It is a privilege to serve as your president for the next two years. I have spent many hours reflecting on the chapters’ past accomplishments while contemplating our future direction and needs. I would like TCEP to be a strong and respected voice among Tennessee specialty societies and a viable ACEP chapter.

 

Our legislative efforts have been well received and we are recognized on the ‘Hill’. Dr. Ken Holbert, immediate past-president instituted weekly visits to the Capitol. When we showed up in a legislator’s office with our lobbyist, Jack Fosbinder we were greeted warmly and with respect. Our opinions were actively sought. Dr. Holbert has agreed to chair the legislative committee. We will keep an eye on all policy and budget issues that affect Emergency Medicine and medicine as a whole in the state.

The chapter had a successful Scientific Assembly in Chattanooga. There were 71 participants. Fourteen and one/half hours of credit were awarded for the two day program. While it was an informative and enjoyable event we fell short of our goal for active member attendees. We are going to work diligently at increasing our enrollment. The meeting dates for 2011 are March 27, 28 and 29, 2011, and will once again be held in Chattanooga. Program co-chairs are Harry Severance MD, FACEP and Larry Stack MD, FACEP. They will need your support and participation in this event. We look forward to the involvement of our residency programs at the 2011 Tennessee Scientific Assembly.

Sullivan Smith MD, FACEP once again heads the EMS/Disaster committee and he also serves on the state EMS board. The executive committee will meet twice yearly with state officials and TEMA so that we may be informed and included in the states disaster plans.

This year will see the addition of the Insurance and Reimbursement committee. Dr. Harold Duke will spear head the efforts of this committee with the help of Thom Mitchell MD, FACEP (President-elect) and Andy Perez MD, FACEP. Each brings an intimate knowledge of the insurance industry to the table. We have already weighed in on assignment of benefits issue with success. Our committee worked with the TMA to present favorable language for emergency departments and our colleagues in other hospital based specialties.

 

Currently we are undertaking an effort to improve and stream line the business practices of the chapter. John Proctor MD, FACEP, (chapter secretary/treasurer) is leading this project. We want the chapter to be viable for many years to come.

 

TCEP has partnered with the Alabama College of Emergency Physicians to offer the Southeastern Chapters Conference. Six chapters attended the meeting in Destin, Florida at the Sandestin resort. The conference has grown in numbers and it looks like it will take its place as a regional education leader.
 

The bottom line to all of our programs, goals and objectives is MEMBERSHIP. We must grow to over 400 members in the state. Five hundred would be better. Bob Roth DO, FACEP and Jacob Henning MD will head up membership committee. I am sure you will hear from them in the coming year. Talk to your associates and preach the benefits of TCEP. The work of the chapter will continue to impress the practice of EMERGENCY MEDICINE in Tennessee.