Vermont Governor's Newsletter June 2026
In this Issue:
- Governor's Message
- Message from Dr. Priscilla Carr
- Leadership Day Update
- ACP Vermont Chapter Scientific Meeting and Poster Competition
- ACP Internal Medicine Meeting
- Health and Public Policy Committee Update
- Green Mountain Medicine Podcast
- ACP Fellowship
- Governor's Advisory Council
Elly A. Riser, MD, MPH, FACP, ACP Governor
Governor's Message
Dear Members of the ACP Vermont Chapter,
My name is Elly Riser, and it is my honor to be serving in the role of governor for the Vermont Chapter of the ACP. I moved here 9 years ago after completing medical school at the University of Washington, and I am lucky to now call Vermont home. I completed residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Vermont Medical Center, and I currently practice hospital medicine and addiction medicine.
The American College of Physicians has been a source of inspiration since my early days as a student doctor. The College is a way to speak truth to power, stay up to date on evidence-based practices, support and engage learners, and provides a platform for collaborating with physician leaders from across the country and the world. I want it to be these things for you as well. In my new role as governor of the chapter, it is my intention to be a conduit of the many resources the ACP provides. I want to hear your ideas, concerns, and wishes for the Vermont chapter, and I can be reached at riser.elly@gmail.com
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Priscilla Carr, who preceded me as governor of the Vermont chapter, and has patiently guided me as I transition into this role. Dr. Carr has been an incredible mentor, and I aspire to lead the chapter in her example. She continues to be a vital part of our chapter.
I look forward to hearing from you and serving our small but might chapter!
Sincerely,
Elly Riser, MD, MPH, FACP
Message from Dr. Priscilla Carr
As many of you know, I resigned from my role as VT governor to the ACP in March after my leukemia worsened. Since then, I've been receiving chemotherapy and am preparing for a second stem cell transplant that is scheduled for early June. While I miss the practice of medicine and the work as the ACP VT governor (and the connections that came with both), the time has allowed me to focus on my treatment and ongoing recovery. My care is split between three institutions- my local community hospital, Vermont's tertiary care medical center, and a regional cancer center. I've learned a lot as a patient, and am so grateful for the excellent care that's come from physicians, APP's, nurses, LNA's, phlebotomists, registration personnel, and so many more. While I will be remote for some time to come, I look forward to connecting with many of you in the future.
Leadership Day Update
Leadership Day is ACP's annual national advocacy event in Washington, D.C. which enables the College to advocate directly with Congress in support of legislation that impacts internal medicine physicians and their patients. On May 12-13, three of our Vermont Chapter members, Dr. Jan Carney, Dr. Elly Riser and Eli Zettler, MS4, met with Representative Becca Balint, and staff for Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Peter Welch, asking that they co-sponsor the following 3 bills:
H.R. 2028/S. 942, the REDI (Resident Education Deferred Interest) Act, which would allow borrowers to qualify for interest-free deferment on their federal student loans while in a medical or dental internship or residency program.
2. Cosponsor H.R.5448/S.2857, the Protecting Free Vaccines Act, which would protect public health by ensuring that patients will have access to well-established vaccines backed by rigorous scientific standards and fact-based science, without cost-sharing.
3. Co-sponsor H.R. 8163, the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026, a bipartisan bill that would help strengthen and stabilize the Medicare payment system by reducing the annual payment cuts in the fee schedule due to the budget neutrality mandate.
More information on Leadership Day
ACP Vermont Chapter Scientific Meeting and Poster Competition
Save the date for this year's chapter meeting on October 9, 2026 at Trapp Family Lodge. We will host an in-person Medical Student and Resident/Fellow abstract competition in conjunction with the meeting. We are excited about this year's agenda. More details will be forthcoming!
ACP Internal Medicine Meeting
Save the date for the annual IMM happening on April 15-17, 2027 in Los Angeles, CA.
More info can be found here
Congratulations to the winners of the VT Chapter Poster Competition who exhibited their posters at the ACP IMM Meeting in April 2026:
- Tucker Angier, Medical Student Clinical Vignette: CNS Progression Despite Completed Therapy for Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis.
- Dr. Ryan Miller, Resident/fellow Clinical Vignette: Neurosyphilis, syphilis aortitis, and tabes dorsalis in an otherwise healthy, immunocompetent male.
- Dr. Sarah Tadje, Resident Research/QI/ High Value Care: Recognition and guideline-based management of patients at-risk for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia within the UVM Health Network.
Health and Public Policy Committee Update
We are pleased to announce that Dr. T-Rae Tonozzi, PGY2 Internal Medicine Resident at the University of Vermont, is the new Chair of the Health and Public Policy Committee (HPPC) for the chapter. Do you want to become more involved with public health, policy and advocacy at a state or national level? Are you interested in drafting a resolution? Please join the HPPC to learn about current ACP policy priorities and to have your voice heard. Contact T-Rae Tonozzi or Elly Riser for more information.
Stayed tuned for upcoming HPPC events this summer.
Dr. T-Rae Tonozzi, PGY2, VT Chapter Health and Public Policy Committee Chair
Green Mountain Medicine Podcast
Green Mountain Medicine is an original podcast series for all things internal medicine, sponsored by ACP Vermont and hosted by University of Vermont medical students. This podcast deconstructs the topics that impact the field and characterize the practice of medicine. Episodes are also available on Spotify, Apple Podcast & Google Play Music!
We welcome the new hosts of Green Mountain Medicine, Brandon Lawson, Selena Henry and Daron Forohar!
ACP Fellowship
Fellowship in the American College of Physicians is a peer-reviewed and peer-supported credential that is a public reflection of excellence within the internal medicine profession. FACP signifies an ongoing dedication to the profession of internal medicine, the patients we care for, and the communities we serve.
Learn more and apply for fellowship here
Sponsor a new fellow here
Governor's Advisory Council
The GAC for the chapter is seeking 1-2 new members. This group meets virtually approximately 4 times per year and provides essential input into chapter activities. Please contact Elly Riser or Mark Pasanen for more information.