Highlights of the August 23rd Chapter Meeting Agenda: To discuss the ACC-NM Chapter Strategic Plan This meeting was held in conjunction with the Southwest Heart Symposium at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa Officers in attendance: Jane E. Schauer, MD, FACC, Chapter President Monica Escarzaga, MD, FACC, Chapter President-Elect Harvey J. White, MD, Councilor & Former NM Governor Abinash Achrekar, MD, FIT Representative Attendees: Shalim M. Walji, MD, FACC Marvin J. Slepian, MD, FACC Alan S. King, MD, FACC Michael R. McGuire, MD, FACC Richard D. Lueker, MD, FACC, Former NM Governor Mel Peralta, MD Niki Peralta Gerald A. Charlton, MD, FACC Special Guest: George P. Rogers, MD, FACC, Chair, ACC Board of Governors Chapter Mission * Improved communication among members of the New Mexico cardiology community; * Identification of grassroots leaders; * Representation of NM-ACC in State Medical Association; * Monitor and respond in a timely manner to state and regional legislative needs; *Dispel competitiveness and fragmentation in the New Mexico cardiology community, and nurture caring cardiologists in their profession. First Year Chapter Goals * Identify a Secretary/Treasurer; * Hold "Industry-free" meetings - may have to charge a registration fee for meeting attendees; * Upkeep and marketing of the New Mexico Chapter website, www.newmexicoacc.org; * Create CCA specific programs with the CCA dues of $25 which are being charged in 2008. Updates from ACC National * Two new member segment sections of the ACC: Women in Cardiology (holding Leadership Forum Feb 1-2 in Dallas), and Adult Congenital Physicians; * Commitment to state chapters through "No Chapter Left Behind" program, and Chapter financing education; * ACC/MedAxiom Leadership Forums to be held Nov 15-16 and Feb. 21-23 at Heart House; * Legislative Conference held Sept. 15-17. Attendees included Drs. Schauer, Escarzaga, White, Achrekar and Cavanaugh. * ACC is expanding its international role to keep in step with our global community. NM-ACC in the Community The importance of stressing Cardiovascular Disease Prevention was discussed at this meeting. A suggestion was made to adopt a school or class and teach health habits to prevent obesity and CV disease, and call it a "Healthy Lifestyle Initiative." This initiative would include initial goals, funding streams, details of the intervention, and measurements of success in a standardized fashion. The Hospital Foundations was suggested as a potential funding source. And, the new reform charter school in downtown Albuquerque, the Amy Biehl High School, was suggested as a pilot site for the project. This school has about 200 students and very limited resources for physical education. A motion was passed that the Chapter begin an exploratory action to evaluate adopting a school or classroom for a Healthy Lifestyle Initiative". Anyone interested in participating in an exploratory committee for this project should contact Jane Schauer at jschauer1@msn.com. Next General Meeting of the NM-ACC Chapter Be on the lookout for an email announcing the next General Meeting of the NM-ACC Chapter or check this website at www.newmexicoacc.org. If you are not receiving emails but are an ACC member practicing or living in New Mexico, please update your member profile on www.acc.org, or email jjordan@acc.org.