President's Message
Dear Colleagues,
Though summer is in full swing, I find myself looking ahead to our Regional Meeting in Napa this fall and thinking of the great many things to do in the area. Dr. Michel McDonald and the program committee have developed a terrific and engaging lineup of both traditional and novel scientific sessions, including a networking luncheon, TED-style talks, practical pearls, and a Tumor Board including member-submitted cases.
Look for details on the recently launched 2015 Regional Meeting website, at www.mohscollege.org/regionalmeeting. Of particular interest is the Hands-On Skin Flap Workshop for ACMS members, developed by Dr. Deb MacFarlane and modeled after the very successful flaps course for fellows-in-training preceding the Annual Meeting. Along with hands-on instruction, the course features Dr. Nirusha Lachman, an anatomist from Mayo Clinic. More information is included in the newsletter below.
There will also be opportunities to play golf on two PGA-level courses, take a wine and olive oil tasting tour, and more. I encourage you to bring your family, your clubs, and an appetite, and extend your stay in Napa, either before or after the meeting.
Just prior to the Regional Meeting, the Board of Directors will meet to discuss the many activities the College has undertaken in support of its strategic plan. In order to inform our priorities, we will be sending out the next ACMS Member Survey very soon. It is critical that every member completes the survey, since your responses will guide our activities and expenditures over the next couple years.
I look forward to sharing some of the Board decisions and survey highlights at the meeting, in conversation, and in future monthly messages. I want to thank all our Committee and Board members for their thoughtful leadership and willingness to give their time and talent in support of this organization. Many opportunities still exist to contribute and right now I am specifically seeking a member to serve in a new position as our ACMS CLIA Advisory Committee representative. Given the integral role the Mohs laboratory plays in our daily practice, ACMS absolutely needs a thoughtful voice at the table.
I’m also pleased to share that the website for the 2016 Annual Meeting in Orlando is live and includes the Call for Abstracts, which is entirely online for the first time. Dr. Chris Miller is spearheading a fantastic educational program and together with ACMS staff has refined the submission process. Please visit www.mohscollege.org/annualmeeting for details, and read more below.
I would be remiss if I didn’t reiterate that you, our members, are what make the ACMS such a vibrant and essential organization, not just for our patients but also for the future of the specialty. Your voice is important, and it is heard. As always, you are invited to submit a Letter to the President for review and possible publication in this newsletter. I personally read these messages and look forward to hearing from you at president@mohscollege.org.
In service,
John G. Albertini, MD, FACMS
ACMS President, 2015-16