Complete Story
09/08/2023
GSACEP Presidential Address
Roderick Fontenette, MD, FACEP
Hello team GSACEP!!!
As I write this message, today marks the twenty-second anniversary of the September11th attack on our country. I would like to take this opportunity to remember those who lost their lives during that horrendous attack as well as those that succumbed to their illness and injuries in the days, weeks, months and years that followed from the aftereffects of the attack. I would like to pay special homage to the service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the fight in and around Afghanistan and I would be remised if I didn’t specifically mention the thirteen servicemembers who lost their lives at the Abbey Gate in August 2021 during the withdrawal. We all can recall where we were when the attack occurred. I was lying in bed asleep in off base housing in Misawa, Japan when I received a call from my mother informing me that two planes had just crashed into the World Trade Center buildings. This is a phone call I will never forget. I had the opportunity to deploy in support of our efforts and served besides outstanding men and women; many of whom are in this very chapter. I was also deployed in2021 as the CCATT Theater Director during the withdrawal and transported those members injured at the Abbey Gate. So as you reflect back on that day and where you were in the world, I ask that you also check on each other and know that your chapter is here for you as we are a unique chapter with a unique mission that always stand ready to support each other.
As we all prepare to head to national conference in Philadelphia, there are two key chapter events I would like to put on your radar. Our chapter meeting on 10 October at 1100 at the Marriott in the Grand Ballroom and our chapter reception on the afternoon of 10 October also conveniently located at the Marriott in the Grand Ballroom. Be on the lookout for additional details on both events. Please consider attending the chapter meeting as this is a great opportunity to be updated on the amazing work the chapter is doing on behalf of our patients. With Boarding and promoting Physician-led teams at the forefront of our advocacy efforts, this is an excellent chance to hear how your chapter is working with national ACEP to promote your interests. The reception is always a fun time to catch up, network, and socialize. As one of ACEP’s largest chapters, we have members that have been involved with the chapter for decades and have a wealth of historical knowledge on how the specialty of emergency medicine, and more specific military emergency medicine, has evolved over time as well as tips on how to get more involved advocating for our amazing specialty and those we care for both in garrison and abroad. So, as you sit and build your schedule with all the amazing educational content, lectures and section meetings you plan to attend, please be sure to mark your calendar for chapter events as I would love the opportunity to speak with each and every one of you!
See you in Philly!
Rod
