As I offer you my last President’s Page, I would like to join my 153 predecessors in thanking you for the honor and pleasure of serving as MSMA president. This year has been full of accomplishments, challenges and even some disappointments. As with Dr. Mark Horne, I had a presidency that was “consumed by COVID.” But, I also had the fortune of overseeing a response that offered hope with vaccines and treatments finally available. It was gratifying to be able to offer my expertise as a pediatrician who has encountered vaccine hesitancy in its many forms during the last 40 years.
As I look back from the pinnacle of “the highest honor MSMA can bestow on a member,” I am most thankful that my friend and past president Dr. Randy Easterling took a chance on me with my appointment as Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates in 2010. At the time I was looking to become more involved in MSMA, and boy did I!
My years as Vice Speaker and Speaker gave me a unique view of our organization. I have enjoyed watching my fellow members share their passion as physicians who care for Mississippi. I did not come into my leadership position with the goal to one day be president. For me becoming MSMA president was “lagniappe” – a little something extra. I am going to miss being Dr. Brunson’s “boss,” but I know the lifeblood of our organization is to recognize, encourage, and advance new leaders.
It’s not hard to develop leaders for MSMA. Every medical school graduate is already a leader; we are taught to lead the healthcare team. MSMA members know Mississippi’s healthcare strengths, challenges, and needs. Our organization has a wonderful diversity and represents all areas of medicine. MSMA has an ongoing need for members to contribute to our projects and councils. You don’t have to take a big leap into leadership as I did. You can start with baby steps: serve as Doctor of the Day in the Legislature; bring a resolution to Annual Session; serve on a Reference Committee; volunteer for MSMA projects in your area; attend the Physician Leadership Academy.
If you are looking for a little more involvement there are numerous councils that are always looking for new members. Even Board of Trustee positions involve only four meetings a year. I have thoroughly enjoyed my MSMA journey, and I hope you will allow me to continue to work on some of my unfinished projects and to help with ongoing efforts to keep our strong childhood vaccination laws. In my practice I have witnessed the ability of vaccines to eliminate diseases in Mississippi and hope to continue to be a voice to protect our children.
As I join the distinguished ranks of the MSMA Past Presidents I would like to leave you with a quote from one of my favorite musicals, Wicked. In the duet with Glinda and Elphaba they tell each other, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good”.
I have, Thank you MSMA!
Geri “Elphaba” Weiland, M.D