President's Column
Greetings from the MOS!
As the new MOS President, I am extremely proud to represent the orthopaedic surgeons in the state of Michigan, and you have my assurance that the MOS leadership will continue to build on our strong tradition of education and political action.
In case you missed it, our annual summer meeting on Mackinac Island was a huge success. We celebrated the 50th Anniversary of our organization – which by the way – has become one of the most successful, active, and renowned state orthopaedic societies in the country. The research presentations, the educational sessions and the keynote speakers were all phenomenal, and the social activities were indeed memorable. Highlights of the weekend included the dedication of a MOS 50th Anniversary Plaque that will be proudly displayed in the entry wing of the Grand Hotel. Many of the society’s past presidents, as well as the Grand Hotel’s Owner, R.D. Musser, were on hand for the dedication. In addition, a special Saturday night reception included a live band and an unforgettable fireworks display. Although the MOS is primarily focused on education and political action, we also know how to show our members a great time!
Speaking of meetings – remember to save the date for the MOS Annual Fall Meeting. It will be held at the beautiful St. John’s Conference Center in Plymouth on October 29th, 2010. Keynote speakers will be Dan Nagle from Northwestern University and Charlie Saltzman from the University of Utah. I challenge you to find a more convenient, cost-effective and collegial meeting anywhere in the country that offers this level of education and incorporates such renowned guest lecturers in a one-day program. Please encourage your fellow faculty members and residents to attend!
As we approach 2011, current issues will continue and new challenges will arise for the MOS and its members. The political and economic environments are hostile to the successful practice of orthopaedic surgery in Michigan and legislation is constantly looming at both the federal and state levels that threatens the way we practice medicine. The huge budget shortfall that the state of Michigan faces will continue to fuel the “physician tax fire.” In addition, politicians will continue to look for avenues to cut heath care costs through the expansion of scope for less qualified care-provider groups. As this election season approaches, we need to strongly support moderate candidates who understand and value the physician-patient relationship. If you are already politically active – great. If you need a reason to be active, just look at the changes on the horizon that will negatively affect your practice. If you just “don’t have it in you,” donate to the MOS PAC Fund so that we can continue to fight for you. If you doubt our political effectiveness, simply look at our 2009 track record. We were very instrumental in defeating the physician tax and we led the charge to significantly limit the increased chiropractic scope of practice.
You should also know that we have taken two recent initiatives. One initiative is designed to optimize the way the MOS delivers education to the orthopaedic residents and surgeons in the state of Michigan. The other initiative is designed to increase our political potency as we deal with the different legislative issues that affect physicians. Relative to education, we are actively engaging the chairman and program directors from around the state, and we are exploring avenues that would allow the MOS to provide year-round learning opportunities for orthopedic residents and attendings. Relative to political clout, we have ramped up our networking efforts, and we are currently and actively working with other state societies and organizations, including the MSMS and the Michigan Osteopathic Association, so that we physicians can act in a cohesive manor and mount a unified attack when our way of practice is threatened.
Under your current leadership, MOS will continue to educate, influence and grow – count on it.
Until next time – enjoy your summer, safe travels and God Bless.
Joseph H. Guettler, M.D.
President, Michigan Orthopaedic Society