Dear Colleagues,
At the recently concluded Spring ACP National Meeting, I assumed the role of Governor of the South Carolina Chapter of the American College of Physicians.
First, on behalf of the chapter, I would like to thank Dr. Mary Beth Poston, our outgoing Governor, for her passion, dedication and hard work over the last four years. We will continue to benefit from her wisdom and counsel as she will serve as a committee member of the South Carolina Chapter.
ACP is a national organization of internists, the largest medical specialty organization, and the 2nd largest physician group in the United States. Our 161,000 members include internists, internal medicine subspecialists, medical students, residents and fellows. The ACP South Carolina Chapter membership has approximately 1400 members. I thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to represent our chapter to the national organization.
I have been involved in chapter activities for over two decades and a Fellow of the College since 2006. During that time, the importance of ACP and the various chapters of ACP as the professional home of its members has become clearer. As I embark on my 4-year term, my goal is to enhance the professional experience and well-being of our members. Additionally, I will strive to improve the medical care of our patients and thus have a positive impact on their families and their communities.
Our work and activities will be guided by ACP’s Priority Theme and Goals, which include:
- Membership Growth and Engagement
- Valued Professional Identity
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Innovative and Strategic Alignment
In accomplishing our goals, I will include an emphasis on advocacy, and I encourage everyone to participate in advocacy opportunities.
I welcome your suggestions on how our Chapter can achieve our goals and be of greater value to our members. I encourage you to send your comments to me or to the council members. Please visit our chapter website, or the ACP national website to see the extensive information and resources that are available to our members.
Lastly, April Koon recently joined the chapter as the Executive Director. Please join me in welcoming her to the ACP family.
Thanks to everyone for all that you do for your patients, our profession, and for South Carolina. I look forward to serving you all.
Sincerely,
Steve P. Saunders MBBS, FACP
Governor, ACP South Carolina Chapter
saundersps@outlook.com