Past President's Comments
by Peter E. Petrucci, MD, FACS
1999-2000
This is my final commentary as Immediate Past President of the Metropolitan Washington Chapter American College of Surgeons/Washington Academy of Surgery. Having the opportunity to be the chapter President at the turn of the century was a unique experience that I will never forget.
I had the opportunity of working with, and getting to know better, my excellent co-officers and council members, who made my job extremely easy. A special thanks foes to our new president, Anton Sidawy, MC, FACS. In addition to his excellent work as the Program Chairman for All surgeons Day, Dr. Sidawy was instrumental in guiding the merger between the Washington Academy of Surgery and the chapter. In addition, he rewrote and updated the appropriate sections of the bylaws.
As always, the Young Surgeons Committee, this past year under the chairmanship of Debra Holly Ford, MD, FACS, was instrumental in providing outstanding educational and social activities. In addition, Kurt Newman, MD, FACS, and his committee did an outstanding job in selecting William Matory, MD, FACS, for the LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr., Award.
Nevertheless, our chapter faces several challenges for the future. Although our general economy is doing well, many surgeons have found it necessary to cut back on their expenses, including memberships in some professional organizations. Attracting and maintaining our members will be a continuing challenge. Although our current financial situation is sound, it is it is appropriate to carefully review how we spend out money.
We have a unique relationship with our parent organization. Chapter members in the Washington metropolitan area are frequently called upon to testify before Congress and to provide assistance to the staff of the American College of Surgeons Washington Office. At the same time, we rely heavily on College staff for ongoing support of our chapter. In the past, this arrangement has included what amounts to a financial supplement, since the cost of managerial services the College charges the chapter has not increased for many years. This year, we are being asked to pay an increased fee to better reflect our utilization of staff time. Although this request is appropriate, some consideration for the efforts of chapter members on behalf of the College is also important.
Finally, as many of you know, tort reform has been a major interest of mine for several years. I continue to serve as a representative of the American College of Surgeons on the board of the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA). It has become increasingly clear that although tort reform efforts on a state level are important, it is unlikely that meaningful tort reform will come without federal intervention. In this election year, there is an opportunity to elect leaders who will give meaningful federal tort reform efforts a real opportunity. I hope you will consider this issue when you vote.
In closing, I want to thank everyone who has been involved in a very successful year. I look forward to enjoying future chapter activities, and I wish the chapter and Dr. Sidawy all success.
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