Presidents Message October 2024
Newsletter October 2024
From the President’s Desk:
Embracing Optimism Amidst Healthcare Challenges
As Internal Medicine Physicians, we are all too familiar with the many challenges facing our profession today—burnout, staffing shortages, administrative burdens, and the ongoing demands of patient care in a rapidly evolving healthcare system. Yet, amidst these difficulties, there remains a critical theme that sustains us: optimism. It is the belief that, despite the hurdles, there are solutions to improve both the care we provide and our own well-being.
Optimism is not simply about ignoring the reality of our challenges but about embracing the opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration that exist within them. At the American College of Physicians, optimism is nurtured through the Well-Being Program, which focuses on physician wellness, work-life integration, and building resilience. These resources provide tools and strategies that help members manage stress, foster mental health, and maintain joy in medicine, allowing us to show up as the best version of ourselves for our patients and our colleagues.
ACP’s Well-Being Programs offers several initiatives, including:
In my opinion, having come back from ACP’s Fall Board of Governor’s meeting in Boston recently, is that optimism thrives best within a community, and that is where camaraderie and networking within ACP are invaluable. The opportunities to connect with fellow members—whether at local chapter meetings, national conferences, or through virtual networks—are more important than ever. These connections provide a space to share experiences, learn from one another, and offer mutual support. Whether we’re discussing clinical advancements or simply finding reassurance in shared challenges, the strength of our network helps sustain our optimism.
You can find out more about ACP’s Well Being Programs here:
Physician Well-being: I.M. Thriving
One wellness opportunity I want to highlight is our upcoming New York Chapter Annual Scientific Meeting in Tarrytown, scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2024. This event promises a day of valuable educational sessions, opportunities for networking, and moments to renew our collective sense of purpose. You can view the full program and register for the event: www.nyacp.org/nyacp2024
We are particularly excited to announce that Adam Rodman, MD, FACP, Hospitalist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, will deliver the keynote address on “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare.” Dr. Rodman will lead a live case discussion comparing human and AI decision-making, offering insights into the strengths and limitations of current technologies in clinical settings. This session will highlight the impact of AI on medical decision-making and provide us with a glimpse into the future of healthcare. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how technology is reshaping our practice!
Of course, optimism isn't just reserved for our work—it extends to our lives outside the exam room. For many of us, that includes cheering for our favorite sports teams. As we look ahead to the future with hope, let's not forget to carry that same optimism into cheering for our New York Mets. Despite the ups and downs of the season, there’s always a chance for a comeback, and we remain hopeful that the NY Mets will rally and make a run for the playoffs. After all, as physicians and sports fans alike, we know that resilience and perseverance can pay off when we least expect it! (NYMets 1986)
As members of the New York ACP Chapter, we have access to a wealth of resources and a vibrant, supportive community that empowers us to face the challenges of modern medicine with optimism. Let us continue to work together, lift each other up, and strive toward a healthcare system where physicians and patients alike can thrive.
Now, more than ever, let’s embrace the possibilities, stay hopeful, and keep moving forward with the knowledge that we are not alone in this journey—both in medicine and in cheering for our NY Mets!
Better Together,
Susan Y. Lee, MD FACP
President, New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians