William R. Lewis, MD, FACC

I want to take this opportunity to thank our immediate past president, Dr. Philip Dorfman, for his excellent leadership during the last three years. He has been an excellent mentor over the past year as I prepared to take on this role. One of the important pillars of his leadership was legislative advocacy for cardiologists and cardiac patients. It is time to talk again about advocacy, as the ACC Legislative Conference is right around the corner. If you ever thought of getting involved in the ACC, this is a great opportunity. They will instruct you on how to talk to legislators. They will brief you on the issues. It is fun to see your government “in action” and be an active participant in the legislative process. 

You can’t afford NOT to get involved. Excuse the double negative. Medicare cuts, pay for performance, medical liability costs -- you can’t do this alone. Who is on your side? Who is protecting you? The American College of Cardiology has a long-standing history of standing up for your rights and needs in Washington, but the ACC CANNOT do it alone. It needs your help.

There are three essential aspects of advocacy in Washington, DC. The first is lobbying. The ACC advocacy staff has the best lobbyists in town. Second is money. I am not being cynical here. Every candidate wants to do the “right thing,” but each candidate defines the “right thing” differently. If you want your government to share your goals, you need candidates who share those goals. To get them elected requires money. The third essential aspect is a strong grass roots voice. Candidates want to hear from doctors who take care of patients in their districts. Visit the Ohio-ACC Online Legislative Center.

What can you do? Join the CAN. The Cardiac Advocacy Network is a way for you to share your thoughts with our elected officials. Sign up to attend the Legislative Conference in Washington, DC on September 17-19, 2006. This is an opportunity to meet your legislators with your colleagues. Contribute to the ACC Political Action Committee. This will assure that your money will be used in the most effective way to elect officials who support patients with cardiovascular disease. You need to stand up, be counted and let your voice be heard.

[Return to top]

Make plans to attend the 16th Annual Meeting of the Ohio-ACC on Saturday, October 14, 2006, at The Conference Center at Northpointe, just outside of Columbus. This year's meeting promises to be an excellent one. Expert speakers will share the latest information in cardiovascular treatment. There is a special session for practice and billing managers on interventional cardiology coding and documentation. You won't want to miss this. CME credit is offered. Register online today.

[Return to top]

All current Ohio fellows in a cardiology training program are invited to present their research (past or present) during the poster session, scheduled for Saturday, October 14th, from 7:00 - 7:55 a.m. and from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. Eligible posters may present recent data, case study or information that has been presented previously at a local or national meeting.

Submission
Download Abstract Form for Submission and submit by email to ohioacc@aol.com by September 15th. Submission of an abstract constitutes a commitment by the author to be present on October 14th if his/her poster is accepted. Maximum of two abstracts may be submitted per person.
NOTE: All fellows MUST also register for the meeting.

Judging
The abstracts will be judged in advance to select the top two abstracts for oral presentation. The rest of the accepted abstracts will be presented as posters and judged at the poster presentation on Saturday, October 14, from 7:00 - 7:55 a.m. and from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. 

Prizes

• Oral Presentation- First and second place for the oral presentation will be awarded based on a combination of abstract content and oral presentation delivery as judged by a  panel of cardiologists from various institutions. 
  First place - $500
  Second place - $300
• Poster Presentation 
  First place - $300
  Second place - $200
  Winners will be announced on Saturday, October 14, at the end of the meeting.
• Hotel Reimbursement - For those fellows residing outside of the Columbus area, one night’s hotel room and tax will be reimbursed. Call 866.233.9393 to make your room reservation. Make sure to keep your receipt to turn in for reimbursement. 

[Return to top]

Do you realize the difference that a physician can make by sitting down and talking with his/her legislator in Washington? The ACC has designed an opportunity for you to learn about current legislative issues facing physicians and to take that knowledge to Capitol Hill. The ACC Legislative Conference is scheduled from September 17-19, 2006, at the  Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC. The agenda is excellent.

[Return to top]

The Ohio-ACC Board of Trustees election is in progress. All paid Ohio-ACC Chapter members received ballots in the mail. Please take a moment to complete your ballot to select the future leadership of the Chapter. Questions? Call 404-303-9950.

[Return to top]