Letter from the Chapter Governor
I suspect many of you are very happy to see 2020 in the rear-view mirror. It was a challenging time for those health care workers in the front lines; this would include most of us on the cardiology team. It was a year that required adaptation to ever-changing work conditions. It was a year that required facing real danger to our own, as well as our loved ones' health.
As is always the case, some good happens in times of struggles. One year ago, few of us implemented telehealth, but now for many, it is a routine part of practice. Years of research in genetics have led to unbelievable speed in the development of effective COVID-19 vaccines. DHEC announced that beginning Wednesday March 31st, all South Carolinians over the age of sixteen will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. And while several businesses struggled during these tough times, many also flourished. I recently read that PetSmart has added millions of new customers as stay at home families elected to become pet owners, taking millions of strays off the streets.
It was a year of challenge for the ACC as well. Both the national and our state (NC/SC) chapter meetings were cancelled. However, the annual legislative conference was held virtually and was highly successful. This year's annual meeting is coming up in May and will also be virtual. Like all of us, our society has learned to adapt.
As I assume the role as your Governor, I would like to thank Dr. Jesse Jorgensen for his inspired and very effective leadership these last 3 years, especially this toughest final year. Jesse was extremely diligent in organizing fantastic chapter meetings, including our most attended meeting in history at Kiawah in 2018. He also was at the forefront of our visit with the SC congressional delegation, where we garnered support for some of our key initiatives. Ultimately our role, as governor, is to give voice to you at both our chapter and national level through the board of governors.
Over these upcoming 3 years, we hope to start a legislative visit day here at the state level. We are also considering a twinning program where we would pair up with a cardiology society in another country, sharing challenges as well as winning strategies. As of now, our NC/SC annual conference is planned to be live at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, September 17 - 19th. If you have not already, please consider renewing your state chapter dues as well as donating to the ACC PAC. Our national dues do not include any money for advocacy, these monies come exclusively through the PAC.
Finally, keep up with what is going on with our newly revamped site (sccacc.org) as well as national ACC websites.
It is a great honor to serve as your chapter Governor. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions. I look forward to serving you during these next three years filled with both challenge and growth.