Rhode Island Chapter News

Member Feedback is Requested on Spring 2024 Resolutions

(February 2024) Twenty-one (21) resolutions will be considered at the Spring 2024 Board of Governors (BOG) Meeting. With the exception of Resolution 9-S24, which will not be debated because this resolution is slated for adoption as a reaffirmation, 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 midnight March 13, whichever comes first. 

Your comments will be forwarded to your Governor to be used as part of his/her 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 2024 Resolutions

(February 2024) 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 is required to move resolutions forward to ACP national. Although not official ACP policy, a resolution becomes property 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 2024 Board of Governors Meeting is March 29, 2024. 

Share your good idea with us. Draft a resolution. 

Congratulations New Chapter Fellows

• Jenna M Iannuccilli, MD FACP
• Vazgen Martirosian, MD FACP

(February 2024) Congratulations to the Chapter's new 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 internal medicine physician lives and practices. 

Nominate a Colleague for a Chapter Award

(January 2024) Please consider nominating a colleague for a chapter award!  We will have six awards open to residents, members, fellows and masters. Any member of RI ACP is eligible to make nominations of other ACP members.
The chapter is looking for:

• Nominations for the awards
• Awards Committee to select recipients

Awards (descriptions below and attached):

1. Milton Hamolsky Lifetime Achievement Award
2. Irving Beck Laureate Award
3. Distinguished Mentor Award
4. Resident/Fellow Recognition Award for Leadership
5. Woman Physician of the Year
6. Benjamin L. Sapers, MD Memorial Award

NOMINATING PROCESS FOR ALL AWARDS. Nominating letter should include information useful in supporting consideration.

• Second letter of support
• CV, optional but encouraged

Nominations for all awards are due by Monday, February 5, 2024.

Please send all letters of support and if you are interested in serving on the selection committee to riacpinfo@gmail.com

Thank you,

Kwame Dapaah-Afriyie, MD, MBA, FACP, SFHM
Governor RI ACP

Awards

Milton Hamolsky Lifetime Achievement Award

This American College of Physicians-authorized laureate award is presented annually to a physician in practice who is a senior College member, usually at the Fellow or Master level. The award is given in recognition of academic, clinical, research, and/or administrative excellence to a physician who epitomizes the attributes of the award’s namesake, Dr. Milton Hamolsky. This individual should exemplify the College's mission "to enhance the quality and effectiveness of healthcare by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine.” The award may be given posthumously. To be considered, nominees must be Fellows/Masters as of June 30th, 2020.

One nominating and at least one supporting letter should address:

• What qualities the nominee demonstrates exemplify the College's mission?
• What significant contributions or achievements has the nominee made in any of the above areas?

Irving Beck Laureate Award

Laureate Award recognizes a Fellow or Master of the College who has demonstrated, by his/her example and conduct an abiding commitment to excellence in medical care, education, and research, and/or service to their community, their chapter, and the ACP. Nominees may have outstanding achievements in any of a wide variety of areas, including leadership, medical practice, research, teaching, publications, advocacy, and/or volunteerism. This individual should exemplify the College's mission "to enhance the quality and effectiveness of healthcare by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine." A Laureate nominee is usually a senior physician who has:

• Been a Fellow or Master of the College for at least 15 to 20 years
• Achieved a long history of excellence and peer approval in the specialty of internal medicine
• Served the chapter and community with distinction or in some clearly definable manner
• To be considered, nominees must be Fellows/Masters as of June 30th, 2020

One nominating and at least one supporting letter should address:

• What qualities the nominee demonstrates exemplify the College's mission?
• What significant contributions or achievements has the nominee made in any of the above areas?

Distinguished Mentor Award

This award is presented to an individual in recognition of his/her career commitment to mentoring and significantly impacting the education and careers of students, residents, or colleagues. The nominee should be highly regarded for integrity, professionalism, altruism, leadership, a sustained interest in mentoring and would appropriately be described as a role model. The candidate should have a track record for mentoring members of the RIACP and implementing ideas/programs that promote faculty and trainee success.

The nominee should be an ACP member in good standing at the member, fellow, or master level as of June 30th, 2020. One nominating and at least one supporting letter should address:

• What qualities the nominee demonstrated exemplify the College's mission?
• What significant contributions has the nominee made to the careers of students, residents, and colleagues?

Resident/Fellow Recognition Award for Leadership

The Resident/Fellow Leadership Award recognizes a resident or fellow with qualities that exemplify the College's mission to "enhance the quality and effectiveness of healthcare by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine." By virtue of their compassionate and dedicated character, the candidate should be engaged in projects or programs enhancing the quality, access, or delivery of healthcare on a local or regional level, or contributing to the education and wellness of patients, physicians, or the community. Candidates may be nominated by peers or attending physicians/program directors.

Eligible residents/fellows must be an ACP member at the member as of June 30th, 2020. One nomination letter and at least one supporting letter should address the following:

• How the resident’s contributions have specifically impacted healthcare access and quality and/or the wellness and education of specific groups of people.
• Describe the characteristics the resident demonstrates and give examples to support these characteristics
• Evidence of how the resident has fostered excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine

Woman Physician of the Year

This award honors an outstanding woman physician with a distinguished career in areas of exceptional patient care, medical education and/or research. The nominee should demonstrate the characteristics of strength, passion, and perseverance, as well as evidence of the ability to empower other women physicians. Eligible women physicians must be an ACP member at the member, fellow, or master level as of June 30th, 2020. One nominating and at least one supporting letter should address:

• How the physician’s achievements have specifically allowed her to distinguish herself in the areas of patient care, education, and/or research
• Describe the characteristics she demonstrates and give examples to support these characteristics
• Evidence of how she has empowered other women physicians through her contributions to their own careers

Benjamin L. Sapers, MD Memorial Award

Benjamin L. Sapers, MD was an esteemed scholar and educator for generations of medical students and residents in Rhode Island for over 15 years. He was a renaissance thinker whose unique teaching style combined encyclopedic intellectual curiosity and recall of esoterica with quick wit and a disarming sense of humor. Dr. Sapers’s passion for pedagogy and academic rigor were only transcended by his empathy and humanism, with profound feeling for the person as patient.

The Memorial Award honors the memory and distinguished career of Dr. Sapers and is bestowed annually. Eligible nominees must be a member of the ACP at the member or fellow level as of June 30th, 2021. They should be an early-mid career physician (5-15 years post-residency). One nominating and at least one supporting letter should address:

• How the nominee’s achievements distinguish them as an outstanding teacher and scholar, and their broad intellectual curiosity
• Describe their characteristics of academic rigor and exchange, modeling enriching and rigorous discussion with colleagues
• Evidence of their empathy and humanism, superlative communication with patients and families, and discussion of the human condition and sick role.

Chapter Speakers at Internal Medicine Meeting 2024 - Updated!

(December 2023) We’d like to bring attention to our local chapter members who will be presenting as faculty at ACP’s Internal Medicine Meeting 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts this April. Early-bird registration is available through January. For a full schedule or for more information on the meeting, click here.

Melissa McNeil
Clinical Workshop - Thinking about Thinking: Improving Clinical Decision Making in Everyday Practice
Saturday, April 20, 2024

Mindy Sobota
Medication Abortion in 2024: What Internists Need to Know (To Prescribe or Refer)
Saturday, April 20, 2024

Mariah Stump
Clinical Workshop - Stories that Heal and Reveal: A Radical Listening and Reflective Writing Workshop
Friday, April 19, 2024

BOR Action on Fall 2023 BOG Resolutions

(December 2023) A summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at the Fall 2023 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 would like to suggest to ACP, consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or local ACP chapter. Visit the advocacy section of your ACP chapter website for more information on how to propose a resolution.

Congratulations New Chapter Fellows

• Matthew R Lynch, MD FACP
• Mahmoud Mowafy, MD FACP

(November 2023) Congratulations to the Chapter's new 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 internal medicine physician lives and practices.

2023 Chapter Excellence Award – Gold Winner

We are pleased to announce that our chapter is in receipt of the Gold Level of the 2023 Chapter Excellence Award! The award recognizes truly extraordinary chapters that surpass excellence in chapter management. We are in the company of 54 other outstanding chapters. In order to achieve the Gold Level of the Chapter Excellence Award, chapters must meet nineteen 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.

We 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 2023 Board of Governors Resolutions

(August 2023) We would like to request your feedback regarding resolutions that will be considered at the Fall 2023 Board of Governors Meeting. With the exception of Resolution 3-F23 which was accepted as a reaffirmation and will not be debated, please review the balance of the slate and then indicate your support or opposition by completing the resolutions electronic response form by August 30th.

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 30. 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.

Congratulations New Chapter Fellows

• Kenneth K Chen, MD FACP
• Denise Fernandes, MD FACP
• Jessica E Murphy, MD FACP

(July 2023) Congratulations to the Chapter's new 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 internal medicine physician lives and practices.

Call for Spring 2024 BOG Resolutions

(July 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 recently 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 Spring 2024 Board of Governors Meeting is October 16, 2023.  

Share your good idea with us. Draft a resolution.

BOR Action on Spring 2023 BOG Resolutions

(June 2023) summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at the Spring 2023 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.

Chapter Podcast: ACP Rule Out

(April 2023) We are very excited to announce the release of the first episode of our ACP Rhode Island Chapter podcast, ACP Rule Out (Hosted by Residents from the Rhode Island Chapter).

July 1st is the day when a medical student transition to a resident. Such a transition comes with challenges that can be overcome when we are well-prepared. A great conversation led by Dr. Antonie Salloum with Dr. Alay Nanavati and Dr. Harrison Bai about the transition and sharing their experiences so far.

Enjoy listening, and looking forward to your feedback.

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1d8h397umji9lR8z8OtxNM?si=Uiu9N72xTK-NCnVina5fFg

Apple Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/july-1st-medical-students/id1579779795?i=1000609796949

The ACP Rule Out podcast is meant to be an open platform where anyone can be invited to speak on any topic with our hosts Dr. Raad Muhaisen, Dr. Harrison Bai & Dr. Alay Nanavati. Generally, the podcast focuses on two topics: Resident Life Experiences & Resident Medical Knowledge.

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.

Alexander Diaz de Villalvilla, MD FACP

Ahmed Samir Ahmed Elshazly, MD FACP

Hanns Christoph Stretz, MD FACP

Matthew L Lorenz, 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!

Chapter Speakers at Internal Medicine Meeting 2023

(March 2023) We would like to draw your attention to our Internal Medicine Meeting 2023 local speakers.

If you’re attending IMM23, please join us at our Rhode Island Reception—6:30-8:30 p.m., Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Marina Kitchen.

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.

Nominations for Chapter Awards

RI ACP is pleased to include membership in selecting Chapter award recipients again this year. We will continue to have six awards open to residents, members, fellows and masters. Any member of RI ACP is eligible to make nominations.  Awards will be presented at the Annual Meeting, March 15, 2023.

Awards (descriptions below):

1. Milton Hamolsky Lifetime Achievement Award
2. Irving Beck Laureate Award
3. Distinguished Mentor Award
4. Resident/Fellow Recognition Award for Leadership
5. Woman Physician of the Year
6. Benjamin L. Sapers, MD Memorial Award

NOMINATING PROCESS FOR ALL AWARDS: Nominating letter should include information useful in supporting consideration.

• Second letter of support
• CV, optional but encouraged

Nominations for all awards are due by January 15, 2023.

AWARDS COMMITTEE: If you are interested in selecting the award recipients, please let me know. Send all materials to riacpinfo@gmail.com

RI ACP Awards for 2023

Milton Hamolsky Lifetime Achievement Award

This American College of Physicians-authorized laureate award is presented annually to a physician in practice who is a senior College member, usually at the Fellow or Master level. The award is given in recognition of academic, clinical, research, and/or administrative excellence to a physician who epitomizes the attributes of the award’s namesake, Dr. Milton Hamolsky. This individual should exemplify the College's mission "to enhance the quality and effectiveness of healthcare by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine.” The award may be given posthumously. To be considered, nominees must be Fellows/Masters as of June 30th, 2022.

One nominating and at least one supporting letter should address:

• What qualities the nominee demonstrates exemplify the College's mission?
• What significant contributions or achievements has the nominee made in any of the above areas?

Irving Beck Laureate Award

Laureate Award recognizes a Fellow or Master of the College who has demonstrated, by his/her example and conduct an abiding commitment to excellence in medical care, education, and research, and/or service to their community, their chapter, and the ACP. Nominees may have outstanding achievements in any of a wide variety of areas, including leadership, medical practice, research, teaching, publications, advocacy, and/or volunteerism. This individual should exemplify the College's mission "to enhance the quality and effectiveness of healthcare by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine." A Laureate nominee is usually a senior physician who has:

• Been a Fellow or Master of the College for at least 15 to 20 years

• Achieved a long history of excellence and peer approval in the specialty of internal medicine
• Served the chapter and community with distinction or in some clearly definable manner
• To be considered, nominees must be Fellows/Masters as of June 30th, 2022

One nominating and at least one supporting letter should address:

• What qualities the nominee demonstrates exemplify the College's mission?
• What significant contributions or achievements has the nominee made in any of the above areas?

Distinguished Mentor Award

This award is presented to an individual in recognition of his/her career commitment to mentoring and significantly impacting the education and careers of students, residents, or colleagues. The nominee should be highly regarded for integrity, professionalism, altruism, leadership, a sustained interest in mentoring and would appropriately be described as a role model. The candidate should have a track record for mentoring members of the RIACP and implementing ideas/programs that promote faculty and trainee success.

The nominee should be an ACP member in good standing at the member, fellow, or master level as of June 30th, 2022. One nominating and at least one supporting letter should address:

• What qualities the nominee demonstrated exemplify the College's mission?
• What significant contributions has the nominee made to the careers of students, residents, and colleagues?

Resident/Fellow Recognition Award for Leadership

The Resident/Fellow Leadership Award recognizes a resident or fellow with qualities that exemplify the College's mission to "enhance the quality and effectiveness of healthcare by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine." By virtue of their compassionate and dedicated character, the candidate should be engaged in projects or programs enhancing the quality, access, or delivery of healthcare on a local or regional level, or contributing to the education and wellness of patients, physicians, or the community. Candidates may be nominated by peers or attending physicians/program directors.

Eligible residents/fellows must be an ACP member at the member as of June 30th, 2022. One nomination letter and at least one supporting letter should address the following:

• How the resident’s contributions have specifically impacted healthcare access and quality and/or the wellness and education of specific groups of people.
• Describe the characteristics the resident demonstrates and give examples to support these characteristics
• Evidence of how the resident has fostered excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine

Woman Physician of the Year

This award honors an outstanding woman physician with a distinguished career in areas of exceptional patient care, medical education and/or research. The nominee should demonstrate the characteristics of strength, passion, and perseverance, as well as evidence of the ability to empower other women physicians. Eligible women physicians must be an ACP member at the member, fellow, or master level as of June 30th, 2022. One nominating and at least one supporting letter should address:

• How the physician’s achievements have specifically allowed her to distinguish herself in the areas of patient care, education, and/or research
• Describe the characteristics she demonstrates and give examples to support these characteristics
• Evidence of how she has empowered other women physicians through her contributions to their own careers

Benjamin L. Sapers, MD Memorial Award

Benjamin L. Sapers, MD was an esteemed scholar and educator for generations of medical students and residents in Rhode Island for over 15 years. He was a renaissance thinker whose unique teaching style combined encyclopedic intellectual curiosity and recall of esoterica with quick wit and a disarming sense of humor. Dr. Sapers’s passion for pedagogy and academic rigor were only transcended by his empathy and humanism, with profound feeling for the person as patient.

The Memorial Award honors the memory and distinguished career of Dr. Sapers and is bestowed annually. Eligible nominees must be a member of the ACP at the member or fellow level as of June 30th, 2022. They should be an early-mid career physician (5-15 years post-residency). One nominating and at least one supporting letter should address:

• How the nominee’s achievements distinguish them as an outstanding teacher and scholar, and their broad intellectual curiosity
• Describe their characteristics of academic rigor and exchange, modeling enriching and rigorous discussion with colleagues
• Evidence of their empathy and humanism, superlative communication with patients and families, and discussion of the human condition and sick role.

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.

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.

Laura Edmonds, MD, FACP
Vidya V Gopinath, MD, FACP
Christina Bortz, 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!