligible for consideration. If you would like to submit the name of a colleague or self-nominate, contact Chapter Staff.
All potential candidate information must be submitted by Wednesday April 14, 2022.
Congratulations New Central America Chapter Fellows
- Americo Lombardo, MD, FACP
(February 2022) Congratulations to the Central America Chapter's newest Fellows. Fellowship in the College is an honor. Being an FACP® is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internist lives and practices.
BOR Action on Fall '21 BOG Resolutions
(December 2021) A summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at the Fall 2021 Board of Governors (BOG) virtual meeting is now available. Resolutions initiated by ACP members and endorsed by a chapter council and the BOG become ACP policy when adopted by the BOR.
If you have an idea you'd like to suggest to ACP, consider submitting a resolution to our chapter.
Congratulations New Central America Chapter Fellows
- Karina Isabel Alvarez, DO FACP
- Rocio Arroyo, MD FACP
- Helga Indiana Codina Velasquez, MD FACP
- Karen J Courville, MD FACP
- Ana E Espinosa De Ycaza, MD FACP
- Nicoletta Maimone, MD FACP
- Maria Alejandra Oliva Guzman, MD FACP
- Maydelin Pecchio, MD FACP
- Guadalupe Perez, MD FACP
(December 2021) Congratulations to the Central America Chapter's newest Fellows. Fellowship in the College is an honor. Being an FACP® is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internist lives and practices.
Nuevo Comité de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión
(June 2021) El 25 de Junio celebramos la formación del nuevo Comité de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión en nuestro capítulo. El Colegio ha definido como uno de sus temas prioritarios la Diversidad e Inclusión entre los miembros del capítulo, así como nuestros pacientes, manteniendo el respeto y escuchando todas las voces sin importar origen, etnia, ideas religiosas, género o clase social. En esta ocasión se presentó una reseña del Dr José Antonio Price, primer médico afrocaribeño que se destacó en la era republicana en el área de Bocas del Toro, siendo muy apreciada por los participantes. Este comité será dirigido por el Dr José Luis Franceschi, FACP, miembro prominente de nuestro consejo directivo.
Bienestar del Trabajador de la Salud (Well-being)
(February 2021) Estamos interesados en formar un grupo de bienestar en el capítulo. La Dra Janet Jokela, FACP y La Dra Gaby Frank, FACP habló durante dos eventos. El American College of Physicians tiene varias herramientas para el autocuidado, y para ayudar en sus áreas de trabajo a formar grupos de apoyo.