San Diego, CA - Priscilla Perry Arnold, MD, assumed the post of 2004-2005 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) president in ceremonies during the Opening General Session of the ASCRS Symposium here today. The following is her installation speech.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. It is challenging to follow the able leadership of Steve Lane and his outstanding predecessors in the office of President. Each has made a unique contribution to this organization, and to our profession. Thankfully, their generous support and advice is readily available to call upon. To these leaders and to you I offer my commitment of time, energy, and resources.
“The responsibility I accept today is to represent you, the nine thousand members of this society. Our interests are varied—our needs and concerns are numerous. ASCRS and the associated American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators have responded to these challenges by offering numerous opportunities for continuing professional and personal development. The diversity of our membership is reflected in the scope of these areas of activity. I would like to mention six of these areas:
1. Innovation— This society has, from its inception, offered a forum for presentation, evaluation and recognition of innovation in ophthalmology. Notably, individual achievement is recognized with the Innovator’s award and lecture.
2. Education—In this Symposium alone, there are nearly 1500 papers, panels, videos, posters and courses. The Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery is an outstanding resource for education, and the “Hall of Fame” event has established a venue to give long-overdue honor to some of the outstanding educators in ophthalmology.
3. Advocacy-- One of the most important membership services, advocacy often takes a back seat to other aspects of the organization. This work involves monitoring and communication with legislative and administrative leadership on national issues impacting us as ophthalmic surgeons—especially those related to Medicare. Members receive frequent communications about Washington activity by email, fax and print.
4. Management—The American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators operates as a partner organization-functioning as a training and accrediting body and a professional network. Management publications, specific practice tools, on-site and on-line courses—these resources produced by ASOA are all open to both physicians and administrators.
5. Altruism—The ASCRS Foundation is an opportunity to return in some way part of what we are privileged to enjoy as surgeons—this is especially true with the new surgical facility nearing completion in Ethiopia.
6. Community—Unique for an organization of such size and diversity, ASCRS has remained extraordinarily collegial—a place for establishing new contacts, for sharing information and ideas with old friends, and for visiting at several social events offered at every meeting.
“We all benefit from these opportunities—I now ask for your participation as well!
“Especially, I request that you be involved as an advocate for ophthalmology in our governmental efforts. Nothing equals the impact of personal contact with a member of Congress—and each of us should certainly develop such contacts. But complimenting this personal activity is involvement in an organized program of group advocacy. ASCRS offers an avenue for participation in a very effective way through a donation to EyePAC. Please contribute financially and give some of your time to help address the critical issues facing our profession. Nancey McCann and her staff do an incredible job representing and promoting the cause of ophthalmic surgery in Washington. I challenge you to take the opportunity to learn more about this activity and to directly contribute here at the ASCRS Resource Booth on the Exhibit Floor. Volunteer to become involved! You can’t afford NOT to make this important donation!
“In the coming year, a special focus will be to gather research data which confirms the measurable value of modern cataract surgery, and to contrast this with the systematic devaluation which has occurred over the past decade. You may be startled at the figures, but more importantly, our patients, the general public, and even perhaps legislators need to see this data. Look for this information in the coming months, educate yourself, and then use it in your professional and public contacts.
“I cannot close my remarks without recognition of the entire staff of ASCRS and ASOA, led by Dave Karcher and Lucy Santiago. These extraordinary people are the ones who accomplish the operation of this society. They deserve our sincere appreciation for the discipline and skill with which they successfully perform the myriad functions of our organization.
“Lastly, I thank my husband and partner, Paul, for his love and support—without which I cannot imagine this coming year. You all have honored me with this office. I look forward to an exciting year working with you and for you!”
Dr. Arnold is a graduate of the Tulane University Medical School. She did her residency and internship at the Oschner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans. She is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Surgeons, and board certified in cataract surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery, for which she served as a president and member of the Board of Directors.
She is a member of numerous medical societies and serves on the editorial boards of Ocular Surgery News and EyeNet. For ASCRS, she is the chair of the Government Relations Committee and a member of the Symposium Program Committee. She has also served on the ASCRS Film Festival Committee.
