As we wrap up this year’s annual conference, I want to acknowledge the outstanding contributions from ACPM members and preventive medicine physicians that brought this meeting to life, from residents and students, to new fellows, to longstanding champions in public health.
We closed the conference by honoring the poster winners of the ACPM Board of Regents Scientific Excellence Award for physician, member-led, evidence-based research to advance the field of preventive medicine and other ACPM award recipients for their service to the College and profession. The inaugural Scientific Excellence Award for accomplished preventive medicine physicians who exemplify scientific excellence in advancing the field of preventive medicine to improve health, was presented at the opening plenary session to Matthew Allision MD, MPH, RPVI and Timothy Holtz MD, MPH, FACPM. Details on all the excellent award winners can be found here.
Next, we announced the new class of ACPM Fellows. We are proud to welcome a new cohort of preventive medicine fellows that will leverage their expertise to help advance the preventive medicine specialty.
We are also so privileged at the College to have incredible leaders to guide us. At the conference, the newest president of ACPM, Dr. Mirza Rahman, MD, MPH, FAAFP, FACPM, was inducted. He shared his incredible story of immigrating to the United States, the guiding principles that he follows as a preventive medicine physician, and his hopes for ACPM. His words were inspiring and gave us all a glimpse into the incredible work and opportunities ahead.
Lastly, at our closing plenary, America's Opioid Crisis: Where We've Been, and Where We Must Go, we heard a riveting personal story from Travis Rieder, PhD, Director of the Master of Bioethics degree program; Assistant Director for Education Initiatives; Associate Research Professor at Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics who calls for responsible opioid prescriptions and the need to better manage patients transitioning from prescribed opioids. Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, MD, MPH, FACPM, DFASAM, FAAFP, Program Director Preventive Medicine Residency; Core Faculty Addiction Medicine Fellowship; Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Medical Director of Harm Reduction Services, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Public Health, outlined the history of U.S. drug policies that have contributed to today’s crisis and the importance of addressing social determinants of health to battle addiction. Followed was a meaningful Q&A session with the audience, demonstrating how this topic impacts the daily work of preventive medicine physicians across a wide range of settings.
Leaving New Orleans, I’m inspired by the amazing scientific sessions, connections, and ideas on display at our meeting and I hope attendees leave with this same feeling. The annual conference always reinvigorates me as it highlights the beauty, creativity, dedication and passion for prevention, preventive medicine and public health all in one place.
I hope to see you in Washington, D.C. next year for PM2024.
Be well,