Alva S. Baker, MD, CMD

State Network News August 2004 Front Page: HOD Chair's Message Symposium Activities for Chapters Red Eye Rounds CMD Activities Online Symposium Preparation Information Kiosk & Exhibits Upcoming Chapter Meetings Printable Version of This Issue

E-mail Your Articles What better way to disseminate information to other AMDA chapters than to include an article in State Network News (SNN)? If you would like to include an article in an upcoming issue, please e-mail it along with permission to reprint to Nicole Germain, Membership Coordinator, at ngermain@amda.com.

State Chapter Meetings Click here for a listing of state chapter meetings.

Hotel Update for Annual Symposium The two headquarters hotels--Hyatt Regency Phoenix and Wyndham Phoenix Downtown--have sold out their rooms for the 27th Annual Symposium. If you have not made your hotel reservations, you may wish to check the following hotels that are reasonably close to the convention center: Holiday Inn Express, 602/452-2020 Marriott Springhill Suites, 602/307-9964 Note: Transportation to and from these hotels to the Civic Plaza or Hyatt will not be provided by AMDA. If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Braun, Meetings Assistant, at jbraun@amda.com.

Message from AMDA's House of Delegates Chair

When winter comes, can spring be far behind? Those of us who live in the colder climates are usually focused on that thought at this time of year. Tired of cold, tired of snow, sleet, sneet and snain, tired of slush, tired of salt all over the car, tired of traffic delays because of the weather or accidents, tired of...whatever. Where is that sunshine to lift us out of SAD? But, whoa, there, pardner! Get some perspective in your life! Just think about the majority of those we serve in long term care. For them, there is very little, if anything, in the way of seasons as we know them, for theirs is the constancy of rarely going outside. To those with thinning skin and slower metabolisms, the cold of winter is no different than the cold of air-conditioning, the glare of the fluorescent lights is the same year-round, and the sun rarely shines on their venerable aged bodies. But our mission, we AMDA-ites, our mission is to improve the quality of care (and, hopefully thereby, the quality of life) of those we serve. And, for each of us, here's the crucial role that contributes to the success of our endeavors.

It can be summed up in two words: active participation. No, these words used together are not redundant. The part each of us can play is to be involved and to work together to fulfill our mission. One of the best ways to do that is to serve as an educated and active participant as a delegate from your state chapter to the House of Delegates. Those of you who have served as Delegates have seen that it is one of the best experiences of the democratic process that it is possible to have. But, aye, there's work to do. Delegates need to be on time for the meetings of the House, to come prepared by having read, analyzed and discussed the materials for the meeting in advance, and to be an active participant in the meeting itself by paying attention to and perhaps participating in debates and by voting. Tall order? Perhaps. But I hope that you will give serious consideration to saying, when asked to serve, "Supersize that!"

See you in Phoenix.

Alva S. "Buzz" Baker, MD, CMD
Chair, House of Delegates

In This Issue of State Network News:

Registration for Annual Symposium

The 2004 AMDA Annual Symposium is just a few short weeks away. If you have not already registered for the meeting, we will only be accepting registrations in the AMDA office through February 14, 2004. After that, you are welcome to register for the meeting on site in Phoenix beginning Wednesday, March 3. If you have questions regarding registration, please contact Laurie Wilson, Registrar, at 410-992-3116 or lpwilson@amda.com.

State Chapter Activities at the 27th Annual Symposium
A summary of events involving state chapters at AMDA's 27th Annual Symposium.

Travel Information for the 27th Annual Symposium
Air travel discounts, car rental rates, and airport transportation information.

Nominating Committee Completes Slate for 2004
The 2004 Nominating Committee has completed the proposed slate of nominees to be presented to the 2004 House of Delegates.

2004 Annual Symposium Red Eye Rounds
Two concurrent sessions of Redeye Rounds--one covering medical direction topics and the other covering clinical topics--will be held on Sunday, March 7, from 7:00 am to 8:30 am.

CMD Activities at AMDA's 2004 Annual Symposium
A look at events for current and prospective CMDs and the CMD Information Booth.

State Chapters: Go Online to Prepare for AMDA's 27th Annual Symposium!
Use AMDA.COM for State Chapter Connections, Symposium Registration, even customizing your own schedule, and don't forget Internet Alley.

AMDA's Information Kiosk and Exhibit Hall Schedules
Schedules for AMDA's Information Kiosk and Exhibit Hall.

News from the State Chapters
Arizona forms its own chapter, and several chapters have new presdients.