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.
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 Fellow
- Hiram Rodriguez Torres, MD FACP
(July 2024) 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 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!
5 Years
- Anstrong Figueroa, MD
- Roger E Bidondo Gil, MD FACP
- Hiram Rodriguez Torres, MD
- Sixto m Medina Jaca, MD
- Antonio Miranda-Enchautegui
- Jeditza Arroyo, MD
10 Years
- Alberto H Torres, MD
- Gerardo J Echevarria Batista, MD
15 Years
- Wilberto G Guzman Alvarado, MD
- Humberto N Olivencia Rabell, MD FACP
- Manuel M Gonzalez Garcia, MD
- Barbara Rosado, MD FACP
- Jorge J Lopez, MD FACP
- Michelaldemar Santiago-Sanchez, MD
- Doris M Perez, MD
- Dialma I Canales, MD
- Francisco J Diaz, MD FACP
- Amaury Segarra, MD
20 Years
- Sandra Franqui, MD
- Jose Ramon Rivera-Del Rio, MD FACP
- Jorge X Rodriguez, MD
- Gloria A Rodriguez, MD
(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.
Congratulations New Chapter Fellow
- Gabriel Galindez De Jesus, MD FACP
(April 2024) 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.
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
- Jose Antonio Gaudier, Jr, MD FACP
- Pedro D Gil De Rubio, MD FACP
- Arelis Febles, 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.
2024 Medical Student, Resident, and Distinguished Teacher Award Nominations Now Open
(January 2024) The Deadline for nominations is February 15, 2024. Submit your nomination via email to: rinavega@rivsmarketing.com. Awards will be presented at the March 2024 Chapter Meeting.
Medical Studentof the Year Award
Eligibility:Candidates to be nominated for the Medical Studentof the Year Award must meet the following criteria during the academic year 2023-2024:
- Medical student in their third or fourth year.
- ACP Member
- Demonstrate commitment to internal medicine, its philosophy, and principles, as demonstrated through comprehensive patient care and member of their school internal medicine interest group (IMIG)
- Be recognized as a strong leader
- Committed to community
- Committed to the education and enrichment of self and others, including but not limited to continuing education, teaching, research, and publication
- Former award recipients cannot reapply for the same award for four years.
- Only one nominee per medical school will be accepted each year
Judging for the Award:The local Awards Committee will evaluate all nominations in these four categories: leadership, research projects, scholarly activity, and community service work
Nomination process:
- Self-nominations are not allowed
- The Medical School Deanmust submit a letter of nomination
- Additional letters of support are encouraged
Resident of the Year Award
Eligibility:Candidates to be nominated for the Resident of the Year Award must meet the following criteria during the academic year 2023-2024:
- Physicians in training in their second or third year of residency. No Chief Residents
- ACP Member
- Demonstrate commitment to internal medicine, its philosophy, and principles, as demonstrated through comprehensive patient care
- Be recognized as a strong leader
- Committed to community
- Committed to the education and enrichment of self and others, including but not limited to continuing education, teaching, research, and publication
- Former award recipients cannot reapply for the same award for three years.
- Only one nominee per program will be accepted each year
Judging for the AwardThe local Awards Committee will evaluate all nominations in these four categories: leadership, research projects, scholarly activity, and community service work
Nomination process:
- elf-nominations are not allowed
- he Program Director must submit a letter of nomination
- Additional letters of support are encouraged
Distinguish Teacher/Mentor of the Year Award
Description:This award is given to a College Member who has demonstrated outstanding mentorship of students, residents, or colleagues as demonstrated by a sustained commitment to providing personal and professional guidance to other healthcare professionals.
Eligibility:
- The program’s Chief Residents must submit a nomination letter in consensus with the program’s residents
- ACP Member
- The nominee’s current CV/ Resume
- Only one nomination per program per year
Judging for the Award:The local Awards Committee will evaluate all nominations.
Nomination process:
- Self-nominations are not allowed
- The Chief Resident must submit a letter of nomination.A letter from the program director supporting the nomination must be included.
- Additional letters of support are encouraged
2023 Clinical Vignette and Research Competition
(December 2023) Over 240 attendees participated in the educational programImproving Elderly Patient Care, 2023 Clinical Vignettes & Research Abstracts Competition & 2023 Doctor's Dilemma®,held on November 18, 2023, at the Sheraton Convention Center. This year's event included an outstanding 6 CME program on Improving elderly patient care. Concurrently, we held the2023 Clinical Vignettes and Research Competition. This year, we had a record of 102 abstracts accepted, divided into 10 oral presentations, 80 clinical vignette posters, and 12 research posters. The Puerto Rico Chapter 2023 Abstracts E-Book is available on ourfor your reference. Special thanks to Dr. Hilton Franqui, chair of the Scientific Committee, the Puerto Rico Chapter Scientific Committee members, and the judges for their contribution to the success of this event.Congratulationsto all the winners!CLINICAL VIGNETTE POSTERS1st Place: (TIE – PERFECT SCORE!) Mr. Abdiel Alicea University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine Successful Treatment of Hailey-Hailey Disease with Adalimumab Dr. José Bretón Arias University District Hospital (UPR) The Ultimate Run: Acute Pancreatitis as the Debut of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus2nd Place: Dr. Alejandro Carmona University District Hospital (UPR) Vesicles, Viruses, and Vascular Inflammation: Pemphigus Masquerading as Varicella-Zoster3rd Place: Dr. Manuel del Rio VA Caribbean Healthcare System Beyond the Usual Tumble: A Rare Case of Multifocal Acute Thrombosis Following TraumaRESEARCH1st Place: Dr. Roberto Lapetina Arroyo University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve: Perception of Puerto Rican Cardiologists Regarding the Use of Smart Watches and Implantable Loop Recorders in Managing Atrial FibrillationORAL PRESENTATIONS1st place: Dr. Angélica Ludena de Freitas Dr. Ramon Ruiz Arnau University Hospital Recurrent Tensional Pneumothorax was the Key to my Diagnosis: A Rare and Underdiagnosed Disease on a 76-year-old patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease2nd place: Dr. Alexis Torres Rodríguez Dr. Ramon Ruiz Arnau University Hospital Abrupt and Lethal Rare Complication: A Case Report of a 32-year-old Male Who Suffered from Pyogenic Ventriculitis3rd place: Dr. Eduardo Malave La Concepcion Hospital Disseminated Histoplasmosis with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in an Immunocompromised Host
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
- Robert A Engel, MD FACP
- Ileana Eileen Ocasio-Melendez, MD 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.
2023 Chapter Excellence Award – Gold Winner
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 Fellows
- Yomayra Otero, MD FACP
- Aurea Annette Rivera-Delgado, MD FACP
(July 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.
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.
Roger E Bidondo Gil, MD FACP
Jonathan Cordero, MD FACP
Nicole Rassi-Stella, 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!
Chapter Reception at Internal Medicine Meeting 2023
(March 2023)If you’re attending IMM23, please join us at our Puerto Rico Chapter Reception—6:00-8:00 p.m., Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Marriott Grand Ballroom, Section 1.
Member Feedback is Requested on Spring 2023 Resolutions
(March 2023) Fourteen (14) resolutions will be considered at the Spring 2023 Board of Governors (BOG) Meeting. Please review each resolution and then indicate your support or opposition by completing the by the deadline your ACP Chapter Governor has requested or by March 22, whichever comes first.
Your comments will be forwarded to the Chapter Governor to be used as part of their testimony on behalf of the chapter. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Giampietro, BOG Administrator, at chapter@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 2023 Resolutions
(February 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 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 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 Fall 2023 Board of Governors Meeting is March 30, 2023.
Share your good idea with us. Draft a resolution.
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.
Congratulations to Myriam Z. Allende-Vigo MD, MACP on Mastership
(October 2022) We are excited to share that the Mastership Committee and the Board of Regents have approved Myriam Z. Allende-Vigo MD, MACP to receive recognition of being awarded a Mastership during the 2023 Internal Medicine Meeting in San Diego, California.
ACP Bylaws state that Masters shall be Fellows who have been selected because of “integrity, positions of honor, impact in practice or in medical research, or other attainments in science or in the art of medicine.” Masters must be highly accomplished persons demonstrating impact in practice, leadership, or in medical research. Evidence of their achievements can come from many types of endeavors, such as renown within their field and/or ACP chapter, research, education, health care initiatives, volunteerism, administrative positions, care of patients, and service to their community.
One of the goals of the 鶹ֱapp is to “recognize excellence and distinguished contributions to internal medicine.” As a way of achieving this goal, the College offers 21 awards and a number of Masterships each year. Annually, awardees and Masters are honored at the Convocation ceremony held during the Internal Medicine meeting.
Chapter Excellence Award – Gold Winner
(September 2022) I am pleased to announce that our chapter is in receipt of the Gold Level of the 2022 Chapter Excellence Award! The award recognizes truly extraordinary chapters that surpass excellence in chapter management. We are in the company of 47 other outstanding chapters. In order to achieve the Gold Level of the Chapter Excellence Award, chapters must meet twenty 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. I 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.
New Advocacy Resources Available to ACP Members and Chapters
(August 2022) We would like to make you aware of two new advocacy resources available to ACP members and chapters.
Understanding Advocacy and Why We Do It - A Comprehensive Toolkit for Chapters
ACP has created an advocacy best practices toolkit to support engagement in and the efficacy of chapter-level advocacy at the state and federal level. This comprehensive toolkit breaks down the different methods and mediums for advocacy engagement and highlights all the programs and resources offered by ACP to make the most of chapters’ advocacy efforts. This toolkit is only accessible to ACP members.
Reproductive Health Toolkit Now Updated
ACP's toolkit for chapters to utilize in navigating issues surrounding abortion rights and related policies in their states following the overturning of Roe v. Wade has been updated. The toolkit now includes sample letters that chapters can use to advocate with state officials and information on recent federal activity.
For questions regarding these toolkits, please submit all requests through thisto ensure we can track inquiries and respond in the most timely and efficient manner."
Are you a member of the Advocates for Internal Medicine Network (AIMn)? Learn more.
Wellness Strategies from Dr. Melba Feliciano
(August 2021) In a recent newsletter article, Melba Feliciano, MD, FACP, FACE, an ACP Certified Wellness Champion and member of our Chapter, shared the following:
Self-care is essential to be successful as a physician and to prevent the Burnout Syndrome which affects from 40 to 70% of physicians during residency training. According to World Health Organization, Burnout is an occupational syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Self-care and coping strategies to deal with stress at work and at home are core elements of the survival skills during residency years.
To prepare for the day, have less stress and be more effective, I will share a Monk's perspective to a productive morning:
- Upon awakening: Get up early, get centered, reflect on death, and plan for the day: Breathe...
- Make your bed in a mindful way, with intention: this represents, peace, order, and discipline training.
- Meditate: Get your mind still and grounded. Stillness is the key to success.
- Do an act of generosity: purify your mind
- Prepare breakfast (for you and others)
- Be grateful for life each morning. Prepare for the day in peace and grounded for the daily challenges and surprises.
ACP's Online CME & MOC Learning Center adds information on state-specific CME requirements
(Spring 2021) Wondering about Puerto Rico's CME requirements? You can now visit the Online CME & MOC Learning Center and click on the "State CME Requirements" tab to learn all about what you need to do. Note: You must be logged into your ACP Online account to access this information.