President's Message
April 21, 2015

Gratitude is the essence of good mental health and spirituality. 

Dynamic changes continue in our profession. Together we are working diligently to create a better future for ourselves and our osteopathic family. I am so grateful to serve you in leadership during this time and am proud to be an osteopathic surgeon in a growing family of osteopathic physicians with common goals. 

One common goal that physicians have shared is the repeal of the SGR. I, like many of you, were pleased to learn that this long fought journey is now a reality! Our goal was met on April 16, 2015 when President Obama signed into law the bipartisan “Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015,” (MACRA). Thank you to members and staff who worked with leaders to advocate before Congress and to each of you who called and wrote letters to your representatives. Working together made a successful impact! There will be more opportunities to help create change in the near future. Help prepare by joining us for the next ACOS Member Webinar being released May 13. Ray Morrison, D.O., FACOS will be providing tips and information on how to present before legislators. Be sure to join in. Details will be sent shortly! 

As we have more goals to accomplish with our fellow physicians, ACOS will continue to work with other affiliate groups and leaders. Our advocacy efforts continue to evolve and aligning efforts under the house of surgery is a top priority. On Monday, I attended the ACS Leadership and Advocacy Meeting in Washington, D.C. along with our Manager of Health Policy, Carter Alleman, J.D. It was a successful meeting and I look forward to future ventures as we work together to advocate for all issues involving surgeons. 

ACOS and I are grateful for these recent successes over the past month and the bright future that lies ahead. I am equally grateful for the opportunities we and our members have had each day to care for patients, enjoy our families, attend religious celebrations, and finally mark the beginning of spring. Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude determines how we face each day and its challenges. JFK once said, “We must stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”  I would like to take this opportunity to thank each member for the difference you have each made in our College and in your community. Happy belated “Doctor’s Day!"

Valerie L. Sheridan, D.O., FACOS, FACS
President
American College of Osteopathic Surgeons