Last but not least of the chapter awards from the Leadership Forum held earlier this year, I was pleased to honor the California Chapter with the Membership and Community Award. The California chapter has recognized the importance of adding value to membership in order to keep its members in business, something that has become increasingly important in these times of change.

George Smith, MD, FACC, representing Northern California and Incoming BOG Chair Dipti Itchhaporia, MD, FACC, representing Southern California have both done a tremendous job increasing membership and a sense of community within the chapter.

Recognizing communication is key for a strong chapter, the chapter leaders traveled to all 13 districts within the state and held meetings to cover all aspects facing cardiology today that their members may have been “out of the loop.” The chapter also held quarterly conference calls for Practice Administrators focusing on topics such as coding, reimbursement, reporting, employment practices, etc. recognizing that as the newest members of the ACC team they will play an important part of the future of the College.

The chapter also pioneered a CCMA membership drive, offering three months free membership in order to educate and attract new members to the ACC. They worked with numerous institutions within California to advertise and educate the target groups about the opportunities available through the ACC. They also partnered or sponsored more than 40 educational programs which were well attended by FACCs, CCAs and FIT members.

All of these reasons and more are why the Golden State has raised the bar for membership and community and was awarded for doing so. As I pass the helm of BOG Chair to Dipti in Chicago in a few weeks, as testament to her successes within California, I am more than confident the BOG will be in great hands moving forward!

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