North Dakota Governor's Newsletter November 2026
Joshua C. Ranum, MD, FACP, ACP Governor
Thanks to all who attended the annual meeting. It was a good chance to connect with many of you that attended. For those of you who are unsure of the value of taking a day off of work to attend an in-person meeting - just try it. There's value and a certain magic in attending in-person meetings. CME is everywhere but the ideas and energy generated by meeting with colleagues can't be duplicated any other way.
Our speakers were excellent, topical, and thought provoking. The chair-elect for the ACP Board of Governors, Dr. Marion McCrary, gave an excellent talk on intentional career growth at all stages. It had something for everyone. As someone who can't pretend to be early career any longer and is solidly mid-career, I took away several pearls. For those of you who want to learn more - check out Dr. McCrary's lectures at the IM Meeting in Los Angeles.
Dr. John Bassett, Dr. Dinesh Bande, and Dr. Marion McCrary
Dr. Jenkins, Dean of the UND SMHS, provided an update on the school's impact, programming, and strategy for the upcoming legislative session. The Primary Care Accelerated Track (PCAT) is an exciting development which will be a tremendous recruiting tool for rural facilities in North Dakota. Stay tuned for more information from the school on that program. It's also a good reminder that if you meet with or know one of our state's legislators, remind them of the impact that the School of Medicine has on healthcare delivery in this state and the importance of the legislature's continued support.
Ikram Khan spoke on the promise and peril of AI in healthcare. He was a very interesting guy to converse with during the meeting. It's exciting to contemplate the ways that AI will become integrated in what we do. However, like any potent technology, it needs to be done correctly. After his lecture, I feel more optimistic about the chances of AI successfully integrating into healthcare but am also cautious about the growing pains and whether the technology is democratized or concentrated into powerful hands that further concentrate market control.
Dr. Darin Lang gave a very good overview of Food as Medicine and how we can have those conversations during the course of an office visit. I realize the irony of this - I'm writing this as I am doing a “quality control analysis” of the Halloween candy my kids brought home yesterday.
No recent ACP meeting would be complete without the updates in medicine provided by Dr. Chris Pribula and Dr. Kole Hermanson. I always learn a few things and leave entertained as well.
SHM Award Winners: Dr. Chris Pribula and Dr. Tatsiana Aleksandrovich with colleagues
We appreciate the partnership with the ND Chapter of SHM and the ND Medical Association. It takes a lot to put on a meeting and working together we put on a great meeting.
Stay tuned - over the next month I'll highlight chapter award winners as well as an upcoming revamp to our advocacy program.
Understanding ACP Credentials: FACP and MACP Explained
To help ensure accurate use of ACP credentials, we would like to remind members that the designation MACP does not mean Member of the American College of Physicians. Rather, MACP signifies Mastership in the American College of Physicians, one of ACP's highest honors. We encourage members to review the distinctions between Fellowship (FACP) and Mastership (MACP) and use these credentials appropriately in professional communications, publications, and biographical materials.
Understanding the Meaning of MACP and FACP Credentials
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recognizes physician excellence through two distinguished credentials: Fellowship (FACP) and Mastership (MACP). Both designations reflect a physician's commitment to internal medicine, professional achievement, and service to patients and communities.
FACP: A Mark of Professional Excellence
FACP stands for Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Fellowship is a peer-reviewed and peer-supported credential that serves as a public reflection of excellence within the internal medicine profession. The designation signifies an ongoing dedication to internal medicine, the patients physicians care for, and the communities they serve.
Physicians who earn Fellowship have demonstrated professional accomplishments, leadership, service, and commitment to the highest standards of patient care and ethical medical practice. The FACP credential is recognized by colleagues, patients, and healthcare organizations as a symbol of credibility, achievement, and engagement in the profession.
MACP: ACP's Highest Membership Honor
MACP stands for Mastership in the American College of Physicians. Mastership is one of ACP's highest honors and is awarded to a select group of highly accomplished Fellows who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and impact in internal medicine. ACP bylaws state that MACPs are selected based on their integrity, impact in practice or medical research, and other significant attainments in the science or art of medicine.
Recipients of Mastership are recognized for distinguished contributions in areas such as clinical practice, education, research, leadership, health policy, volunteerism, administration, and service to the medical profession and their communities. MACPs represent an elite group of physicians whose accomplishments have advanced internal medicine and improved patient care.
Maintaining the Privilege of Using ACP Credentials
ACP reminds all Fellowship and Mastership recipients that these credentials are tied to active membership status. Recipients of Mastership and Fellowship who are dropped from ACP membership rolls due to nonpayment of dues are not permitted to use the credentials of MACP or FACP until their membership is reinstated, and they return to good standing.
Maintaining ACP membership not only preserves the privilege of using these respected credentials but also demonstrates continued engagement with the College and its mission to advance the health and well-being of patients through excellence in internal medicine.
FACP = Fellow of the American College of Physicians
MACP = Mastership in the American College of Physicians
This distinction helps ensure ACP honors and credentials are represented accurately across professional and chapter communications.
Learning Opportunities Across ACP
Perioperative Cardiac Risk Assessment
November 12, 2026 from 6:30-7:30 PM ET
Hosted virtually by the Georgia Chapter: Learn to evaluate cardiac risk according to the 2024 AHA/ACC practice guidelines; apply risk stratification models, recognize functional status and understand myocardial injury. Register here.
The Path to Fellowship: Becoming an FACP
December 7, 2026 from 7:30-8:30 PM ET
Hosted virtually by the Massachusetts Chapter: This program will include an overview of the process of becoming an FACP and will include two new FACPs, one through the guided fellowship program, to describe their experiences. Register here.