Dear Colleagues,
In this issue of Vital Signs, you’ll read a detailed review of the exciting work that took place at our Annual Meeting in Boston in early May. I am still filled with gratitude and pride over what we were able to accomplish together.
We made history and charted a course for our organization’s growth and impact.
We introduced and approved a new strategic plan, anchored by clear and measurable goals to improve the lives of our patients and our profession and to ensure that the Massachusetts Medical Society will be the most trusted and respected voice in health
care.
Our House of Delegates, in a history-making vote, adopted as policy the assertion that health care is a basic human right, the first time ever that a state medical society has formed organizational policy reflective of this critically important principle.
We also adopted policies that through advocacy will impact public health and the health of our patients, ranging from vaccination reform to ending the sale of flavored tobacco. The educational portion of our weekend focused on recognizing, treating, and
preventing physician burnout.
In my estimation, the boundless opportunities to connect, learn, and shape advocacy initiatives make this the greatest medical society in the world.
Mark your calendars for Annual Meeting 2020: April 30–May 2. In the meantime, it is my honor to work with you toward optimizing patient care, the health of our communities, and the practice of medicine.
— Maryanne C. Bombaugh, MD, MSc, MBA, FACOG
