First President's Letter from Dr. Enright

Thankful.  

That is the feeling as I reflect on the ACOI 2024 Annual Convention & Scientific Sessions held in Arizona this past month. I am in awe of those that worked so hard to make the Annual Convention a success. Chair, Laura Rosch, DO, FACOI, and vice chair, C. Clark Milton, DO, FACOI, worked tirelessly with the program specialty chairs to bring in excellent plenary speakers and keynotes. Many new and seasoned speakers provided wonderful sessions. The ACOI Executive Director, Karen Caruth, MBA, and the Senior Director of Education and Professional Development, Kristan Davis, MEd, skillfully organized the entire ACOI staff to provide an excellent experience for all at the Annual Convention. From the new electronic sign-in to the conference app, the staff were always present with smiles to assist all. The student and resident sessions brought in over 300 new, bright trainees to our Annual Convention. Robert Good, DO, MACOI, Mark Baldwin, DO, MACOI, Joanne Kaiser-Smith, DO MACOI, John Arthur, DO, David Tolentino, DO, FACOI, and Laura Rosch, DO, FACOI, planned an excellent lineup for these trainees. Together with the ACOI Research Committee led by chair, Keith Reich, DO, MACOI, and ACOI Student and Resident Program Manager, Kara Kerns, over 150 research posters were presented for the Original Research Abstract and Case Presentation Posters contest. Thank you to all the judges who reviewed each of the phenomenal entries. It truly is special to see these young physicians and trainees participate in the Annual Convention. We hope you are planning to come to ACOI 2025, October 8-11, in Marco Island, Florida!

Thankful.

I am thankful for being able to serve as president of ACOI, an organization I hold dear. ACOI has been my IM home, a place to learn, and a place to see great friends and mentors. As a senior resident, it was 30 years ago that I attended my first Annual Convention with my fellow senior residents. While located in different states, we all continue to coordinate meetings together on a regular basis at the ACOI Annual Conventions. Seeing these lifelong friends is truly a highlight! I am thankful for the great mentors I have encountered throughout my time at the ACOI. Dr. Joana Pease, with her unwavering passion for osteopathic medicine and education and Dr. Karen Nichols, with her leadership skills that embody the utmost professionalism are two that have been such a positive influence for me and many others.

Thankful.

I am thankful for the ACOI members who continue to support this great organization. As you may know, membership organizations, whether allopathic, osteopathic, or not medically related, have been struggling to maintain and grow members since before the pandemic. While the ACOI was fortunate to grow slightly in membership this year, we are not immune to this trend. Nationally, membership decline has been cited as multifactorial ranging from financial uncertainty, changing member needs, and failure to connect with younger demographics, to name a few.  I am excited to be working with a Board of Directors, ACOI leadership, and staff who are forward-thinkers, nimble, and always looking for member input as we move forward. We are always asked by members “How can I help?” 

I have two big asks for you:  

1. Please take a few moments to complete our member surveys, including the ACOI 2024 Overall Meeting Evaluation. We value your input and suggestions!  
2. Please share your ACOI experiences with those you train and encounter. It can be intimidating to join and participate in a professional association. Your shared experiences may lead to them finding their IM home!

I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Susan