Dear Colleague:
Today the Colorado Medical Society Board of Directors met to advance priorities of our members and the patients we serve. We approved our next strategic plan, heard an update from Copic, discussed happenings at the federal level and continued to position the Society to meet member needs.
The newly approved CMS strategic plan represents months of work by the Board, CMS members, component society executives and CMS staff. Input during the feedback period showed broad agreement with the mission and four goals in the strategic plan overview. There was also strong consensus on the importance of working together to operationalize our goals.
Copic CEO Gerald Zarlengo, MD, provided an update on the company's growth and three-year plan. As CMS's strongest strategic partner, Copic reaffirmed our joint value and outlined opportunities to support physicians.
Todd Askew, American Medical Association Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Executive and Board Offices, once again joined the Board to share an update on federal advocacy priorities in health care including federal workforce reductions, health department restructurings, and program eliminations.
Related, your Colorado Delegation to the AMA returned this week from the AMA Annual Meeting. Colorado Delegation Vice Chair Rachelle Klammer, MD, reported to the Board that the Colorado Delegation successfully passed two Colorado resolutions, served in leadership roles, and were inspired by speeches from incoming AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD, and outgoing AMA President Bruce Scott, MD.
Council on Legislation Chair Darlene Tad-y, MD, MBA, gave an overview of CMS advocacy this past legislative session, which focused on the safety net and the structural budget deficit, state reactions to federal action, and reducing the cost of care for our patients. Dr. Tad-y emphasized that physicians should take a proactive approach to becoming the go-to experts on health care policy by getting to know your local legislators. This summer is a great time to start; fill out this survey to share your interest in meeting your legislators and CMS staff will assist you in scheduling a meeting.
Our next Board meeting will be held on Sept. 19 in conjunction with the 2025 CMS Annual Meeting in Keystone. I hope you will join us.
