Bulletin
Physician Advocacy Since 1873
JAN./FEB., 2021 VOLUME 51, NO. 1
Editors: Dawn Hannah, M.D. | Erica Huffman, Executive Director www.escambiacms.org
President’s Message
till we can see a Blue Wahoos game again! We have a diverse calendar of events planned. A little something for everyone. Continuing Medical Education events with thoughtful topics, family outings at the Gulf Breeze Zoo and Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium, and a few cocktail mixers in there too. We will be careful to evaluate each event as the time comes.
Cancelled! What a start to the new year! The ECMS Inaugural Ball was cancelled due to COVID concerns. My inner introvert was partly glad. Unfortunately, the burden of penning my musings for the newsletter was not cancelled. Every past President has joked they dreaded this part the most. Part of my planned remarks for the Inaugural Ball was to emphasize the benefits of physician fellowship facilitated through ECMS. It is why I choose to be a member. The medical society strives to remain relevant in today's dichotomous environment, of employed versus private practice physicians. While my former comment noted relief that the Ball was cancelled, that sentiment is antithetical to my latter comment of improving physician fellowship. This reflects the tug-o-war between personal and social time that we all face. A physician’s work day can be long, the last patient always seems to be late or an unexpected extra consult or surgery was added. It becomes easy to rationalize the cancellation of our social health, i.e that evening's ECMS function. One of our most successful events last year was Hemingway’s Bar Beach gathering that welcomed families. These events build community. I personally can't wait
The last of my planned remarks were to recognize Erica Huffman, Executive Director of ECMS. As part of the board, I witnessed all the behind the scenes work put into the society for its normal functions. But this past year, Erica has gone above and beyond. All of our lives have been disrupted by COVID. I am not complaining about the personal inconveniences that we endure, those are first world problems. I know several whose practices have decreased volume, revenue lost and several who have been forced to retire. Erica has made efforts to put the Medical Society in the county health conversation. She coordinated vaccine distribution for members and non-members alike through conference calls with local and state health officials. Through her, there was distribution of several thousand masks to medical clinics, and the homeless via church food drives. She spearheaded getting ECMS members, health department officials and school health representatives together to discuss COVID and our schools. She made ECMS a part of the conversation. These efforts help speed us back to normalcy. I appreciate the hell out of those actions. Thank you!
Contents Page 3 - New Members Page 5 - Medical/Legal Page 9 - Foundation Page 15 - Community
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