During Annual Meeting Business Session, Society Members Recognize Accomplishments, Contributions, Endorse Changes

AGS members gathered to review the Society's activities over the past year, its financial status, and the results of its recent election, and to consider changes to organization bylaws and to recognize colleagues' contributions during their annual business meeting on May 3. The AGS Members' Business Meeting was part of AGS' 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting in Seattle, which ran May 2 through 6.

"It's great to be here with all of you," said 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting Program Committee Chair Steven L. Phillips, MD, convening the annual meeting. He went on to note that "we're looking forward to an informative educational program as well as lots of opportunities for attendee networking."

After incoming Board of Directors Chair Jane F. Potter, MD, reviewed key accomplishments of the AGS and its Foundation for Health in Aging over the past year, members heard a report from outgoing Treasurer John B. Murphy, MD.

"The AGS is currently in a very healthy financial position," Dr. Murphy reported, noting that the AGS ended the fiscal year with a fund balance increase of more than $620,000, an unrestricted fund balance of nearly $3.54 million, and assets that exceed current liabilities by more than $3.37 million.

Following the announcement of the results of the 2007 Board of Directors Election (see related story) members considered several proposed changes to the AGS bylaws. Members endorsed most of the proposals but tabled a proposed measure to amend the protocol for selecting the AGS' President-Elect. (see related story)

In a tribute to outgoing Board Chair David B. Reuben, MD, Dr. Potter noted the many leadership roles he had held in the Society over more than a decade. She hailed his invaluable contributions to a wide range of AGS initiatives, including the launch and continued publication of new editions of the Geriatrics Review Syllabus and Geriatrics at Your Fingertips.

"He's been a constant inspiration -- illustrating how we can always grow as colleagues and providers," Dr. Potter said. "He will continue to be an important leader and mentor for this organization," she added, noting that Dr. Reuben is now serving on the Institute of Medicine (IoM) task force that is examining the US healthcare workforce's readiness to meet the needs of an aging populace.

Dr. Potter also recognized outgoing Board and committee members and committee members honored for providing outstanding service and introduced AGS' new President, Todd Semla, PharmD. Dr. Semla's inaugural address focused on the importance of AGS' expanded public policy advocacy goals. (See related story)

"I look forward to working toward these goals with all of you this coming year," Dr. Semla concluded. "Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

In addition to recognizing 14 new Fellows of the AGS, Dr. Semla awarded the Louisiana Geriatrics Society (LGS) AGS' 2007 Affiliate Achievement Award. Thanks to an ambitious campaign to recruit and retain full and student members, the LGS boosted its membership from 80 to 156 over the past two years, despite the havoc Hurricane Katrina wrought in the region.

"Truly impressive - and a real inspiration," Dr. Semla noted, presenting the award to LGS Executive Director Charles Cefalu, MD.