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Arkansas Chapter News

Congratulations New Chapter Fellows

  • Jennifer A Dillaha, MD FACP
  • Kalyan C Gonugunta, MD FACP
  • Doreen M Kamoga, MD MPH FACP
  • Lakshmi P Menon, MD FACP
  • Juan Carlos Rico Crescencio, MBBS FACP

(September 2024) Congratulations to the Chapter's new Fellows.Fellowship in the College is an honor.Being an FACP®is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internal medicine physician lives and practices.


2024 Chapter Excellence Award-Gold Level Winner

(August 2024) We are pleased to announce that our chapter is in receipt of the Gold Level of the 2024 Chapter Excellence Award! The award recognizes truly extraordinary chapters that surpass excellence in chapter management. We are in the company of 59 other outstanding chapters. In order to achieve the Gold Level of the Chapter Excellence Award, chapters must meet 20 Bronze criteria, 14 Silver criteria and multiple Gold level activities. Criteria include such activities as having a legislative action plan or agenda, holding a volunteerism/community service activity, holding multiple stand-alone meetings, having revenue sources outside of dues and meeting registration fees, implementing a strategic plan, implementing a formal recruitment and retention plan and measuring outcomes, conducting various activities for Medical Students, Residents and Early Career Physicians. We would like to extend a special thanks to those chapter members who assisted us in all of these endeavors! For their hard work and dedication, we received this award.

Chapter Excellence Award


Empower Your Advocacy: Introducing Our Comprehensive Toolkit

(August 2024) We are excited to announce the launch of our AdvocacyToolkit:Using Your Voice as a Physician Advocate, a powerful resource designed to equip medical students and physicians with the skills and knowledge needed to become effective advocates for health care in their communities. This toolkit comprises five self-contained and independent modules, each presented as engaging voice-over PowerPoint presentations. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or new to the field, these modules offer valuable insights and practical guidance.

Module Highlights

Physician as Advocate

  • Discover advocacy tips and real-life examples that showcase how physicians can use their voice to drive positive health outcomes in their communities. This module emphasizes the pivotal role of physicians in advocating for public health.

Legislative Advocacy

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process at both state and federal levels. Learn about the opportunities available for physician advocacy within this process and how to navigate the legislative landscape effectively.

Print Media Advocacy

  • Explore the various types of print media, their audiences, and their scope in the realm of advocacy. This module provides insights into crafting compelling messages that resonate with readers and drive change through traditional media channels.

Social Media Advocacy

  • Delve into the dynamic world of social media and its potential as a powerful advocacy tool. Learn about the key features of different social media platforms and how to leverage them to amplify your advocacy efforts and engage a broader audience.

Audio Media Advocacy

  • Understand the motivations and uses of audio media in advocacy. This module focuses on the unique advantages of podcasts, radio, and other audio formats, offering strategies to effectively communicate your advocacy messages through these channels.

Each module begins with a standard introduction and overview, followed by an in-depth exploration of the topic, and concludes with a concise one-page outline to reinforce key points.

Toolkit: Using Your Voice As A Physician Advocate

By integrating these modules into your advocacy efforts, you will be better equipped to influence public health policy and drive meaningful change. Empower yourself and your community with the tools and knowledge provided in our Advocacy Toolkit.

Together, let's make a difference!


State Health Advocacy August Recess Grassroots Mobilization Challenge

(August 2024) Members of Congress are returning home to their districts during the August congressional recess. During this time, ACP is calling on internal medicine physicians to engage their representatives on important issues we need Congress to act on before the end of 2024.

To incentivize participation in this grassroots mobilization, the Advocates for Internal Medicine Network (ACP grassroots network) is challenging members to see which states will have the highest engagement. Advocates can score points for their states by choosing to take one or more advocacy actions identified in the campaign.

Access theNow!


Congratulations New Chapter Fellows

  • Delilah L Easom, MD FACP
  • Hazel K Liverett, MD FACP
  • Anne G Montgomery, MD FACP
  • Sri J Obulareddy, MD FACP
  • Kristen Shealy, MD FACP

(July 2024) Congratulations to the Chapter's new Fellows.Fellowship in the College is an honor.Being an FACP®is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internal medicine physician lives and practices.


Call for Spring 2025 Resolutions

(July 2024) Are you concerned about a practice or clinical issue or have an idea youwould like to suggest? If so, you might consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or chapter council.

Initiating a resolution provides ACP members an opportunity to focus attention at the ACP national level on a particular issue or topic that concerns them. Participating in the Board of Governors resolutions process provides the ACP grassroots member a voice and allows you to shape College policy that impacts the practice of internal medicine.

Not sure how to begin drafting a resolution? Researching the College's position on an issue can give you a start. TheACP Board of Governors Resolutions Guide for ACP Membersis available to download and will help, too.The Guidewas created to provide members a short overview of the resolutions process essentials and highlights critical ACP online resources you must use.

Once drafted, members must submit resolutions to their Governor and/or chapter council. Chapter council approval is required to move resolutions forward to ACP national. Although not official ACP policy, a resolution becomes property of the chapter once the chapter council approves forwarding it to national. If effecting change interests you, the deadline for submitting new resolutions to be heard at theSpring 2025 Board of Governors Meeting isSeptember 27, 2024.

Share your good idea with us. Draft a resolution.


We want to hear from you: Fall 2024 BOG Resolutions

(July 2024)The following resolutions are up for consideration at the Fall 2024 Board of Governors (BOG) Meeting. We invite you to review each resolution and share your support or opposition by completing the by August 12.

  • Developing Policy to Address Consolidation in Healthcare
  • Gaining an Understanding of the 1-Year and 3-Year Mortality Rates of Patients that Have Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Stays
  • Supporting Patients’ Access to Documentation and Communications in their Preferred Language
  • Declaring Access to Equitable, Affordable Healthcare is a Human Right
  • Developing Policy on Reducing Traffic Fatalities and Injuries in the United States
  • Revising ACP’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy to Promote an Age-Friendly Professional Home and Create Engagement Opportunities for Senior and Retired Physicians
  • Advocating for Funding of a Direct Comparison of Two Highly Touted Dietary Approaches to Control Type Two Diabetes Clinical Measures and Costs

Resolutions provide our members an opportunity to focus attention at the national level on particular issues or topics that concern you and gives grassroots members a voice, allowing you to shape College policy that impacts the practice of internal medicine. Involvement in the resolutions feedback process is essential for maintaining a responsive and effective professional organization that truly represents its members.

Your feedback is valuable and will be forwarded to your Governor to assist in their testimony on behalf of the chapter. Thank you for your input.

(NOTE: Proposed resolutions should be considered confidential information and are intended to be viewed by ACP members only. Under no circumstances should proposed resolutions be shared with the news media or social networking media, nor should they be shared with other individuals and organizations. Proposed resolutions do not represent ACP policy.)


Happy Anniversary to our Chapter Members!

Chapter Anniversary Banner

5 Years

  • Naveen Patil, MD FACP
  • Manuel E Gonzalez, MD
  • Sarah Assem, MD FACP
  • Claude Pirtle, MD FACP
  • Akihiro Kobayashi, MD
  • Sunilkumar Kakadia, MBBS FACP
  • Derrick L Richardson, MD
  • Troy A Groover
  • Katie D Herring, MD
  • Anup Trikannad, MD FACP
  • Phillip G Doerner, III, DO
  • Steven McKee, MD
  • Prasanth Babu Sadaram, MBBS MD
  • Mohamed Attia, MD
  • Kristen Shealy
  • Steven Wright, MD

10 Years

  • Kevin P Flinn, MD FACP
  • Shannon Swift Cooper, MD FACP
  • Beena Syed, MBBS FACP
  • Roland Crisologo Vizconde, MD
  • Jyoti Chaudhary, MBBS FACP
  • Rajasekhar Reddy Madathala, MBBS FA
  • David W Clay, MD
  • Sara Tischer, DO

15 Years

  • Robin C Williams, MD FACP
  • Konstantinos Arnaoutakis, MD FACP

20 Years

  • Stephen R Wilber, DO

(May 2024) Your ACP Chapter thanks you for your continued 鶹ֱapp and all you do every day to serve your patients and support the future of internal medicine. We’re proud that you’ve chosen us as your professional home, and we’re committed to remaining by your side—advocating for and supporting your professional journey.


BOR Action on Spring 2024 BOG Resolutions

(May 2024) A summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at the Spring 2024 Board of Governors (BOG) meeting is now available. Resolutions initiated by ACP members and endorsed by a chapter council and the BOG become ACP policy when adopted by the BOR.

If you have an idea you would like to suggest to ACP, consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or local ACP chapter. Visit the advocacy section of your ACP chapter website for more information on how to propose a resolution.


Call for Abstracts: 2024 Arkansas Chapter Abstract Competition

Deadline: July 14, 2024

Open to Early Career Physicians, Resident/Fellows, and Medical Student Members

Competition Details |


Member Feedback is Requested on Spring 2024 Resolutions

(February 2024) Twenty-one (21) resolutions will be considered at the Spring 2024 Board of Governors (BOG) Meeting. With the exception of Resolution 9-S24, which will not be debated because this resolution is slated for adoption as a reaffirmation, please review each resolution and then indicate your support or opposition by completing theby the deadline your ACP Chapter Governor has requested or by midnight March 13, whichever comes first.

Your comments will be forwarded to your Governor to be used as part of his/her testimony on behalf of the chapter. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Giampietro, BOG Administrator, atchapter@acpmembership.org. Thank you for your input.

(NOTE: Proposed resolutions should be considered confidential information and are intended to be viewed by ACP members only. Under no circumstances should proposed resolutions be shared with the news media or social networking media, nor should they be shared with other individuals and organizations. Proposed resolutions do not represent ACP policy.)


Call for Fall 2024 Resolutions

(February 2024) Are you concerned about a practice or clinical issue or have an idea you'd like to suggest? If so, you might consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or chapter council.

Initiating a resolution provides ACP members an opportunity to focus attention at the ACP national level on a particular issue or topic that concerns them. Participating in the Board of Governors resolutions process provides the ACP grassroots member a voice and allows you to shape College policy that impacts the practice of internal medicine.

Not sure how to begin drafting a resolution? Researching the College's position on an issue can give you a start. The just released ACP Board of Governors Resolutions Guide for ACP Members is now available to download and will help, too. The Guide was created to provide members a short overview of the resolutions process essentials and highlights critical ACP online resources you must use.

Once drafted, members must submit resolutions to their Governor and/or chapter council. Chapter council approval is required to move resolutions forward to ACP national. Although not official ACP policy, a resolution becomes property of the chapter once the chapter council approves forwarding it to national. If effecting change interests you, the deadline for submitting new resolutions to be heard at the Fall 2024 Board of Governors Meeting isMarch 29, 2024.

Share your good idea with us. Draft a resolution.


Congratulations New Chapter Fellows

  • Rawan Al-Odat, MD FACP
  • Asis Shrestha, MBBS FACP
  • David Zimmerman, MD FACP
  • Shahla G Naoman, MD FACP

(February 2024) Congratulations to the Chapter's new Fellows.Fellowship in the College is an honor.Being an FACP®is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internal medicine physician lives and practices.


AR Governor's Council Nominations OPEN

(February 2024)Under our ACP Arkansas bylaws, the Arkansas Chapterwill conduct an electionto fill three (3) Governor's Advisory Council seats in April 2024.

The Call for Nominations for the Governor’s Advisory Council is now open. If you are interested in running, please email your Name, Short Bio (less than 200 words), and CV toColleen Keekuno later thanFriday, February 23rd.

If you would like to nominate a colleague, please email that person’s name and contact informationno later thanFriday, February 16th.

The Governor’s Council consists of physician volunteer leaders entrusted to represent and actively engage the membership of the Chapter. The Council sets policy and provides leadership, including planning strategically for the Chapter’s growth; determining the mission, goals, and priorities; and allocating resources in line with those priorities. The Council meets in-person or online 2-3 times annually. Questions can be directed toColleen Keeku, Executive Director.


Chapter Speakers at Internal Medicine Meeting 2024

(December 2023) We’d like to bring attention to our local chapter members who will be presenting as faculty at ACP’s Internal Medicine Meeting 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts this April. Early-bird registration is available through January. For a full schedule or for more information on the meeting, click .

Omar Atiq MD
Panel - Protect Healthcare Professionals to Deliver Optimal Patient Care: A Joint ACP and EFIM Session
Thursday, April 18, 2024

RobertvHopkinsvMD
Meet the Professorv-vImmunizations: What's New
Saturday, April 20, 2024


BOR Action on Fall 2023 BOG Resolutions

(December 2023) A summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at the Fall 2023 Board of Governors (BOG) meeting is now available. Resolutions initiated by ACP members and endorsed by a chapter council and the BOG become ACP policy when adopted by the BOR.

If you have an idea you would like to suggest to ACP, consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or local ACP chapter. Visit the advocacy section of your ACP chapter website for more information on how to propose a resolution.


Congratulations New Chapter Fellows

  • Sarah Assem, MD FACP
  • Ankur Varma, MBBS FACP

(November 2023) Congratulations to the Chapter's new Fellows. Fellowship in the College is an honor. Being an FACP® is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internal medicine physician lives and practices.


Congratulations to 2023 Abstract Competition Winners!

1st Place Clinical Research Poster Resident

Mohammed Soliman- UAMS/Mercy-VHSO
Anti-MDA-5 antibody dermatomyositis in Hispanic male post COVID-19 infection

1st Place Clinical Vignette Poster Resident

August Martin- UAMS/Mercy-VHSO
Atraumatic Splenic Rupture an Unusual Presentation of DLBCL: a Case Report

1st Place Quality Improvement-Patient Safety Poster

Daniel Shin-Unity Health White County Med Ctr
Enhancing Diabetic Care in Resident Clinics: A Quality Improvement Initiative

2nd Place Clinical Vignette Poster Resident

Safina Ali-UAMS/Mercy-VHSO
Beta Blocker Toxicity in the setting of Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report

3rd Place Clinical Vignette Poster Resident-TIE

Rishan Jeyakumar-Mercy
Pembrolizumab Induced Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Thai Le-Mercy
New onset 2-1 heart block in sepsis shock patient: Aortic root abscess with acquired ventricular septal defect

1st Place Medical Student Poster Overall-Clinical Vignette

Nadia Safar-UAMS
Sjogren's Syndrome and Lung Disease with Low ANA Titer
Winning an automatic spot at the ACP National Competition in Boston and a $800 stipend

2nd Place Medical Student Poster Overall-Clinical Research

Jordan Pilkington-UAMS
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) Arising Post Kidney Transplant and Review of Clinical Variants in the Literature


2023 Chapter Excellence Award – Gold Winner

Chapter Excellence Award Bronze We are pleased to announce that our chapter is in receipt of the Gold Level of the 2023 Chapter Excellence Award! The award recognizes truly extraordinary chapters that surpass excellence in chapter management. We are in the company of 54 other outstanding chapters. In order to achieve the Gold Level of the Chapter Excellence Award, chapters must meet nineteen Bronze criteria, seventeen Silver criteria and multiple Gold level activities. Criteria include such activities as having a legislative action plan or agenda, holding a volunteerism/community service activity, holding multiple stand-alone meetings, having revenue sources outside of dues and meeting registration fees, implementing a strategic plan, implementing a formal recruitment and retention plan and measuring outcomes, conducting various activities for Medical Students, Residents and Early Career Physicians.

We would like to extend a special thanks to those chapter members who assisted us in all of these endeavors! For their hard work and dedication, we received this award.


We Request Your Feedback on the Proposed Fall 2023 Board of Governors Resolutions

(August 2023) We would like to request your feedback regarding resolutions that will be considered at the Fall 2023 Board of Governors Meeting. With the exception of Resolution 3-F23 which was accepted as a reaffirmation and will not be debated, please review the balance of the slate and then indicate your support or opposition by completing the resolutions electronic response form by August 30th.

After considering the intent of each resolution and how it fits with the College’s Mission and Goals, please provide your feedback on each resolution and indicate your support or opposition by completing the electronic response form by August 30. Your input will be used as part of testimony on behalf of the chapter.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to provide comments regarding these resolutions. By providing your feedback on the Board of Governors resolutions, you have helped to shape College policy that impacts the practice of internal medicine.


Congratulations New Chapter Fellow

  • Ryan A Costello, DO FACP

(July 2023) Congratulations to the Chapter's new Fellow. Fellowship in the College is an honor. Being an FACP® is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internal medicine physician lives and practices.


Call for Spring 2024 BOG Resolutions

(July 2023) Are you concerned about a practice or clinical issue or have an idea you'd like to suggest? If so, you might consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or chapter council.

Initiating a resolution provides ACP members an opportunity to focus attention at the ACP national level on a particular issue or topic that concerns them. Participating in the Board of Governors resolutions process provides the ACP grassroots member a voice and allows you to shape College policy that impacts the practice of internal medicine.

Not sure how to begin drafting a resolution? Researching the College's position on an issue can give you a start. The recently released ACP Board of Governors Resolutions Guide for ACP Membersis now available to download and will help, too.The Guidewas created to provide members a short overview of the resolutions process essentials and highlights critical ACP online resources you must use.

Once drafted, members must submit resolutions to their Governor and/or chapter council. Chapter council approval to move resolutions forward to ACP national is required. A resolution becomes a resolution of the chapter once the chapter council approves forwarding it to national. If effecting change interests you, the deadline for submitting new resolutions to be heard at the Spring 2024 Board of Governors Meeting isOctober 16, 2023.

Share your good idea with us. Draft a resolution.


BOR Action on Spring 2023 BOG Resolutions

(June 2023) summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actionson resolutions debated at theSpring 2023 Board of Governors (BOG) meeting is now available. Resolutions initiated by ACP members and endorsed by a chapter council and the BOG become ACP policy when adopted by the BOR.


Chapter Members Elected to ACP Fellowship

(March 2023) We would like to congratulate our chapter members on election to Fellow of the 鶹ֱapp. The distinction recognizes achievements in internal medicine.

Jinendra L Satiya, MD FACP

Robert K Horsley, MD FACP

Tarreq Noori, MD FACP

Vinita Puri MD, FACP

Samuel O Tytler, MD FACP

Sunilkumar Kakadia, MBBS FACP

Naveen K Yarlagadda, MBBS FACP

Fellowship is elected upon the recommendation of peers and the review of ACP’s Credentials Subcommittee. They may now use the letters “FACP” after their name in recognition of this honor. Please join me in congratulations!


Board of Regents Action on Fall 2022 BOG Resolutions

(November 2022) A summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at theFall 2022 Board of Governors (BOG) meeting is now available. Resolutions initiated by ACP members and endorsed by a chapter council and the BOG become ACP policy when adopted by the BOR.

If you have an idea you'd like to suggest to ACP, consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or local ACP chapter. Visit your ACP chapter website for more information on how to contact your Governor or chapter staff about proposing a resolution.


Chapter Members Elected to ACP Fellowship

(November 2022) We would like to congratulate our chapter members on election to Fellow of the 鶹ֱapp. The distinction recognizes achievements in internal medicine.

Mauricio Garcia S De Sicilia, MD, FACP
Aswanth Reddy, MD, FACP

Fellowship is elected upon the recommendation of peers and the review of ACP’s Credentials Subcommittee. They may now use the letters “FACP” after their name in recognition of this honor. Please join me in congratulations!