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 The Centennial Celebration of our heralded organization enables
every member to look back with pride on a history of great contribution
to our profession. But more importantly, this Centennial Celebration
provides an opportunity for the SMA to impact medicine and society in
general for years to come by dealing with a reality which touches each
of us and our practice on a daily basis.
The National Healthcare Disparities Report, developed by the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ), was the first national comprehensive effort to measure
differences in access and use of healthcare services by various populations. This is an
excellent starting point to examine disparities in healthcare. Certainly, measurement and
analysis will need to continue, but it is urgent that we implement procedures to make
a difference and close the disparity gap now!
Southern Medical Association is striving to bring this issue to the forefront by making
“Disparities in Healthcare” the theme of our upcoming Annual Scientific Assembly
being held October 12-15, 2006 in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition, as a
physician member association, we are pledging a five-year commitment to this issue
to make a difference in this country by using our areas of influence to bring
recognition and change.
I invite you to join hundreds of physicians and healthcare professionals from across the
U.S. as we meet in Charlotte this October. I believe you will find the experience more
than just “another national medical meeting.” It will be a meaningful and valuable
experience as you seek to handle the issue of healthcare disparities in your practice
and community.
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