For 33 years, I have watched and witnessed your dedication to emergency medicine and the patients you care for through your involvement with FCEP, FEMF and other organizations. It has been a wonderful journey to learn about and work with you on legislative/regulatory issues, education, EMS, governance, leadership, building construction, and so many other areas. However, it is time for me to tender my resignation so I might care for and spend time with my 92-year-old parents and reassess my next steps.

There have been many milestones that we have celebrated in all the years, and some sad times with the passing of four dedicated past presidents. The “Wall of Fame” of past presidents in the EMLRC needs to expand around to another wall to make room for upcoming leaders. There is such great talent in emergency medicine and the membership of FCEP. I watched as medical students and then residents joined the FCEP Board, and then become officers. And constantly learning that yet another FCEP leader had become a hospital CEO, CMO, or appointed/elected leader within FMA, ACEP, FHA, Boards of Medicine, County Medical Societies or major health care organization was so wonderful. How far the specialty has grown! The success of FCEP and FEMF is only due to your engagement and outreach, encouraging and mentoring more members to become leaders.

You have an excellent staff and lobbyist who each has amazing talents and dedication. You also have a broad community of friends and supporters. That is what I have enjoyed most: the FCEP family. My daughters grew up with many of your families through their fun and mischievousness at Symposium by the Sea. Who knew their game of elevator tag would generate calls from hotel managers?

2020 and beyond will be full of more challenges and opportunities for FCEP and FEMF growth. I know you will continue to support each other; it is so important that we all have this through the ups and downs. Thank you for so many wonderful years. Keep the FCEP family growing! ■