Connecticut Governor's Newsletter February 2026
In this Issue:
- Governor's Message
- REFLECTIONS:
- ADVOCACY:
- VOLUNTARY DONATION:
- Early Career Physician Engagement:
- WELLNESS EVENT:
- IN MEMORIAM:
- ANNUAL MEETING SAVE THE DATE:
- NEWS AND NOTEWORTHY:
- IMIG MIXER:
Daniel G. Tobin, MD, FACP, ACP Governor
Governor's Message
Dear CT ACP Colleagues:
As internists in Connecticut, we practice at a time of both extraordinary challenge and opportunity. Our profession is evolving rapidly, shaped by changes in healthcare delivery, workforce pressures, and the needs of increasingly complex patient populations. In the midst of this, the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Physicians remains steadfast in its mission: to be the voice of internal medicine and the professional home for internists across our state.
Advocacy is an important part of being that voice. Our Health and Public Policy Committee works tirelessly to represent internists at the state level, engaging with policymakers, regulators, and partner organizations to ensure that the perspectives of internal medicine physicians are heard and respected. From payment reform and scope-of-practice issues to public health policy and patient access to care, we are committed to advancing policies that support high-quality, equitable, and sustainable care for our patients.
Equally important is our role in fostering professional connection and growth. Through educational programs, scientific meetings, and chapter-sponsored events, we create opportunities for internists at every stage of their careers, from medical students and residents to seasoned clinicians and leaders to learn, network, and support one another. We are proud to champion lifelong learning and to promote excellence in clinical practice, teaching, and leadership.
Our Chapter also prioritizes physician well-being and professional fulfillment. We recognize the real challenges facing internists today, including burnout and workforce strain and our Wellness Committee looks for opportunities to address those issues. By building community, elevating physician voices, and advocating for meaningful system-level change, we strive to ensure that internists in Connecticut can thrive personally and professionally.
None of this work happens without you. Your engagement, ideas, and commitment strengthen our Chapter and amplify our collective impact. Together, we are shaping the future of internal medicine in Connecticut, grounded in professionalism, advocacy, and shared dedication to our patients.
If you made it this far, I hope you will take the time to review the rest of our newsletter. CT ACP has an engaged membership, and there is so much that our colleagues do to serve as role models and representatives of excellence in our profession.
Thank you for being part of the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Physicians. I encourage you to stay involved, stay connected, and continue to lend your voice to the profession we are proud to call home.
Sincerely,
Dan Tobin, MD, FACP
Governor, Connecticut Chapter
REFLECTIONS:
by Dan Tobin
Winter days in Connecticut can be cold and frosty, and this past month has been no exception. Sometimes a snowy day brings beauty and peace, offering a welcome break from our busy routines. For some of us, the warmth of recent holiday gatherings still lingers as well. Warm sweaters and a crackling fire may add to this sense of “hygge” – the Danish term for coziness – and these precious moments should be welcomed and celebrated. I encourage you to pause and enjoy them whenever you can.
However, winter can also be a time of sadness and difficulty. Celebrating the holidays after losing a loved one can be extraordinarily painful. For those without stable housing, winter can be truly frightening. The cold, short days are tough for everyone, but they are much harder for those suffering from isolation or chronic illness. In these difficult times, the doctor-patient relationship becomes a remarkable source of strength.
As internal medicine specialists, we have valuable tools to offer. Our medical knowledge is critical, but just as important are other skills earned through years of commitment to the profession; listening deeply, leading with empathy, meeting patients where they are, and providing support through challenging times. We also support each other, mentor junior colleagues, and find strength in scholarship and collaboration.
But the real magic of medicine appears when groups of physicians work together. Membership in the American College of Physicians provides an avenue for connection, a voice for advocacy, tools to combat misinformation, learning resources to practice more effectively, and a venue to amplify our individual strengths. The internal medicine specialist remains the cornerstone of a healthier America. Together, we can achieve far more than we can alone.
On this cold day and every day that follows, I am grateful to call you my colleagues and for the care you bring to our patients. We are stronger together.
ADVOCACY:
The Chapter's Health and Public Policy Committee (HPPC) has been hard at work on a variety of fronts as we ramped up for the legislative session that started on February 4th.
Dr. Ben Cherry and Dr. Anthony Yoder will be meeting with key members of the General Assembly to discuss physician concerns and identify ways to support legislation that will improve health care in our state. We're already advocating for the continued collaboration between physicians and APRNs who looking to move to independent practice. A proposal under consideration would remove that requirement.
At the Federal level, in conjunction with ACP national, members of this committee will also participate in Leadership Day to meet with our Congressional delegation on the hill and discuss federal proposals under consideration.
Among many other advocacy efforts, we are also thankful for Dr. Kirsten Ek, who represents CT ACP while serving on the Steering Committee of the CT Coalition for Climate Action.
If you are interested in getting more involved in public policy, please reach out to Lisa and Trish at lisa@grassrootsct.com
VOLUNTARY DONATION:
Help Champion Tomorrow's Leaders TODAY - it's our mission. Every dollar you contribute creates ripple effects that improve patient care for decades to come by supporting our residents and medical students and their engagement with the Connecticut Chapter and ACP. Use this link to donate today!
Early Career Physician Engagement:
The International Medical Graduate (IMG) Council, together with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Early Career Physician (ECP) Committees, hosted a webinar on January 28th entitled Physician Contracts 101: What Every Resident, Fellow, and Early Career Physician Needs to Know. Special thanks to Dr. Kanwar Arora, Dr. Medhat Ghaly and Dr. Amir Mohammad for facilitating this amazing session!
Recording link: https://uconnhealth.webex.com/uconnhealth/ldr.php?RCID=0a6f791e9f4b4bc6c65bcecfb98bf187
Password: ZrTEV2DK
WELLNESS EVENT:
On Sunday, February 8th, members gathered at Meigs Point Nature Center in Hammonasset State Park for a wonderful event sponsored by the Wellness Committee. The event included food prepared and served by Wellness Co-Chair Dr. Sujata Prasad, facilitated Chair Yoga, guided meditation, and a presentation about various forms of local sea life from the Long Island Sound. With wind chills of -15 degrees, only a brave few walked the beach, but inside it was warm and companionable! Special thanks to our Wellness Committee for organizing this fantastic event.
IN MEMORIAM:
Norman Marieb, MD, MACP (1934–2026)
Norman Marieb, MD, clinical professor of medicine (endocrinology and metabolism) at Yale School of Medicine, passed away peacefully at his home in Orange, Connecticut, on January 9, 2026. A graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine, Dr. Marieb trained at Barnes Hospital and Yale, served as a U.S. Navy lieutenant, and went on to build a distinguished career in endocrinology.
Dr. Marieb was a founding member of Metabolism Associates in New Haven and a pioneer in his field, becoming the first physician at Saint Raphael Hospital to perform dialysis and the first in New Haven to perform thyroid biopsies. He held numerous leadership roles at Saint Raphael Hospital, including chair of medicine and chief operating officer, and was widely respected as a brilliant clinician and dedicated educator.
A cornerstone of Yale's Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dr. Marieb devoted decades to teaching and mentoring students, residents, and fellows, earning multiple awards for clinical excellence and teaching. Even after retiring in 2013, he remained deeply engaged in medicine and medical education.
Dr. Marieb was also active in civic life in Orange, serving on several local boards. He is survived by his wife, Anna; his children and extended family; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He will be remembered with great respect and gratitude by colleagues, trainees, and the many patients he served.
Note: the above remembrance was adapted from an obituary prepared by his family; Silvio Inzucchi, MD; Adam Mayerson, MD; and John Wysolmerski, MD.
ANNUAL MEETING SAVE THE DATE:
Mark your calendars!
The 2026 CT ACP Annual Scientific Meeting will be held on Oct. 23, 2026 at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. Special thanks to our meeting Co-Chairs Dr. Diana Sewell and Dr. Naseema Merchant for organizing a wonderful meeting in 2025. If you are interested in serving on our planning committee or volunteering this year, please contact Lisa Planning is already underway!
NEWS AND NOTEWORTHY:
Congratulations to our new Connecticut Chapter Fellows:
- Sasraku Amanor-Boadu, MD FACP
- Swapna Anandan FACP
- Hari Deshpande, MBChB MD FACP
- Aaras Dharia, MD FACP
- Israel A Safiriyu, MBChB FACP
- Seaf S Shafique, MD FACP
- Ivan Stanford, MD FACP
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 internal medicine physician lives and practices.
IMIG MIXER:
Medical students from across Connecticut came together on October 4, 2025 for a collaborative event hosted jointly by the interest groups at University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, and Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University. The gathering was held at Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford, a central location between the three campuses, and was sponsored by the Connecticut Chapter of the ACP. Student ACP members from all three institutions attended, enjoying an afternoon of conversation, mentorship, and community-building.
The event also featured a friendly food donation competition among the three schools, with the winning school receiving $500 for its medical student food pantry. All donated items were contributed to a Hartford-area food bank to support local families. Quinnipiac students took first place in total donations, earning the prize while helping make a meaningful impact in the community. Events like this highlight the strength of collaboration across institutions and the service mission shared by future physicians.
Medical students in all Internal Medicine Interest Groups are encouraged to join the ACP. Student membership is free and provides access to valuable educational resources, mentorship opportunities, networking events, and leadership experiences! Special thanks to Benedicte Deshommes and Jonathan Batac for corrdinating this update.