From the President’s Desk

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear ABPS Colleagues,

I would like to start by expressing my gratitude and appreciation to all AAPS/ABPS Members and Diplomates who have made my time as President a true honor. It has been a pleasure to serve in this role and to see the positive progression of the organization.

I would like to point out a few of the major highlights of the past year.

Financial: During the COVID-19 pandemic, AAPS was able to strategically cut costs and maintain financial stability. A great example is the utilization of virtual meeting platforms, both for conducting board business and carrying out oral examinations. These platforms proved to be both economically effective for the organization and efficient for the examiners, candidates, and staff and as a result, are here to stay. New boards adhere to a rigorous development process that examines and vets the potential for need and financial viability, setting the new board up for success. Furthermore, the AAPS Board’s continued careful stewardship of our investments will protect our reserves necessary for the future of the organization.

Strategic planning: During the past year, we have embarked on defining our next 5-year strategic plan, by evaluating the structure of the organization and finding opportunities to improve our already strong foundation. As we evolve, development is important to ensure that our growth continues and we build the tactics to support our future.

Sustainability: An effort is underway to evaluate the sustainability of each Member Board of Certification. Such reports were provided individually to leadership of Member Boards for review and consideration at the winter board meetings. Engaging diplomates in the review of their Board has stimulated a prompt call to action. This activity is crucial to reviewing what steps our boards view as necessary to maintaining their vibrancy and who we are as a multispecialty physician board certifying organization.

As we continue to attract new Diplomates to ABPS as a desired choice in board certification, we are seeking new leaders who will guide the organization into the future. Please make it your priority to get involved. Our organization depends on physician volunteers. This will lead us to further acknowledgment and respect in the healthcare community as a multispecialty physician board certifying organization.

It is important to thank all AAPS/ABPS staff who have worked so diligently and effectively over the past year. They have done a tremendous job on pivoting to new methods to ensure the business of the organization is accomplished, while also furthering recognition and implementing new processes.

As an ambassador of ABPS, I empower you to educate your healthcare network about the additional value ABPS can bring to your community. The shortage of physicians due to the current pandemic offers an opportunity to inform healthcare leaders and influencers in your system about the benefits of including qualified ABPS physicians.

As a new presidential term begins, I encourage everyone to advocate for ABPS and your board certification. Thank you for your support this past year, and I look forward to the continued positive momentum in the years to come.

Elizabeth Maxwell-Schmidt, MD, FAAEP, FACEP