12/18/2024

A Message from the Executive Director

This week, I've been reflecting on the importance of traditions--the passing down of customs or beliefs from one generation to the next.

I was recently struck by an article about the decline of Christmas traditions. As a mom of 2 young kids eagerly counting down the days (and sometimes minutes) to Christmas, I want them to experience the "magic" of the season. Yet, I’ve realized how many of the traditions central to our family celebrations have slipped away. The real tree has been swapped with an artificial one, the only Christmas caroling is via Warm 98.5, and our evenings are spent checking shopping lists and hiding a stuffed elf rather than reading The Polar Express and The Night Before Christmas together.  

As life gets busier and more complicated, it’s easy to lose track of these cherished traditions. But as I reflected on this, I felt overwhelming gratitude for our Academy Members, Leadership, and Staff. Even as your professional lives become more demanding and the healthcare system grows increasingly complex, you’ve held fast to our mission and traditions.

Thank you for your continued support in preserving 169 years of tradition—helping to unite and empower physicians in our region to uphold the highest standards of medical excellence and service to patients and the community. Just as families pass down the "magic" of holiday traditions, you are helping preserve the vital essence of the physician profession.

I wish you all a truly wonderful holiday season.

Jessica Sellar
Executive Director
Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati
jsellar@academyofmedicine.org