Dear ,
One year ago, for my 40th birthday, I celebrated my installation as President of the Academy with all of you - albeit virtually. This year, two weeks after my birthday and one week after my favorite holiday (Halloween, of course!) I will celebrate the end of my term as president and the 75th Academy Awards ceremony on November 5th in Downers Grove. Space is limited, learn more and register here.
Halloween is my favorite holiday for so many reasons: autumn temperatures that bring the vibrant fall colors to our trees, the wild costumes and of course trick or treating! Halloween is the holiday that kicks off the holiday season!
Speaking of tricks and treats, we are still facing tricks on a regular basis. The biggest trick is that COVID still has such a presence in our world. I am unfortunately seeing an increase in numbers again, but I remain hopeful that it won't last long as more people receive the bivalent vaccine. Another major trick that we are dealing with is the misinformation preventing vulnerable communities from receiving COVID and influenza vaccines. As we are the most trusted providers in our patients’ lives, we must dispel and combat this misinformation by encouraging vaccination at every opportunity. Visit our I-VAC (Illinois Vaccinates Against COVID-19) program that provides support, education, and resources to help expand our vaccination efforts.
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Now for the treats! The "Family Medicine Reunion" at the Congress of Delegates and Family Medicine Experience (FMX) in September in Washington, DC was an amazing treat to reunite with my family medicine family from all over the country for advocacy and education. If you have never attended these events, 2023 is the perfect opportunity, as it will be in Chicago. (aafp.org).
Another treat was being back together for the first time since 2019 for the Family Medicine Midwest conference. My three residents came back telling their colleagues how wonderful the conference was; and encouraged them to submit presentations and attend next year when it’s in Naperville, IL. They absolutely enjoyed the networking opportunities with medical students, other residencies, and faculty.
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The final treats that I share with you are my President's Award recipients. My first award will be presented to Dr. Wells. Yes, I am giving an award to myself! No, that's another trick! It is actually another Dr. Wells. Dr. Christina Wells is a special treat to IAFP for too many reasons to list here. To cover just a few, she currently serves on the IAFP board, and quickly became an indispensable force with the I-VAC project podcasts. She also presented a virtual KSA, led the final session of our Physician Leadership Program and organized the opening panel presentation on Lifestyle Medicine at Family Medicine Midwest. She has also hosted an IAFP Foundation medical student summer extern the past three summers.
My second award will be presented to Dr. Careyana Brenham, and will be quite emotional for me. She has been my greatest mentor and treasured friend throughout my education and career. She is a court-appointed expert in child-abuse cases, a residency program director, and assistant department chair for SIU School of Medicine. Recently, she started a gender equity and transgender clinic, and has long been a beacon of hope and care for some of society's most vulnerable and often voiceless people. Her impact on me, many other students, residents, patients, family medicine, and the Springfield community simply cannot be measured.
It is my honor to present both of these phenomenal family physicians with these awards during our 75th Academy Diamond Anniversary Celebration and I invite you to attend!
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One bonus treat for all Illinois residents - your right to vote! Please vote on Tuesday, November 8, or use the early voting services in your community.
It’s been an honor to be this Academy’s President.
This is my final Member Message email to you. Have a safe and joyful Halloween with the kids in your family, in your practice and in your neighborhood!
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Contact Info:
Illinois Academy of Family Physicians
747 E. Boughton Road, Suite 253 - Bolingbook, IL 60440
331-318-0680
[email protected]
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