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Junior Fellow Officer Orientation Manual
CONTENTS
OFFICER GUIDELINES
♦ Mission Statement and Goals
♦ District and Section Officer Guidelines
♦ Junior Fellow District Chair Duties of Office
♦ Junior Fellow District Advisory Council Meeting Agenda - Sample
♦ District Vice Chair (Chair Elect) Duties
♦ District Secretary-Treasurer Duties
♦ Guidelines for organizing a Junior Fellow Meeting
♦ Timetable for Junior Fellow Section Chairs
♦ Junior Fellow District and Section Nomination and Election Procedures
♦ Legal Issues for Congress Officers
OFFICER ROSTER/STATISTICS
♦ ACOG Fellowship Statistics
♦ District and Section Regional Office Staff
MEETINGS
♦ Future District Meeting Chart
♦ ACOG Schedule of Meetings
MEMBERSHIP AND AWARDS INFORMATION
♦ Membership Qualifications and Procedures
♦ Junior Fellow Membership and Dues Information
♦ Donald F. Richardson Prize Paper Awards Information
ACOG DIVISIONS AND DEPARTMENTS
♦ Guide to Divisions and Departments
FINANCE & GENERAL INFORMATION
♦ Financial Service Center-Quick Review
♦ ACOG Resource Center Information
♦ ACOG Internet Information
Operational Mission Statement
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is a membership
organization dedicated to the advancement of women’s health care and the professional
and socioeconomic interests of its members through continuing medical education,
practice, research and advocacy.
Junior Fellow
DISTRICT and SECTION Officer Guidelines
JUNIOR FELLOW LEADERSHIP
Elected Junior Fellows represent ACOG at the National, District, and Section levels.
• National: Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council (JFCAC) Chair, Vice Chair, and Immediate Past Chair
• District: Junior Fellow District Chair, Vice Chair, Immediate Past Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer
• Section: Junior Fellow Section Chair and Vice Chair
JUNIOR FELLOW DISTRICT OFFICERS
JUNIOR FELLOW DISTRICT CHAIR
The Junior Fellow Chair shall be the executive officer of the District. He/she shall be the Chair of the Junior Fellow District
Advisory Council and perform such functions as the District directs. The Junior Fellow Chair shall act to promote
association and cooperation among the Fellows and Junior Fellows in the District. He/she shall assist and initiate
activities in the District in furtherance of the aims and purposes of the Congress.
OBJECTIVES
•
To seek a close working relationship with the District Fellow officers. The Junior Fellow Chair must communicate
with the Fellow Chair and Fellow Treasurer regarding Junior Fellow activities, budget provisions, and meeting
attendance.
•
To assist the Junior Fellow District Vice Chair prepare for his/her Chair year by forwarding him/her copies of all
correspondence.
•
To identify Junior Fellow concerns within the District and to communicate these to the Junior Fellow District
Advisory Council and the Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council.
To establish and maintain contact with the Junior Fellow Section Chairs and Vice Chairs within the District.
Coordinate District Junior fellow activities.
Facilitate and oversee the annual transition of District and Section Officers to their new positions.
•
•
DUTIES
District Officer Rosters
It is the responsibility of the Vice Chair to notify in writing (immediately following your fall District meeting), the
Department of Junior Fellow Services of all names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your Junior Fellow District and
Section Officers. Any changes throughout the year must be forwarded to the Department of Junior Fellow Services as
soon as possible.
Meeting Attendance
The Junior Fellow District Chair is a voting member of the Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council (JFCAC) and the
Junior Fellow District Advisory Council. He/she shall attend the JFCAC interim meeting in January, the JFCAC meeting at
the Annual Clinical Meeting in May, in addition to their Junior Fellow District meetings. The Junior Fellow District Chair
also attends the JFCAC Executive Board meeting, which is held in August. Attendance at the JFCAC meetings is funded
by ACOG National and the District.
District Meeting
It is the responsibility of the Junior Fellow District Chair to work with the Fellow District Chair and the General Program
Chair to coordinate Junior Fellow activities at the fall Annual District Meeting. In an effort to stimulate activity at the District
level, special Junior Fellow activities should be organized, for example:
-
Junior Fellow luncheon/business meeting
Junior Fellow District Advisory Council Meeting (to include the Junior Fellow Section Officers)
“Stump the Professors” session or ”Trivia Challenge”
Special interest programs i.e. professional liability issues/practice management
If the JFDAC meeting does not occur at the fall Annual District Meeting, a separate Junior Fellow meeting should be
arranged.
Reports
The Junior Fellow District Chair shall be responsible for submitting a written report regarding the District activities for the
two Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council meetings held each year.
The Junior Fellow District Chair shall be responsible for submitting a report for the JFDAC interim and annual meetings,
and for the Fellow District Advisory Council (DAC) interim and annual meetings. Your reports to the JFDAC and Fellow
DAC should include information from the JFCAC meetings and business pertaining to the Junior Fellows in your District.
It is the responsibility of the Junior Fellow District Chair to inform the Junior Fellows in your District of pertinent
information. Articles in the District newsletter (written by the Junior Fellow District Chair) and blast emails can effectively
accomplish this.
Budget
Before January 1st of each year, the Junior Fellow District Chair should contact the Fellow Treasurer to discuss a budget
for the Junior Fellows of your District.
Committee on Nominations
The Chair of this committee shall be the most recent available Junior Fellow Past Chair. Please refer to the Junior Fellow
District Policies & Procedures, Article V, District Officers: Nominations, Election and Duties; Section 2 – Nomination and
Election, for further information.
Election of District Officers
The Junior Fellow officers of the District shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer. Only Junior Fellow
members having and maintaining their official address within the District’s geographic confines shall hold District offices.
** See election process in this section.
JUNIOR FELLOW DISTRICT VICE CHAIR
OBJECTIVES
•
•
•
•
To observe and assist the Junior Fellow District Chair and become familiar with the duties of the office of District
Chair. The Junior Fellow District Vice Chair serves for a term of one year, and at the time of the fall Annual
District Meeting, the Vice Chair automatically becomes Junior Fellow District Chair.
To assist and cooperate with the Junior Fellow District Chair regarding District activities, meeting planning, and
recruitment.
To identify Junior Fellow concerns within your District and communicate these to your Junior Fellow District Chair.
To assist the Junior Fellow District Chair in facilitating and overseeing the annual transition of District and Section
Officers to their new positions
DUTIES
** Send the Junior Fellow District Chair copies of all your correspondence.
Meeting Attendance
The Junior Fellow District Vice Chair is a voting member of the Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council (JFCAC) and the
Junior Fellow District Advisory Council. He/she shall attend the JFCAC interim meeting in January and the JFCAC
meeting at the Annual Clinical Meeting in May, in addition to their Junior Fellow District meetings. The Junior Fellow
District Vice Chair attends the two JFCAC meetings at the expense of the District. In the event of the District Chair's
absence from these meetings, the District Vice Chair will represent the District.
Election of Officers
The Vice Chair shall assist and cooperate with the Chair.
When, for any reason, the District Chair is unable to serve in his/her capacity as District Chair, the District Vice Chair shall
replace him/her to complete the remaining term of office. When, for any reason, the District Vice Chair is unable to
perform his/her duties, the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council will appoint a Junior Fellow as District Vice Chair to
complete the remaining term of office as Vice Chair and subsequently serve as Chair and Immediate Past Chair.
District Officer Rosters
It is the responsibility of the Vice Chair to notify in writing (immediately following your fall District meeting), the
Department of Junior Fellow Services of all names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your Junior Fellow District and
Section Officers. Any changes throughout the year must be forwarded to the Department of Junior Fellow Services as
soon as possible.
JUNIOR FELLOW DISTRICT SECRETARY/TREASURER
The Secretary-Treasurer is a member of the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council. This is a one-year position; however
one may run for a second term. The responsibilities are listed below. However, the Junior Fellow District Chair may
delegate additional duties to the Secretary-Treasurer.
DUTIES
Minutes
The most important responsibility is to record the minutes of meetings, from the first meeting after election up to and including
the annual JFDAC meeting after which a new Secretary-Treasurer takes office.
Minutes of each meeting are to be provided to the Junior Fellow District Chair for his/her review. After the Junior Fellow
District Chair approves the minutes, it is the responsibility of the Junior Fellow Secretary-Treasurer to distribute the minutes
to all members of the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council and the Fellow District Officers for their review and approval.
(Mailing labels are available in the Department of Junior Fellow Services). A copy of these minutes must be sent to the
Department of Junior Fellow Services, ACOG, for your District files.
See "Guidelines for Keeping Proper Minutes at Junior Fellow Meetings" and the "Sample Minutes" attached.
Finance
The District Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare the District’s Junior Fellow budget in consultation with the Junior Fellow
District Chair and the Fellow District Treasurer. The written budget report shall be submitted to the Junior Fellow District
Advisory Council. This officer should also be fully aware of the various funds allotted to the District and sections for Junior
Fellow activities and reimbursement for meeting attendance. A budget should be prepared by January 1st of each year.
Meeting Attendance
This officer should discuss with the Junior Fellow District Chair the meetings he/she must attend either by virtue of the office
or by invitation. The Junior Fellow District Chair and the Fellow District Chair or Fellow Treasurer should clarify the funding
available for meeting attendance.
Records
Maintenance of records of District activities is the responsibility of the Secretary-Treasurer. He/she should establish a record
keeping system including a historical file that will permit quick retrieval of District records. These records should be passed
on to the successor of this office at the time of his/her election and/or copies sent to the Department of Junior
Fellow Services for the District files.
JUNIOR FELLOW SECTION OFFICERS
Each Section Chair and Vice Chair should be informed as to the purposes and policies of the Congress. In addition, the
Section Chair shall act to promote association and cooperation among the Fellows and Junior Fellows in the Section.
He/she shall assist and initiate activities in the Section in furtherance of the aims and purposes of the Congress.
OBJECTIVES
•
•
•
•
To communicate with your Junior Fellow District Chair, the Fellow Section Chair, and the Junior Fellow Section
Vice Chair regarding all Junior Fellow Section activities, including budget provisions and meeting attendance.
To identify problems in the Section that should be brought to the attention of the Junior Fellow District Chair and
the JFDAC.
To hold annual elections for Section Vice Chair (Chair-Elect) and to communicate with and assist him/her by
sending copies of all correspondence
To organize a Junior Fellow Section activity at least annually.
DUTIES
Meeting Attendance
The Section Chair and Vice Chair will serve as members of the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council and should attend
interim and annual Junior Fellow District Advisory Council meetings, Fellow meetings if invited, and Section meetings.
Reports
The Junior Fellow Section Chair must submit a written report detailing the Section activities to the Junior Fellow District
Chair for the interim and annual JFDAC meetings.
Election of Section Officers
Every year, each Section shall elect a Section Vice Chair. Each Section Chair shall appoint a Section nominating committee
consisting of the Chair, at least one other Junior Fellow from the Section and the Junior Fellow District Advisor (ex officio), at
least four months prior to the annual meeting of the District.
a. This nominating committee shall propose a candidate or candidates, for the office of Section Vice Chair.
b. Each Section Vice Chair shall be elected by the members of the Section. The newly elected officer shall assume
office at the end of the District meeting following his/her election.
c. Each Section Vice Chair’s commitment shall be two consecutive years, one as Vice Chair and one as Chair.
See the Junior Fellow Policies and Procedures at the end of this section - Election of Officers.
Section Activities
Organize a Junior Fellow Section activity, project, or meeting utilizing "Ideas for Section Meetings" and "Points to
Consider When Planning a District or Section Meeting" on the Junior Fellow page of the ACOG website. Assistance may
be obtained by contacting your Junior Fellow District Chair or ACOG's Department of Junior Fellow Services. You should
also contact your Fellow District Treasurer to inquire about funding available for Section meetings.
ACOG Section Officer Transition Checklist
Responsibilities of ACOG Section Officer
1) Attend Junior Fellow District Advisory Council (JFDAC) meetings twice yearly: a spring JFDAC interim meeting, and
a fall JFDAC annual meeting. These meetings may be held in conjunction with the ACOG Annual Clinical Meeting in the
spring, and/or the Annual District Meetings in the fall.
2) Establish and maintain a list of residency program Key Contacts within your Section. The Section Chair distributes a
newsletter after each JFDAC meeting to the Key Contacts.
3) Organize a Junior Fellow Section project annually to provide an opportunity for Junior Fellows within your Section to
meet and exchange ideas. A Junior Fellow Luncheon in conjunction with a resident research symposium, or a dinner
meeting with a speaker are common formats.
4) Establish a contact for each medical student OB/GYN interest group within your Section and organize activities with
the medical students. If a medical school within your Section does not have an interest group, contact Colleen Flood at
[email protected] for information on starting an interest group.
5) Organize Section Elections. Send information to the Key Contacts and recruit residents interested in getting
involved with ACOG. Section elections typically occur during August, and the newly-elected Vice Chairs assume office at
the end of the fall Annual District Meeting. It is important to emphasize that his position is a two-year commitment; please
encourage Junior Fellows to run for these positions if they will be in the Section for the duration of the position.
TIMELINE
June - July: Call for nominations for Junior Fellow Section Vice Chair; submission deadlines for Richardson Prize paper
candidates.
August: Section Vice Chair elections occur
Sept – Nov: JFDAC Annual Meeting and Annual District Meetings occur; Section Chair Reports required. Newly-elected
Vice Chairs assume office following the Annual District Meeting.
November - January: Submission deadlines for Shingo Exchange candidates, Stump the Professors, Essay Contest
submissions, ACOG Future Leaders, Congressional Leadership Conference, UNC Leadership Institute
March - April: Interim JFDAC meetings may occur; Section Chair Report required for JFDAC interim meeting.
Congressional Leadership Conference occurs, Wyeth Resident Reporter deadline, Shingo Exchange occurs.
May: ACOG Annual Clinical Meeting, some interim JFDAC meetings occur at the ACM.
CONTACTS
• Current Section Key Contacts: Names/phone/email
• Past Section JF Chair: Name/phone/email
• Current Fellow Section Chair and Vice Chair: Names/phone/email
• Current Junior Fellow District Chair, Vice Chair, Past Chair: Names/phone/email
• District Project Manager at ACOG:
SAMPLE AGENDA
District I Junior Fellow Interim Advisory Council Meeting
The Hanover Inn
Hanover, New Hampshire
February 1, 2003
1.0
CALL TO ORDER - CERTIFICATION OF NOTICE OF MEETING/ QUORUM
2.0
DISTRICT I JUNIOR FELLOW ANNUAL MEETING/ REVIEW OF MINUTES
Sturbridge, Massachusetts, Sept 27, 2002
3.0
TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT
3.1 Reimbursement form review and submission
4.0
REPORTS OF DISTRICT OFFICERS
4.1 Junior Fellow Chair
Mareca Pallister, MD
4.2 Junior Fellow Vice Chair
Celso Silva, MD
4.3 Junior Fellow Sec/Treasurer
Laurie Zephyrin, MD
4.4 Junior Fellow Past Chair
Steve Fleischman, MD
4.5 Chair of the Junior Fellow Congress
Advisory Council National Representative
Steven Fleischman, MD
4.5 Fellow District Chair
Kathleen Fitzgerald, MD
5.0
REPORT OF THE JUNIOR FELLOW DISTRICT ADVISOR
5.1 Junior Fellow District Advisor
Johanna Perlmutter, MD
6.0
REPORT OF THE SECTION OFFICERS
6.1 Atlantic Provinces JF Chair
Atlantic Provinces JF Vice Chair
6.2 Connecticut JF Chair
Connecticut JF Vice Chair
6.3 Maine JF Chair
Maine JF Vice Chair
6.4 Massachusetts JF Chair
Massachusetts JF Vice Chair
6.5 New Hampshire JF Chair
New Hampshire JF Vice Chair
6.6 Quebec JF Chair
Quebec JF Vice Chair
6.7 Rhode Island JF Chair
Rhode Island JF Vice Chair
6.8 Vermont JF Chair
Vermont JF Vice Chair
Ahmed Geumei, MD
Fiona Mattatall, MD
Kevin Jovanovic, MD
Vladimir Nossov, MD
Shannon Carr, MD
Stephanie Fleming, MD
Christian Pope, MD
Erica Marsh, MD
Meghan Ogden, MD
Christine Miller, MD
Haim Abenhaim, MD
Vacant
Karen Fish, MD
Jennifer Botte, MD
Sarah Prager, MD
Vacant
District I Junior Fellow Interim Advisory Council Meeting
The Hanover Inn – Hanover, NH
February 1, 2003
Agenda (continued)
7.0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7.1 Medical Student Initiative- Student ACOG Membership
7.2 Physicians for Women’s Health - website
7.3 Budget Issues for Jr. Fellow Activities 7.8 Interaction with Fellows at Section and District Events
7.9 Promotion of OB/GYN as specialty
8.0
NEW BUSINESS
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
Goal of Dissemination of ACOG services and structure – including website
2003 Annual Clinical Meeting – April 26-30 New Orleans
8.2.1 Stump the professors
8.2.2 Medical student and Junior Fellow reception
2003 Annual District Meeting
8.3.1 Italy – Sept 2003
2003 Junior Fellow Advisory Committee Meeting
Election of Junior Fellow Vice Chair
Welcoming new Section Chair/Vice Chair
Call for Papers including the Donald F. Richardson Memorial Prize Paper Award
9.0 Adjournment
J:\FELL_JF\1ofc\Meetings\2003 Interim Meeting\Junior Fellow Interim Meeting\Agenda - Jan 31, 2003 prelim-1.doc
TIMETABLE FOR JUNIOR FELLOW DISTRICT
OFFICERS
MONTH
(After
Fall
District
Meeting)
CHAIR
ƒ
Update your District and Section officer
roster and send to Dept. of Junior Fellow
Services, ACOG.
ƒ
Make sure your District entry for the Donald
F. Richardson Prize paper is submitted to the
Department of Junior Fellow Services by
November 30.
ƒ
Coordinate District report with your past
Chair for the Interim JFCAC meeting.
ƒ
Send “Stump the Professors” case for the
Annual Clinical Meeting (ACM) to the Junior
Fellow Congress Advisory Council Chair
(usually due by November 1 or December
1).
ƒ
Block out schedule for JFCAC January or
February Interim Meeting and Orientation.
ƒ
Send in hotel room reservation form for
JFCAC Interim Meeting and Orientation at
the ACOG National Office in Washington, DC.
ƒ
Read preliminary JFCAC agenda materials
mailed in December.
ƒ
Contact your fellow District Treasurer and
develop a budget (by December 1) for
Junior Fellows in your District.
ƒ
Maintain contact with your Section officers
throughout your term of office.
ƒ
Notify the Department of Junior Fellow
Services of any officer changes (names,
address, etc.) for your District.
VICE CHAIR
ƒ
Block out schedule for JFCAC
January or February Interim
Meeting and Orientation -- usually
Friday and Saturday.
ƒ
Send in hotel room reservation
form for JFCAC February Meeting
and Orientation at the ACOG
National Office in Washington, DC.
ƒ
Read preliminary JFCAC agenda
materials mailed in December.
TIMETABLE FOR JUNIOR FELLOW DISTRICT OFFICERS
MONTH
January
CHAIR
VICE CHAIR
ƒ
Attend JFCAC January or February Interim Meeting and Orientation.
ƒ
ƒ
Complete (by the end of January) the Annual Clinical Meeting
Priority Housing form forwarded by the Dept. of Junior Fellow
Services.
Attend JFCAC January or February Interim Meeting
and Orientation.
ƒ
Write an article for the ACOG National Newsletter
and send to Junior Fellow Services Dept.
Block out schedule for ACM.
ƒ
Complete (by the end of January) the Annual
Clinical Meeting Priority Housing form forwarded by
Junior Fellow Services Dept.
ƒ
Block out schedule for ACM.
ƒ
February
MarchApril
May
ƒ
Plan, organize, arrange, and hold your Interim Junior Fellow District
Advisory Council Meeting. Send out notice and agenda in advance.
ƒ
Assist the Chair with Interim Junior Fellow District
Advisory Council meeting.
ƒ
Contact District Fellows or the Program Chair of your Fall District
Meeting to discuss scheduling of Junior Fellow activities at the Fall
District meeting.
ƒ
Send in meeting registration for the ACM.
ƒ
ƒ
Send in meeting registration for the ACM.
Help “Stump the Professors” case presenter for ACM (if case was
chosen for presentation from your District).
ƒ
Read preliminary agenda materials for the JFCAC
annual meeting.
ƒ
Send in District report for the JFCAC annual meeting to be held
before the ACM to the Junior Fellow Services Dept.
ƒ
Read preliminary agenda materials for the JFCAC meeting.
ƒ
Attend JFCAC annual meeting and ACM (end of April or early May).
ƒ
ƒ
Check with District Fellows to confirm Junior Fellow activities
scheduled at your Fall District Meeting.
Attend JFCAC annual meeting and ACM (end of April
or early May).
ƒ
Check with Junior Fellow Chair for help needed
setting up Junior Fellow activities at your District
meeting.
ƒ
Contact your Fellow District Treasurer for travel reimbursement
information to the Fall District Meeting (i.e., will District and/or
Section officers be funded to the meeting; if funding is availablehow much?).
TIMETABLE FOR JUNIOR FELLOW DISTRICT OFFICERS
MONTH
JuneJuly
CHAIR
VICE CHAIR
ƒ
Write letter to your District and Section officers outlining
funding available from your District for their attendance at the Fall
District Meeting.
ƒ
Write newsletter article for the ACOG monthly
National Newsletter and send to Fellow and Junior
Fellow Services Department.
ƒ
Inform the officers of the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council
meeting and other Junior Fellow events scheduled for the District
meeting.
ƒ
Block out time and register for your Fall District
Meeting.
Remind your officers to register in advance for the fall District
meeting and request hotel rooms (if needed).
ƒ
ƒ
Finalize any other arrangements for Fall District
Meeting.
Request section reports from the Section Chairs-give deadline date
for when reports are due.
ƒ
ƒ
Request cases for “Stump the Professors”
presentation at your Fall District Meeting and the
ACM.
ƒ
Prepare and distribute agenda for Junior Fellow District Advisory
Council.
ƒ
Prepare agenda for business luncheon to be held during your Fall
District meeting.
ƒ
Check on Nominations Committee reports (call Past Junior Fellow
Chair).
ƒ
Block out time and register for your Fall District Meeting.
ƒ
Finalize any other arrangements for Fall District Meeting (i.e.
“Stump the Professors” program or special Junior Fellow events).
TIMETABLE FOR JUNIOR FELLOW DISTRICT OFFICERS
MONTH
AugustSeptember
SeptemberNovember
CHAIR
ƒ
Finalize plans for your Fall District
Meeting.
ƒ
Send out second notice for Junior
Fellow District Advisory Council, call for
reports (if not received one month
before your District meeting).
ƒ
Prepare a Junior Fellow report to present
at the Fellow District Advisory Council
Meeting.
ƒ
Hold Junior Fellow District Advisory
Council Meeting during the District
meeting but before the Junior Fellow
business luncheon.
During your
Fall District Meeting
(At the close of the fall
District meeting the
Junior Fellow District
Vice Chair will
automatically become
the Junior Fellow District
Chair)
ƒ
Run business luncheon.
ƒ
Give Junior Fellow report to Fellow
District Advisory Council.
ƒ
Transfer responsibility, District files,
minutes, etc., to incoming Junior Fellow
Chair.
VICE CHAIR
ƒ
Call your Junior Fellow District
Chair and help with the plans for
the Fall District Meeting.
ƒ
Help Chair with Junior Fellow
activities at the District meeting.
ƒ
Confirm Junior Fellow program
coordinators/contacts and identify
Section Chairs-send information to
the Department of Junior Fellow
Services.
ƒ
Talk with Fellow Program Chair for
next year’s District meeting.
ƒ
Collect the “Stump the Professor”
case(s) for next year’s ACM.
ƒ
Discuss Junior Fellow budget for
following year with the Fellow
Treasurer and Fellow Chair.
ALSO
After the District meeting as Immediate
Past Chair:
ƒ
Prepare District report (by the first week
of December) for JFCAC Interim meeting
and send to the Department of Junior
Fellow Services.
J:\FELL_JF\JF-MANUAL\Timetable for JF District Officers.doc
Junior Fellow District Chair Guidelines
The Junior Fellow Chair shall be the executive officer of the District. He/she shall be the Chair of the district
meetings and the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council and perform such functions as the District directs.
The Junior Fellow Chair shall act to promote association and cooperation among the Fellows and Junior
Fellows in the District. He/she shall assist and initiate activities in the District in furtherance of the aims and
purposes of the Congress.
The principal aims of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) are
education for both the physician and the patient and the continuing improvement of health care for
women.
Of the 49,239 ACOG members, approximately 10,241 (21%) are Junior Fellows who are residents in approved programs or
recent graduates of these programs. ACOG is organized into ten (10) Districts or Districts (nine of which are regional
districts and one of which is for the Armed Forces members).
OBJECTIVES
•
To seek a close working relationship with the District Fellow officers. Junior Fellow Chair must communicate with the
Fellow Chair and Fellow Treasurer regarding Junior Fellow activities, including budget provisions and provisions for
meeting attendance.
•
To help the Junior Fellow District Vice Chair prepare for his/her Chair year by sending him/her copies of all your
correspondence.
•
Identify concerns and problems of Junior Fellows in your district and communicate this to the Junior Fellow Congress
Advisory Council in your district reports.
•
Establish contact with your Junior Fellow Section Chairs and Vice Chairs. Coordinate district activities for recruitment of
non-members and Junior Fellow meetings.
DUTIES - DISTRICT CHAIR
District Officer Rosters
It is the responsibility of the Vice Chair to notify in writing (immediately following your fall District meeting), the Department
of Junior Fellow Services of all names, addresses and telephone numbers of your Junior Fellow District and Section
officers. Any changes throughout the year must be forwarded to the Department of Junior Fellow Services as soon as
possible.
Meeting Attendance
The Junior Fellow District Chair and Vice Chair are voting members of the Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council (JFCAC)
and the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council. They shall attend the JFCAC interim meeting in January and the JFCAC
meeting at the ACM in April/May, in addition to the Junior Fellow business meeting held during the fall district meeting. The
Junior Fellow District Chair also attends the JFCAC Executive Board meeting, which is held in August.
District Meeting
It is the responsibility of the Junior Fellow District Chair to work with the Fellow District Chair and the General Program Chair
to coordinate Junior Fellow activities at the fall District Meeting. In an effort to stimulate activity at the district level, special
Junior Fellow activities should be organized, for example:
•
•
•
•
Junior Fellow luncheon/business meeting
Junior Fellow District Advisory Council Meeting (to include the Junior Fellow section officers)
"Stump the Professors" session/"Trivia Challenge"
Special interest programs i.e. professional liability issues/practice management
Reports
The Junior Fellow District Chair shall be responsible for submitting a written report regarding the district activities for the two
Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council meetings held each year.
The Junior Fellow District Chair shall be responsible for submitting a report to the Fellow District Chair at your interim and
annual district meetings. Your report to the district should include information from the JFCAC meetings and business
pertaining to the Junior Fellows in your district.
It is the responsibility of the Junior Fellow Chair to inform the Junior Fellows in your district of pertinent information. Articles
in the district newsletter written by the Junior Fellow District Vice Chair can accomplish this.
Budget
Before January 1st of each year, the Junior Fellow Chair should contact the Fellow Treasurer, to discuss a budget for the
Junior Fellows of your district.
Committee on Nominations
The Chair of this committee shall be the most recent available Junior Fellow Past Chair. Please refer to the Junior Fellow
District Policies & Procedures (in the front of this section), Article V, District Officers: Nominations, Election and Duties;
Section 2-- Nomination and Election, for further information.
Election of District Officers
The Junior Fellow officers of the District shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary-Treasurer. Only Junior Fellow
members having and maintaining their official address within the District’s geographic confines shall hold
district offices.
•
•
See election process in this section.
•
The Junior Fellow District Chair shall fill, by appointment, any vacancies occurring in any office.
At the expiration of the one-year term, the Vice Chair shall automatically become Chair and shall serve as such for one
year.
Fellow Advisor
The Junior Fellow Chair, after consultation with the Fellow District Chair, shall appoint a Fellow Advisor. The Advisor will
attend Junior Fellow meetings, report to the Fellow officers and be available for consultation on issues of concern to the
Junior Fellow officers.
Department of Junior Fellow Services
Feel free to contact the Department of Junior Fellow Services at the Congress office if you have any questions or need
assistance (1-800-673-8444 ext. 2561 or 2533).
J:\FELL_JF\JF-MANUAL\District Chair Guidelines.DOC
Junior Fellow District
Vice Chair (Chair Elect) Guidelines
OBJECTIVES
• To observe and assist the Junior Fellow District Chair and become familiar with the duties of the office of
District Chair. The Junior Fellow District Vice Chair serves for a term of one year, and at the time of the fall
annual district meeting, the Vice Chair automatically becomes Junior Fellow District Chair.
• To assist and cooperate with the Junior Fellow District Chair regarding district activities, meeting planning, and
recruitment.
• Identify items of concern and problems of Junior Fellows in your district and communicate this to your Junior
Fellow District Chair.
DUTIES
Send your Junior Fellow District Chair copies of all your correspondence.
Meeting Attendance
The Junior Fellow District Vice Chair is a voting member of the Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council (JFCAC)
and member of the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council. The Junior Fellow District Vice Chair attends
the two Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council meetings at the expense of the District. In the event
of the District Chair's absence from these meetings, the District Vice Chair will represent the District.
Election of Officers
The Vice Chair shall assist and cooperate with the Chair. When for any reason the Chair is unable to serve
as Chair, the Vice Chair shall replace him or her.
When, for any reason, the District Chair is unable to serve in his/her capacity as District Chair, the District Vice
Chair shall replace him or her to complete the un-expired term. When, for any reason, the District Vice Chair is
unable to perform his/her duties, the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council will appoint a Junior Fellow as District
Vice Chair to complete the un-expired term of office as Vice Chair and subsequently serve as Chair and
Immediate Past Chair.
J:\FELL_JF\JF-MANUAL\District Vice Chair Guidelines.DOC
Junior Fellow District
Secretary-Treasurer Guidelines
The Secretary-Treasurer is a member of the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council. The responsibilities are listed
below. However, the Junior Fellow District Chair may delegate additional duties to the Secretary-Treasurer.
DUTIES
Minutes
The most important responsibility is to record the minutes of meetings, from the first meeting after election
up to and including the Junior Fellow annual business meeting after which a new Secretary-Treasurer takes
office.
•
Minutes of each meeting are to be provided to the Junior Fellow District Chair for his/her review.
•
After the Junior Fellow District Chair approves the minutes, it is the responsibility of the Junior Fellow SecretaryTreasurer to distribute the minutes to all members of the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council and the Fellow
District Officers for their review and approval. (Mailing labels are available in the Department of Junior Fellow
Services).
•
A copy of these minutes must be sent to the Department of Junior Fellow Services, ACOG, for your district files.
See "Guidelines for Keeping Proper Minutes at Junior Fellow Meetings" and the "Sample Minutes" attached.
Finance
The District Secretary-Treasurer shall in consultation with the Junior Fellow District Chair and the Fellow District Treasurer
outline a budget for the Junior Fellows. This officer should also be fully aware of the various funds allotted to the district and
sections for Junior Fellow activities and reimbursement for meeting attendance.
Meeting Attendance
This officer should discuss with the Junior Fellow District Chair the meetings he/she must attend either by virtue of the office
or by invitation. The Junior Fellow District Chair and the Fellow District Chair or Fellow Treasurer should clarify funding for
attendance.
Records
Maintenance of records of district activities is the responsibility of the Secretary-Treasurer. He/she should establish a record
keeping system including an historical file that will permit quick retrieval of district records. These records should be
passed on to the successor of this office at the time of his/her election and/or copies sent to the Department
of Junior Fellow Services for the district files.
J:\FELL_JF\JF-MANUAL\District Sec-Treas Guidelines.DOC
GUIDELINES FOR ORGANIZING A JUNIOR FELLOW MEETING
INDEX
PAGE
Ideas and Suggestions for Leading a Meeting .................................................................................... 1
Organizing a Junior Fellow Meeting Guidelines ...................................................................................
Is There A Need For A Separate Meeting?........................................................................................
Suggestions For Separate Meetings .................................................................................................
Where and When To Hold A Meeting ...............................................................................................
Program Content ............................................................................................................................
2
2
2
2
3
Committees .....................................................................................................................................
Scientific Program & General Arrangements Committee ....................................................................
Guest Speakers ..............................................................................................................................
Junior Fellow Paper Presentations Committee ..................................................................................
Exhibit Committee ..........................................................................................................................
Committee on Finance and Fund Raising .........................................................................................
3
4
4
4
5
5
Other Junior Fellow Activities ............................................................................................................ 5
Points to Consider When Planning a District or Section Meeting........................................................... 6
Ideas for Section Meetings ................................................................................................................ 7
Funding ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Publicity ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Financial Support for Junior Fellow Educational Meetings .................................................................... 8
Sample Flyers and Meeting Programs
2003
J:\FELL_JF\JF-MANUAL\Meeting Guidelines.DOC
IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR LEADING A MEETING
The success of a meeting is due in large part to the Chair, not because of what he/she can do to
contribute substantially, but because a good Chair is a prerequisite for controlling the meeting
process. Managing a meeting is managing people. The Chair should motivate and lead in a
positive way and be able to listen and hear what meeting participants are saying, to sense when
there is confusion or harmony, discord or agreement, and to be able to bring people and ideas
together in a constructive way.
The Chair can and should keep control over the meeting, moving it right along. The Chair should
also know when not to cut off a discussion. It helps to imagine the meeting in your head before it
ever takes place and envision the goal of the meeting. Try to align the meeting with the
functional goals of the group and the ACOG organization. Know what you expect to get out of the
meeting and review with the council the Congress's goals and the contribution to which they have
committed themselves.
Also review briefly with the council members the specific purpose of the meeting. One of the most
important functions performed by you as Chair is to facilitate communication among the individual
members of the group and be the principal voice of the council.
It is important to start the meeting on time. Starting time is the first test of your control. Very
often the beginning of the meeting sets the stage for the remainder of the meeting. At the
beginning of each meeting use the gavel and speak in a loud, clear voice. Never begin with an
apology and show confidence and strength throughout the meeting. It's important to get any
announcements out the way early and as quickly as possible and again to state the purpose and
objectives and estimated time for the meeting. Try to adhere to the agenda and time schedule.
Try to remain impartial or at least demonstrate an appearance of impartiality. Whenever you can,
distinguish between facts and information that the group may react or record as a fact. Watch the
pacing and keep an eye on the time and the feelings of the group. Be on the lookout for
emotional buildup; if you see signs of anger or frustration attempt to modify them as early as
possible. Don't force anyone to speak, but seek contributions of attendees. Be sure to summarize
points of agreement and clarify opposing points of view. People hear things differently. When a
particular issue or agenda item is completed, state the conclusion. Attempt to give the meeting the
sense of momentum and continuing success. Always end the meeting in a positive, upbeat
fashion. Let the members know that the meeting was worthwhile and express your appreciation
for their time and efforts.
Good luck and best wishes for a successful term as Chair!
ORGANIZING A JUNIOR FELLOW MEETING GUIDELINES
When ACOG's fall District meetings are held outside the continental United States or a great
distance from the District, the Junior Fellows usually hold a separate District meeting. When such
an occasion arises, the following information may be helpful in planning and implementing a Junior
Fellow District meeting. Also, please review the District meeting procedure checklist in
this section for month-to-month responsibilities for the meeting.
The decision to hold a separate Junior Fellow meeting from the Fellows of the District should be
made by the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council with the Fellow District Chair and/or District
Junior Fellow Advisor. Points to be considered are:
Is There A Need For A Separate Meeting?
The Junior Fellows should meet joint with the Fellows for fall District meetings whenever possible.
Consideration should be given for special "less expensive housing" at group rates to attend the
Fellow District meeting. Costs could be subsidized by the District or by contributions from the
pharmaceutical industry.
After consideration of the above points and finding it not feasible to have adequate Junior Fellow
attendance at the District meeting, the District Advisory Council will make the decision to hold a
separate meeting. The next points to consider would be what type of meeting, where, and when.
Suggestions For Separate Meetings
An all day meeting with multiple item agenda. This type of meeting would be ideal when
coordinated with the annual meeting of a gyn society or other related groups.
A 1½ - 2½ day conference with a multiple item agenda (scientific sessions, and "Call for Papers")
would be ideal for Districts with a large geographic area.
Where and When To Hold A Meeting
The location must be chosen according to the availability of facilities for the meeting and easy
access to the city. All hotel contracts must be sent to the ACOG attorney for a review before any
contracts are signed. If attendance would be 50 or more, and depending upon the number of
sleeping rooms required, some hotels provide the meeting rooms at no charge and some charge a
$200-$300 fee.
When deciding on a date, consideration should be given to important events in your District and to
other important meetings, examination dates, and holidays.
Avoid conflicts with large national ob-gyn related specialty meetings that possibly could lower
attendance at your meeting and meetings just prior to the American Board examinations. Since
most residents are given a limited number of meetings per year, holding the meeting in
conjunction with a gyn society and giving consideration to using some of the same guest speakers
would save transportation expenses.
• In obtaining support from pharmaceutical companies, it should be remembered that the larger
the number of people attending the meeting, the greater the financial support from the
exhibitors.
• It is important to work out and confirm in writing, arrangements for all financial considerations
in advance. The Department of Junior Fellow Services will work with the Junior Fellow Chair to
prepare and "estimate" the meeting budget to present to the Fellow District officers.
Program Content
A good educational program forms the basis of all planned activities to follow. The overall design
of the program should include a review of: the conference objectives, the conference theme, and
the audience needs and expectations.
Begin planning your program by evaluating the needs of your attendees. Discuss meeting topics
with your Junior Fellow Advisory Council members and review evaluations of past meetings.
Design a meeting format with exciting and stimulating topics and allow ample time for questionsand-answer sessions. The Department of Junior Fellow Services can help you with history from
your past meetings.
COMMITTEES
The Junior Fellow District Chair at the time of the Junior Fellow District meeting will serve as the
scientific program and general arrangements Chair. The Junior Fellow District Chair needs to
delegate responsibility of other duties to advisory council members (other committee examples:
exhibits, fund raising, committee to choose scientific papers for presentation at the meeting, and
special activities--if any are planned).
It is the responsibility of the Junior Fellow District Chair to be informed of each committee's
progress and to act as the coordinator of the activities of the various committees. He/she should
also keep the Fellow District Chair, and the District Junior Fellow Advisor, and the Department of
Junior Fellow Services informed of the decisions and progress of the meeting.
Scientific Program & General Arrangements Committee
The Junior Fellow District Chair should chair this committee. The following are guidelines and
responsibilities:
building the program
contacting the participants and/or guest speakers
provide the publicity and registration information to the Department of Junior Fellow Services
provide the Department of Junior Fellow Services with information for preliminary program and
final program
• applying for and securing continuing education credits for the program (Cognates)
•
•
•
•
Guest Speakers
In large geographical areas, it has been the experience that most guest speakers can usually be
obtained within the District. These individuals are sometimes willing to donate their time, as they
are usually involved in a teaching program for Junior Fellows in their area. For Districts with
smaller geographical areas it is sometimes advantageous to reach outside the District for a leading
speaker. Many pharmaceutical companies have a speaker’s bureau list. Contact the Department
of Junior Fellow Services for a speaker bureau listing.
After a commitment is made to these speakers, it is the responsibility of the Junior Fellow District
Chair to provide the Department of Junior Fellow Services with a list of the speaker names,
addresses, and phone numbers.
• Speakers should be notified in advance of the meeting, what expenses will be covered as well
as honorarium to be paid.
• A clear cut honorarium policy should be agreed upon in advance. Many speakers within the
District or officers of the Congress are willing to speak without an honorarium.
Junior Fellow Paper Presentations Committee
A "Call for Papers" should be mailed at least ten months prior to the meeting.
It would be this committee's responsibility to make the decision as to whether all Junior Fellow
papers submitted can be presented or whether they should be screened by this committee or by
the Junior Fellow District advisor. Prizes could be awarded to the top two or three papers as an
incentive. If the District meeting is being held in a highly desirable area, financial assistance for
the prize winning authors to attend the meeting could be awarded. This committee, working with
the Fellow District Chair or Junior Fellow District Advisor, should investigate this possibility.
Exhibit Committee
Tabletop exhibits (6 ft. tables) are recommended for Junior Fellow meetings (10-15 exhibitors).
Exhibit area should be in a room adjacent to the meeting room or a large registration area outside
the meeting room. Exhibit registration forms are mailed to various pharmaceutical companies
about 8-9 months prior to the District meetings.
Committee on Finance and Fund Raising
A suggested Chair of this committee would be the Junior Fellow District Secretary-Treasurer. The
responsibility of this committee would be:
• to establish a budget and to work with the District officers in obtaining District funds and
support for the meeting (the Department of Junior Fellow Services will assist with the budget)
• to establish registration fee
• to contact pharmaceutical companies for possible contributions in support of the meeting
The meeting must not incur a large deficit.
OTHER JUNIOR FELLOW ACTIVITIES
A "Stump the Professors" session is a popular educational tool at District meetings in which
unusual and/or interesting obstetrical cases are presented before a panel of experts who have no
advanced knowledge about the cases. They are then asked to comment on the management of
the cases or speculate on the diagnosis at prearranged pauses during the presentation. A "Trivia
Challenge" session is also common at District meetings. During this session, two teams of
physicians (usually Fellows v. Junior Fellows) answer questions similar to those on the CITROG
exam in an exciting game show format.
A Junior Fellow District Advisory Council Meeting and the Junior Fellow luncheon/business meeting
should be scheduled during these fall District meetings.
POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING A DISTRICT OR SECTION MEETING
1.
If meeting in conjunction with another group, definite written agreements should always be
made in advance to share expenses and divide income from the meeting, such as that from
exhibits.
2.
It is essential in communicating with guest speakers to inquire as to what type of audiovisual
equipment is needed and to arrange for these needs.
3.
Letters should be sent to all Junior Fellows submitting papers informing them as to whether or
not their paper has been chosen for presentation.
4.
It should be specified to guest speakers as to what expenses will be paid (i.e., transportation,
food, hotel, and honorariums). This will vary from District to District.
5.
Coffee and lunch breaks must be given sufficient time in the program.
6.
If pharmaceutical and industrial exhibits are to be part of the meeting, time must be allowed
in the program for visiting this area. Coffee breaks and continental breakfasts should be held
in the exhibit room. Proper recognition of the financial contributors and sponsors of the
meeting should be given in the meeting program.
7.
All program participants should be thanked by letter after the meeting, and letters of
appreciation should be sent to the sponsors after the meeting in hopes of maintaining their
support in the future.
8.
Time should be allowed for the Junior Fellow business meeting/luncheon in the program.
9.
Please contact Mary Behneman, Director, Department of Junior Fellow Services, early in the
planning stages for advice and guidance in helping to coordinate and publicize the meeting.
IDEAS FOR SECTION MEETINGS
In an effort to stimulate Junior Fellow activity at the section level, the following is a list of ideas
that will enable you to plan a successful Section meeting.
A Section meeting may take any of the following forms:
•
•
•
A one day meeting
A luncheon with a speaker - a free luncheon is an excellent way to maximize attendance
A dinner meeting with a speaker
Speakers/topics may be:
-university affiliated
-affiliated with the state ob/gyn society
-district officer(s)
-national ACOG officer(s)
-business topics outside of medicine, i.e. preparation for practice workshops, insurance,
pension plans
• A meeting of Junior Fellows within the section to review the benefits of membership. A medical
student video is available. Contact the Department of Junior Fellow Services (1-800-673-8444,
ext. 2532) for a copy of the video.
Funding
Financial support can be sought from local pharmaceutical representatives or hospital departments
to help defray expenses. Contact your Fellow Treasurer and Section Chair to inquire if the District
or Section has funds to help defray the cost of your Section meeting.
Publicity
This is the first and most important item necessary to achieve maximum attendance at your
meetings. Publicize your meeting date as quickly as possible and then follow up with more
detailed information. If there is time, two to three mailings or notifications are recommended.
The Department of Junior Fellow Services can help you with your publicity.
See the sample meeting announcement and meeting program on the following pages.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR JUNIOR FELLOW EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS
Financial support is available for Junior Fellow educational meetings through your local pharmaceutical
representative.
Many pharmaceutical companies have guest physician programs or speakers bureaus. They can provide
speakers on the subject of your choice and they will fund the speakers directly.
Contact your local pharmaceutical representatives 6 months - 1 year in advance of your
meeting for financial support.
You might also contact your Fellow District Treasurer for funds available to Junior Fellows.
TIMETABLE FOR JUNIOR FELLOW SECTION CHAIRS
MONTH
After Annual District Meeting (ADM)
January - March
ACTIVITY
•
Establish contact with your Fellow Section officer
•
Mail “Stump the professors” cases to Junior Fellow Congress
Advisory Council (JFCAC) Chair or Mary Behneman at ACOG.
•
Select new Section Vice Chair if one has not been elected and
notify your Junior Fellow District Chair and the Department of
Junior Fellow Services of the name and address.
•
Attend Junior Fellow District Advisory Council Interim Meeting (if
one is scheduled).
•
Take typed report to your District Advisory Council Meeting.
Topics should include.
a. Junior Fellow activities in your Section
b. Recruitment for Junior Fellows
c. Issues of concern from your Section
April - July
•
Contact your District Chair to:
a. Offer help/support for Fall District Meeting
b. Suggest items for the agenda
August – ADM
•
Plan to attend your District Advisory Council Meeting if held in
conjunction with Annual Clinical Meeting (ACM)
•
Block our Annual Fall District Meeting dates
•
Prepare report for the Fall District Advisory Council Meeting
•
Notify your District Chair if you plan to run for District office
•
Address any agenda items suggested by your District Advisory
Chair
JFCAC VICE CHAIR-CHAIR ELECT NOMINATIONS AND
ELECTION PROCEDURE
Nomination Procedure:
The Chair of the Committee on Nominations (the Past Chair of the JFCAC or the Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council
Chair, if the Past Chair is absent) presents report. After this report has been presented, the JFCAC Chair shall say:
"The names indicated in the report of the committee on nominations have been placed in nomination for the office of
Vice Chair of the Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council. Are there any nominations from the floor"?
If there are further nominations, the JFCAC Chair shall say:
"The additional name(s) of doctor(s) _________ have also been placed in nomination for the office of JFCAC Vice
Chair."
And/or, if no additional nominations, the JFCAC Chair shall then call for a motion to close the nominations by saying:
"May I hear a motion to close the nominations"?
After the motion is made and seconded (from the floor), the JFCAC Chair shall restate the motion (to close the nominations)
and call for discussion. Hearing none and/or after the discussion, the JFCAC Chair shall call for the voice vote.
The JFCAC Chair shall then state:
"The nominations are now closed. There will be a written vote at this time. The JFCAC Vice Chair shall be elected by
simple majority of the members present and voting at the JFCAC annual meeting. If no majority is received by any
candidate, the two candidates receiving the largest number of votes will participate in a run off election. If more than
two candidates have the same number of votes, which constitutes the majority, these candidates will participate in a
runoff election".
Option: If the JFCAC Chair wishes he/she may ask the nominees to leave the meeting room, while discussion regarding the
nominees' qualifications for this office is conducted.
The JFCAC Chair shall then appoint a Teller. The Teller shall pass out the ballots (received from the Department of Fellow &
Junior Fellow Services). The Chair shall inform the members that the Teller will collect and tally the votes. The Teller will notify
the JFCAC Chair the name of the winner. The JFCAC Chair shall then announce the winner by saying:
"By the majority of the vote, I formally declare that Dr. ___________ has been elected to the office of Vice Chair (Chair
Elect) of the Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council for the term 1997-1998.
Congratulations Dr.
________________".
J:\nominat\jfcac.vc
LEGAL ISSUES FOR CONGRESS OFFICERS
As a Congress officer, you have a fiduciary responsibility to act reasonably and in the best interests of the
Congress when acting in an ACOG capacity. This basic legal principle is important to remember in
carrying out your responsibilities.
This section will highlight a few important legal topics you should be familiar with, but it cannot cover all
legal issues related to the Congress. If you have any questions about the law as it applies to your
Congress activities, or if you are concerned that some activity may create liability for you or the Congress,
be sure to contact the Congress General Counsel for advice.
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
The Congress is a nonprofit corporation, organized under Illinois law. ACOG is a single corporate entity.
Unlike some other medical organizations, our Districts and Sections are not incorporated separately from
the national entity. Consequently, any limits placed upon Congress activity by law affect the Districts and
Sections as well as the national office. Similarly, any action at the local level is attributable to the
Congress as a whole. This makes it particularly important that you consult the Congress on a number of
issues before taking action. State laws confer immunity on most Congress officers for most of their
Congress related actions, and the Congress’s liability insurance provides additional broad protection.
Nonetheless, it is important to avoid legal difficulties before they arise, whenever possible.
Contracts
Before signing any contract for goods or services valued over $10,000 you should contact the Financial
Service Center that will coordinate with the General Counsel to review the contract.
Litigation
If you receive any legal papers, such as a subpoena, complaint, or notice of deposition, call the General
Counsel. If an attorney calls you in connection with a Congress matter, you should refer him or her to the
General Counsel. Any voluntary participation in litigation, either as a plaintiff or “friend of the court”
(amicus curiae) requires the prior approval of the Executive Board. Requests to participate in litigation
should be directed to the Executive Board through the appropriate District and the General Counsel. The
criteria the Board follows in deciding whether it is appropriate to become involved in a case as an amicus
are included in this manual.
Tax-Exempt Status
The Internal Revenue Service has classified the Congress as a tax-exempt charitable organization under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This is the same classification given to “traditional”
charities, such as the Red Cross, and to traditional educational institutions, such as private universities.
There are many other tax-exempt classifications. Most professional medical associations are given a
501(c)(6) IRS classification. This category is used for trade associations, such as the Chamber of
Commerce. In general, the 501(c)(3) status is the more desirable one, for the reasons listed below.
However, it does place some limitations on Congress activities that do not apply to (c)(6) organizations.
The Congress’s activities must be almost exclusively those that promote its tax-exempt purposes. These
are given in the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as continuing education in the ob-gyn field and the
promotion of women’s health care. As a practical matter, almost all activities that the Congress has
wanted to undertake fall within these descriptions, so our tax status has not been a major restriction.
However, ACOG cannot engage in too many activities that clearly just promote the business aspects of
medical practice. Examples of these would be advisory services about retirement, selling a practice, etc.
All tax-exempt organizations are prohibited by law from engaging in activities that directly benefit their
members financially. This is known as the prohibition against inurement. Some examples of inurement
are an insurance program that gave cash refunds to participants, or a decision of the Executive Board
members to pay themselves hefty salaries. A single instance of inurement is grounds for the IRS
revoking an organization’s tax-exempt status.
Advantages of Section 501(c)(3) Status
There are many advantages to the section 501(c)(3) status:
•
•
•
•
•
Contributions to the Congress are tax deductible to the donor.
The Congress is exempt from paying Federal tax on most of its income.
The Congress is exempt from paying sales tax in some states.
State laws make unpaid volunteers and officers immune from liability actions for ACOG
activities, in most instances. (The Congress has insurance coverage for officers, also.)
Postal rates are lower for 501(c)(3) organizations than for others.
Limitations Upon 501(c)(3) Activities
As a charitable, educational organization, there are certain restrictions upon ACOG’s lobbying
activities:
•
•
•
•
The Congress cannot spend more than $1 million annually on lobbying (as the
expenditures are defined by the IRS). This is an aggregate of money spent at all
levels- section, district, and national – on issues advocacy. This is why keeping track
of lobbying expenses is important.
The Congress cannot engage in political activity. By this, the law means that we
cannot support or oppose a particular candidate for political office.
We cannot sponsor a PAC (Political Action Committee).
Lobbying must be confined to issues only.
ANTITRUST LAWS
This is an extremely complex legal area. Federal antitrust laws were originally adopted at the
end of the last century to break up large monopolies and to promote economic competition.
Since the 1970’s, the antitrust laws have been applied to all aspects of health care. Most states
have antitrust statutes that closely parallel the federal ones.
Antitrust laws prohibit concerted, or joint, actions by competitors that are viewed as
unreasonably restraining trade. They operate to outlaw certain actions that are legal when taken
by an individual. However, court decisions have ruled that membership associations such as the
Congress engage in concerted action for antitrust purposes even when acting alone, because their
members are individuals who are in economic competition with each other. For example, an
individual physician is free to determine his or her fees. However, if he or she agrees with
another physician in another practice on the fees they will charge, that would be illegal pricefixing, because it is “joint action.” If the Congress prescribes what medical fees should be, it
would be also price-fixing in violation of antitrust laws, because “joint action” is deemed to have
occurred, even if the Congress did not take the action in conjunction with another organization.
Consequently, we always need to be careful that the Congress’s activities do not fall within the
special unlawful categories established by the courts as “anti-competitive.”
Courts consider an action to be anti-competitive when, on balance, it raises prices or fees or
lowers the quality of, or quantity of available goods or services, or when it tends to drive others
out of the marketplace. Courts are particularly sensitive about prices and fees. Some activities,
such as price-fixing or group boycotts are considered so egregious that if they are found to have
occurred, they are anti-competitive on their face and illegal. These are called per se antitrust
violations. Other joint actions alleged to be anti-competitive are analyzed by courts under a “rule
of reason” analysis to determine if there has been an antitrust violation.
Antitrust laws are enforced both civilly and criminally by the federal and state governments.
Private parties may also bring individual actions alleging antitrust violations.
J:\FELL_JF\JF-MANUAL\Legal Issues for Congress Off..doc
Membership Statistics
DISTRICT
OFFICES
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
CONTACT
ACOG DISTRICT & SECTION REGIONAL STAFF
ADDRESS
Megan Willis, Manager
Donna Montalto, MPP, Executive Director
Linda Calamaras, Executive Assistant
Judy Joly, Finance Director
Kathryn Gordon, Director of Gov’t Relations
Sue Nigra, Director of Comm & Outreach
Elizabeth Morris, Electronic Resource Manager
Kristin Zielinski, MA, MPP, Director, Med Edu
Kelly Gilchrist, Med Edu & Pat Safety Manager
Allison Manny, CMP, Director of Meetings
Chris Himes, Manager
Barbara Kallas, Manager
Katherine Miller, Manager
Stephanie Williams, Manager
Emma Jellen, Manager
Linda Kinnane, Manager
Michelle Clark, Manager
IX
ACOG
409 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024-2188
ACOG District II
152 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
(202) 863-2531 or (800) 598-8048
Fax: (202) 863-0789
Email: [email protected]
(518) 436-3461
Fax: (518) 426-4728
Email: [email protected]
Donna’s email: [email protected]
ACOG
409 12th Street,
Washington, DC
ACOG
409 12th Street,
Washington, DC
ACOG
409 12th Street,
Washington, DC
ACOG
409 12th Street,
Washington, DC
ACOG
409 12th Street,
Washington, DC
ACOG
409 12th Street,
Washington, DC
ACOG
409 12th Street,
Washington, DC
(202) 863-2561 or (888) 872-7813
Fax: (202) 863-0789
Email: [email protected]
(202) 863-2441 or (800) 598-5188
Fax: (202) 554-3836
Email: [email protected]
(202) 863-2532 or (866) 470-2354
Fax: (202) 863-0789
Email: [email protected]
(202) 863-2588 or (800) 598-3993
Fax: (202) 863-0789
Email: [email protected]
(202) 863-2456 or (800) 782-1828
Fax: (202) 863-0789
Email: [email protected]
(202) 314-2332 or (800) 598-7333
Fax: (202) 554-3836
Email: [email protected]
(202) 863-2564 or ( 877) 759-0155
Fax: (202) 863-0789
Email: [email protected]
SW
20024-2188
SW
20024-2188
SW
20024-2188
SW
20024-2188
SW
20024-2188
SW
20024-2188
SW
20024-2188
Shannon Smith-Crowley, JD, MHA - Lobbyist
Sarah Rayburn, Manager
XI
Mignon McGarry – Lobbyist
Texas Ob/Gyn Society
Colleen Filbert, Manager
XII
TELEPHONE/EMAIL
ACOG District XI
PO Box 17143
Austin, TX 78760
Shannon’s email:
[email protected]
(979) 777-9842
Email: [email protected]
Mignon’s email: [email protected]
ACOG District XII
6816 Southpoint Parkway, Suite 1000
Jacksonville, FL 32216
(904) 309-6209
Fax: (904) 998-0855
Email: [email protected]
Christopher Seymour, MBA, Executive Director
Chris’ email:
[email protected]
Amy Young – Lobbyist
Florida Ob/Gyn Society
Amy’s email: [email protected]
SECTION
OFFICES
CONTACT
SECTION REGIONAL STAFF
ADDRESS
Alabama
Harper Wood
Executive Director
PO Box 249
Equality, AL 36026
Arizona
Patrice Hand
Administrative Coordinator
c/o Arizona Medical Association, Inc.
810 West Bethany Home Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013
6703 S Locust Ct
Centennial, CO 80112-1007
Sheila Tuitele
Colorado
Delaware
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Executive Secretary - ACOG Colorado Section
Richard Brown - Lobbyist
Colorado Ob/Gyn Society
Megan Hayes, Executive Director
Pat Cota, RN, Executive Director
Georgia Ob/Gyn Society
Arthur “Skin” Edge - Lobbyist
Georgia Ob/Gyn Society
Mary Hines, Illinois State Medical Society
Assistant Director
Karen A. Anttila, Executive Secretary
Louisiana
Dianna Leger
Maryland
Pam Kasemeyer, JD – Lobbyist
Maryland Ob/Gyn Society
Kristen Verdeaux, Administrator
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Bill Kandler – Lobbyist
ACOG Michigan Section
Colleen Jensen, Executive Director,
MNACOG
Todd Hill – Lobbyist
ACOG Minnesota Section
Lynn Evans – Lobbyist
ACOG Mississippi Section
Johanna Derda, Executive Director
TELEPHONE/EMAIL
(334) 315-2668
Fax: (334) 857-2163
Email: [email protected]
(602) 246-8901
Fax: (602) 242-2515
Email: [email protected]
(303) 355-8848
Email: [email protected]
Richard’s email: [email protected]
900 Prides Xing
Newark, DE 19713-6100
1330 West Peachtree Street, NW, Ste
500
Atlanta, GA 30309-2904
20 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60602
St. Vincent Hospital
8301 Harcourt Rd, Ste 202
Indianapolis, IN 46260
545 Esplanade Dr
Lafayette, LA 70508
Waltham Woods Corporate Center
860 Winter Street
PO Box 549132
Waltham, MA 02454-9132
PO Box 314
Lakeland, MN 55043-0314
(302) 224-5181
Fax: (302) 366-1354
Email: [email protected]
(770) 904-5294
Fax: (707) 904-5251
Email: [email protected]
Arthur’s email:
[email protected]
(312) 580-2455 or (800) 782-ISMS
Fax: (312) 782-2023
Email: [email protected]
(317) 415-6740
Fax: (317) 415-6749
Email: [email protected]
(337) 988-1816
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
(781)434-7314 or (800) 322-2303 ext.7314
Fax: (781) 893-2105
Email: [email protected]
(517) 485-4044
Email: [email protected]
(612) 670-7810
Fax: (612) 677-3200
Email: [email protected]
Todd’s email:
[email protected]
Email: [email protected]
1537 B Cedar Ridge Pl
Jefferson City, MO 65109-1909
(573) 301-3468
Fax: (573) 636-8552
Email: [email protected]
SECTION
OFFICES
CONTACT
Linda Bartolo, Executive Director
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Utah
Virginia
Beverly Lynch – Lobbyist
ACOG New Jersey Section
Linda Siegle – Lobbyist
ACOG New Mexico Section
W. Alan Skipper
ACOG North Carolina Section
David Barnes, JD – Lobbyist
North Carolina Ob/Gyn Society
Willa Ebersole – Lobbyist
ACOG Ohio Section
Joetta J. Cunningham, Administrative
Assistant
Jan Reisinger, Executive Director
Crystal Morret, Administrative Assistant
ACOG Pennsylvania Section
Annette Mahler - Lobbyist
ACOG Utah Section
Executive Secretary
Kenneth G. Hutcheson - Lobbyist
ACOG Virginia Section
SECTION REGIONAL STAFF
ADDRESS
New Jersey Sect, ACOG
3 Regent Street, Suite 301
Livingston, NJ 07039
Wisconsin
(973) 597-0938 ext. 105
Fax: (973) 597-0241
Email: [email protected]
Beverly’s email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
P.O. Box 27167
Raleigh, NC 27611
(919) 833-3836
Fax: (919) 833-2023
Email: [email protected]
David’s email: [email protected]
Tulsa County Medical Society
5315 S. Lewis Ave
Tulsa, OK 74105
Jan Reisinger
777 East Park Drive
P.O. Box 8820
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8820
310 E 4500 S Ste 500
Salt Lake City UT 84107-4250
Nicole L. Pugar – Lobbyist (Co-Manager)
ACOG Virginia Section
Washington
TELEPHONE/EMAIL
Lenna Der Yuen
10 Eldorado Drive
Mercer Island, WA 98040-3131
Eric Ostermann, Executive Director
702 Eisenhower Drive
Suite A
Kimberly, WI 54136
(614) 621-2000
Willa’s email: [email protected]
(918) 743-6184
Fax: (918) 743-0336
(888) 726-2496
Fax: (717) 558-7841
Email: [email protected]
(801) 747-3500 ext. 236
Fax: (801) 747-0851
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (804) 420-6507
Ken’s phone: (804) 420-6526
Ken’s email:
[email protected]
Nicole’s phone: (804) 420-6437
Nicole’s email:
[email protected]
(206) 232-9517
Fax: (206) 230-9159
Email: [email protected]
(920) 560-5636
Fax: (920) 882-3655
Email: [email protected]
FUTURE ACOG ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETINGS
2014
DISTRICT
I
October 10-12, 2014
Hyatt Regency Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland
Tentative:
Dates TBA
October 17-19, 2014
Grand Hyatt Hotel
Manhattan, New York
October 23-25, 2015
Grand Hyatt Hotel
Manhattan, New York
October 10-12, 2014
Hyatt Regency Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland
Tentative:
Dates TBA
October 10-12, 2014
Hyatt Regency Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland
Tentative:
Dates TBA
(Joint district meeting with III & IV)
II
III
(Joint district meeting with I & IV)
IV
V
VI
2015
(Joint district meeting with I & III)
Lead District for joint meeting
October 10-12, 2014
JW Marriott Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Boston, Massachusetts
2016
To be determined
(Joint district meeting with III & IV)
Boston, Massachusetts
To be determined
To be determined
(Joint district meeting with I & IV)
Boston, Massachusetts
To be determined
(Joint district meeting with I & III)
To be determined
To be determined
To be determined
To be determined
To be determined
To be determined
To be determined
To be determined
To be determined
To be determined
November 9-12, 2014
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
Cincinnati, Ohio
To be determined
To be determined
September 26-28, 2014
Renaissance Austin Hotel
Austin, Texas
To be determined
To be determined
To be determined
To be determined
(Joint district meeting with VII)
Lead District for joint meeting
September 5-7, 2014
Silverado Resort & Spa
Napa Valley, California
(Joint district meeting with VIII & IX)
Junior Fellow Meeting
August 8-10, 2014
Madison Wisconsin
VII
October 10-12, 2014
JW Marriott Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
(Joint district meeting V)
VIII
September 5-7, 2014
Silverado Resort & Spa
Napa Valley, California
(Joint district meeting with VI & IX)
IX
X
(AFD)
XI
XII
September 5-7, 2014
Silverado Resort & Spa
Napa Valley, California
(Joint district meeting with VI & VIII)
Lead district for joint meeting
August 15-17, 2014
The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Orlando, FL
9/5/13
*Denotes Fellow and Junior Fellow joint meeting
Note: Dates and locations are subject to change
J:\D_S Activities\CHARTS\Future Meeting\FUTMTG13.CHT.doc
DISTRICT & SECTION ACTIVITIES
Meetings Calendar
* date listing was revised
Date
*
Event
Location
Contact
Phone
November 2013
28 -29 11/12 Thanksgiving Holiday
ACOG Office Closed
December 2013
5 -7
6/13
ACOG Postgraduate Course: Practical Obstetrics
and Gynecology
New York, NY
Yvonne Howard
202/863-2543
5 -7
8/13
reVITALize Gynecology Data Definitions
The Doubletree-Crystal Lauren Lemieux
City, Arlington, VA
202/314-2306
12 -14 6/13
ACOG Postgraduate Course: Update in Cervical
Diseases
Chicago, IL
Yvonne Howard
202/863-2543
16 -17 8/13
Women's Health Registry Alliance
Ritz Carlton-Pentagon
City, Arlington, VA
Lauren Lemieux
202/314-2306
18
9/13
Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women Conference Call
Lisa Goldstein
202/863-2497
24
11/12 Christmas Eve Holiday
ACOG Office Closed
25
11/12 Christmas Day
ACOG Office Closed
31
11/12 New Year's Eve Holiday
ACOG Office Closed
Chris Himes
202/863-2561
January 2014
10 -11 3/13
JF Congress Advisory Council Orientation and
Meeting
Ritz Carlton-Pentagon
City, Arlington, VA
16 -17 6/13
Committee on Health Economics and Coding
Mandarin Oriental
Anne Diamond
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2444
18 -19 6/13
Treasurer's Conference
La Jolla, CA
Steve Cathcart
800/281-1551
23 -25 3/11
CREOG In-Training Examination
Various locations
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
24 -25 8/13
Committee on Scientifc Program
Mandarin Oriental
Nahja Smith
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2565
27 -28 3/13
Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care
Mandarin Oriental
Lauren Lemieux
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/314-2306
202/863-2557
28
11/13 Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics
Conference Call
30
8/13
Mandarin Oriental
Kelly Thomas
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2489
Ritz Carlton-Pentagon
City, Arlintgon, VA
Erica Bukevicz
202/863-2428
Pat Stahr
202/863-2476
Well Woman Task Force
30 -31 11/13 PROLOG Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility,
7th Edition Winter Meeting
Nancy O'Reilly
February 2014
3 -8
7/11
7
10/12 Committee on Government Affairs
Mandarin Oriental
Lucia DiVenere
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2510
7
2/13
Committee on Credentials
Mandarin Oriental
Tomara Lee
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2408
7
6/13
Council of District Chairs
Mandarin Oriental
Mary Behneman
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2533
7
10/12 Committee on Bylaws
Mandarin Oriental
Rashanda Hathaway
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2583
7 -8
10/12 Executive Board Meetings
Mandarin Oriental
Vicki Millard-Cobb
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2572
13 -15 3/13
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Annual
Scientific Meeting
New Orleans, LA
ACOG Postgraduate Course: Quality and Safety for San Diego, CA
Leaders in Women's Health Care
Pam Scarrow
202/863-2538
14 -15 10/13 Committee on Continuing Medical Education
Washington, DC
Yvonne Howard
202/863-2543
20 -23 11/13 Interim Advisory Council Meeting (Dists VI & VII)
Memphis, TN
Stephanie Williams
202/863-2588
23 -25 8/13
Obstetrics and Gynecology Editorial Board
Sarasota, FL
Rebecca Benner
202/314-2340
24
9/11
CREOG Education Committee Meeting
Atlanta, GA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
25
9/11
CREOG Executive Committee Meeting
Atlanta, GA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
25
6/13
Committee on Adolescent Health Care
Conference Call
Lisa Goldstein
202/863-2497
CREOG Council Meeting
Atlanta, GA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
25 -26 9/11
26
7/12
CREOG 14th Term School for Program Directors
Part 3
Atlanta, GA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
26 3/2
3/11
CREOG/APGO Annual Meeting
Atlanta, GA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
1
6/12
JF Section Officer Leadership Development (SOLD) Washington, DC
Meeting
Chris Himes
202/863-2561
2 -4
10/11 Congressional Leadership Conference
Washington, DC
Stacie Monroe
202/863-2505
10
2/13
Committee on Genetics
TBD
Kelly Thomas
202/863-2489
Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics
TBD
Nancy O'Reilly
202/863-2557
March 2014
13 -14 3/13
15
11/13 Interim Advisory Council Meeting (Dist IV)
Hot Springs, VA
Barbara Kallas
202/863-2441
15
11/13 Interim Advisory Council Meeting (Dist V)
Scottsdale, AZ
Katherine Miller
202/863-2532
15
11/13 Interim Advisory Council Meeting (Dist IX)
Sacramento, CA
Michelle Clark
202/863-2564
17 -18 3/13
Committee on Ethics
Ritz Carlton-Pentagon
City, Arlington, VA
Mary Mitchell
202/863-2502
19
Immunization Expert Work Group
TBD
Kelly Thomas
202/863-2489
20 -21 2/13
2/13
Committee on Obstetric Practice
TBD
Kelly Thomas
202/863-2489
21 -22 6/13
Interim Advisory Council Meeting (Dist III)
Hoboken, NJ
Chris Himes
202/863-2561
23 -26 2/13
Society of Gynecologic Surgeons 40th Annual
Scientific Meeting
Phoenix, AZ
Melinda Letterman
([email protected])
901/682-2079
24 -25 6/13
Committee on Patient Safety and Quality
Improvement
Mandarin Oriental
Pam Scarrow
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2538
26 -29 2/13
Society for Gynecologic Investigation
Florence, Italy
Linda Gildersleeve
410/571-1156
26 -30 5/13
ACOG Robert C. Cefalo National Leadership
Institute
Chapel Hill, NC
Janet Chapin
202/863-2579
31 4/1
3/13
Patient Education Editorial Board
Mandarin Oriental
Thomas Dineen
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2429
31 4/1
11/13 Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women Mandarin Oriental
Candace Davis
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2496
3 -4
3/13
TBD
Nancy O'Reilly
4 -6
11/13 Annual Congress on Women's Health
Washington, DC
Nilda Rivera
914/740-2181
([email protected])
4 -6
9/13
San Diego, CA
Linda Kinnane
202/314-2332
7
10/12 PROLOG Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility,
7th Edition Advisory Meeting
TBD
Erica Bukevicz
202/863-2428
7
11/13 Subcommittee on Insurance
Ritz Carlton-Pentagon
City, Arlington, VA
Jennifer Ingalls
202/863-2595
8
11/13 Committee on Finance
Ritz Carlton-Pentagon
City, Arlington, VA
Jennifer Ingalls
202/863-2595
April 2014
Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology
Interim Advisory Council Meeting (Dist VIII)
202/863-2557
11 -13 7/13
CREOG Leadership Workshop for Residents
Chicago, IL
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
14 -15 3/13
Committee on Gynecologic Practice
Ritz Carlton-Pentagon
City, Arlington, VA
Caitlin Phelps
202/314-2336
24
8/11
Council of District Chairs
Chicago, IL
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
25
9/10
Executive Board Meeting
Chicago, IL
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
26
8/11
JF Congress Advisory Council Annual Meeting
Chicago, IL
Chris Himes
202/863-2561
Annual Clinical Meeting
Chicago, IL
Victor Robinson
202/863-2442
26 -30 8/11
29
11/13 Committee on Honors & Recognitions
Chicago, IL
Catherine Sacks
202/863-2501
30
11/13 Committee on Nominations
Chicago, IL
Penny Rutledge
202/863-2585
30
9/10
Executive Board Meeting
Chicago, IL
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2517
3 -5
7/13
CREOG Leadership Workshop for Residents
Philadelphia, PA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
8 -11
9/13
Alabama/Mississippi Joint ACOG Section Meeting
Miramar, FL
Harper Wood
334/315-2668
([email protected])
9 -10
9/13
CMSS Spring Meeting
Chicago, IL
Heida Lapka (www.cmss.org)
312/224-2585
CREOG 15th Term School for Program Directors,
Chicago, IL
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
May 2014
19 -21 7/13
Part 1
June 2014
2 -3
10/12 Committee on Professional Liability
TBD
2 -3
6/13
Mandarin Oriental
Lisa Goldstein
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2497
6 -7
11/13 Fellow Section Officer Orientation
Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon
City, Arlington, VA
Linda Kinnane
202/314-2332
6 -8
7/13
Pasadena, CA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
7 -11
10/13 American Medical Association Annual Meeting
Chicago, IL
Lisa Ruffin Schauf
202/863-2434
Marianne Pelletier
([email protected])
800/561-2416
Committee on Adolescent Health Care
CREOG Leadership Workshop for Residents
10 -13 11/13 The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Canada (SOGC) Annual Clinical and Scientific
Conference
James Lumalcuri
202/863-2485
12 -13 3/13
Obstetrics and Gynecology Editorial Board
Orientation and Office Retreat
Mandarin Oriental
Rebecca Benner
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/314-2340
13 -14 9/13
Missouri/Arkansas/Kansas/Oklahoma Joint ACOG
Section Meeting
Ridgedale, MO
918/743-6184
16 -17 3/13
Committee on Practice Management
Mandarin Oriental
Anne Diamond
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/863-2444
Conference Call
Mindy Saraco
202/314-2304
Ritz Carlton-Pentagon
City, Arlington, VA
Lauren Lemieux
202/314-2306
17
11/13 Committee on Obstetric Practice
23 -24 6/13
Women's Health Registry Alliance
Joetta Cunningham
July 2014
10
10/12 Executive Board Orientation (New Members Only)
TBD
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
11
2/13
TBD
Tomara Lee
202/863-2408
11
10/12 Council of District Chairs
TBD
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
11 -12 10/12 Executive Board Meetings
TBD
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
14 -15 6/13
Mandarin Oriental
Lauren Lemieux
Hotel, Washington, DC
202/314-2306
Committee on Credentials
Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care
29
12/10 CREOG Executive Committee Meeting
Dana Point, CA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
29
12/10 CREOG Education Committee Meeting
Dana Point, CA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
30
12/10 CREOG Council Meeting
Dana Point, CA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
31 8/1
12/10 CREOG Education Retreat
Dana Point, CA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
31 8/1
7/13
Dana Point, CA
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
11 -12 11/13 Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women ACOG Headquarters
Lisa Goldstein
202/863-2496
15 -18 5/12
Thomas Dineen
202/863-2429
CREOG Education Retreat
August 2014
1 -2
7/13
CREOG 15th Term School for Program Directors
Part 2
Editorial Board for Clinical Updates in Women's
Health Care
Dana Point, CA
Coeur d'Alene, ID
September 2014
5 -7
11/13 Annual District Meeting (Dists VI and VIII & IX)
Napa, CA
Marion Johnson
202/863-2530
8 -9
9/13
ACOG Headquarters
Mary Mitchell
202/863-2502
10 -13 11/10 Society of Laproendoscopic Surgeons
Las Vegas, NV
www.sls.org
305/665-9959
15
ACOG Headquarters
Mindy Saraco
202/314-2304
ACOG Headquarters
Pam Scarrow
202/863-2538
ACOG Headquarters
Sean Garrity
202/863-2509
ACOG Headquarters
Nancy O'Reilly
202/863-2557
19 -20 11/13 ACOG State Legislative Roundtable
Washington, DC
Kate Vlach
202/863-2594
29
11/13 Committee on Compensation
TBD
Jennifer Ingalls
202/863-2595
29
11/13 Subcommittee on Insurance
TBD
Jennifer Ingalls
202/863-2595
30
11/13 Committee on Finance
TBD
Jennifer Ingalls
202/863-2595
30
6/13
Conference Call
Lisa Goldstein
202/863-2497
11/13 Committee on Genetics
15 -16 3/13
18
Committee on Ethics
Committee on Patient Safety and Quality
Improvement
11/13 Committee on Government Affairs
18 -19 3/13
Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology
Committee on Adolescent Health Care
October 2014
2 -3
3/13
6 -7
8 -11
Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics
ACOG Headquarters
Nancy O'Reilly
202/863-2557
11/13 Committee on Gynecologic Practice
ACOG Headquarters
Caitlin Phelps
202/314-2336
9/13
Albuquerque, NM
Rochelle Hickel (www.caog.org) 701/838-8323
10 -12 11/13 Annual District Meeting (Dists V and VII)
Indianapolis, IN
Marion Johnson
202/863-2530
26 -29 7/12
XIX World Congress International Society for the
Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP)
New Orleans, LA
Markus Mohaupt
+41-22-33-99584
28 -30 7/12
Council of District Chairs Retreat
TBD
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
31 11/1
7/12
Executive Board Retreat and Meetings
TBD
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
3 -4
11/12 Patient Education Editorial Board
Thomas Dineen
202/863-2429
6 -8
3/13
Pam Scarrow
202/863-2538
8 -11
10/13 American Medical Association Interim Meeting
Dallas, TX
Lisa Ruffin Schauf
202/863-2434
9 -12
11/13 Annual District Meeting (AFD)
Cincinnati, OH
Valerie Borden
202/863-2571
12
11/13 Immnunization Expert Work Group Meeting
ACOG Headquarters
Kelly Thomas
202/863-2489
13 -14 11/13 Committee on Obstetric Practice
ACOG Headquarters
Mindy Saraco
202/314-2304
15
Washington, DC
Penny Rutledge
202/863-2585
Washington, DC
Heida Lapka (www.cmss.org)
312/224-2585
Candace Davis
202/863-2496
Chris Himes
202/863-2561
Central Association of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists
November 2014
ACOG Headquarters
ACOG Postgraduate Course: Quality and Safety for New Orleans, LA
Leaders in Women's Health Care
11/13 Committee on Nominations
21 -22 9/13
CMSS Annual Meeting
December 2014
15
11/13 Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women Conference call
9 -10
6/13
JF Congress Advisory Council Orientation and
Meeting
6
3/12
Committee on Bylaws
ACOG Headquarters
Rashanda Hathaway
202/863-2583
6
2/13
Committee on Credentials
ACOG Headquarters
Tomara Lee
202/863-2408
6
6/13
Council of District Chairs
ACOG Headquarters
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
6
3/12
Committee on Government Affairs
ACOG Headquarters
Lucia DiVenere
202/863-2510
6 -7
3/12
Executive Board Meetings
ACOG Headquarters
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
Obstetrics & Gynecology Editorial Board
Tucson, AZ
Rebecca Benner
202/314-2340
January 2015
ACOG Headquarters
February 2015
22 -24 8/13
March 2015
2 -3
11/13 Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women ACOG Headquarters
Candace Davis
202/863-2496
4
7/13
San Antonio, TX
DeAnne Nehra
202/863-2558
5 -6
11/13 Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology
ACOG Headquarters
Nancy O'Reilly
202/863-2557
9
11/13 Committee on Genetics
ACOG Headquarters
Kelly Thomas
202/863-2489
19
11/13 Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics
ACOG Headquarters
Nancy O'Reilly
202/863-2557
25
11/13 Immunization Expert Work Group
ACOG Headquarters
Kelly Thomas
202/863-2489
San Francisco, CA
Linda Gildersleeve
410/571-1156
ACOG Headquarters
Kelly Thomas
202/863-2489
25 -28 2/13
CREOG 15th Term School for Program Directors
Part 3
Society for Gynecologic Investigation
26 -27 11/13 Committee on Obstetric Practice
April 2015
16 -17 11/13 Committee on Gynecologic Practice
ACOG Headquarters
Caitlin Phelps
202/314-2336
30
San Francisco, CA
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
8/11
Council of District Chairs
May 2015
1
8/11
Executive Board Meetings
San Francisco, CA
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
2
8/11
JF Congress Advisory Council Annual Meeting
San Francisco, CA
Chris Himes
202/863-2561
2 -6
8/11
Annual Clinical Meeting
San Francisco, CA
Victor Robinson
202/863-2442
5
11/13 Committee on Honors & Recognitions
San Francisco, CA
Catherine Sacks
202/863-2501
6
9/10
San Francisco, CA
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
Executive Board Meeting
6
11/13 Committee on Nominations
San Francisco, CA
Penny Rutledge
202/863-2585
8 -9
9/13
Chicago, IL
Heida Lapka (www.cmss.org)
312/224-2585
CMSS Spring Meeting
June 2015
1 -2
11/11 Committee on Professional Liability
ACOG Headquarters
James Lumalcuri
202/863-2485
6 -10
10/13 American Medical Association Annual Meeting
Chicago, IL
Lisa Ruffin Schauf
202/863-2434
July 2015
9
4/12
Executive Board Orientation (New Members Only)
ACOG Headquarters
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
10
4/12
Council of District Chairs
ACOG Headquarters
Mary Behenman
202/863-2533
10
2/13
Committee on Credentials
ACOG Headquarters
Tomara Lee
202/863-2408
10 -11 4/12
Executive Board Meetings
ACOG Headquarters
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
Candace Davis
202/863-2496
Thomas Dineen
202/863-2429
www.sls.org
305/665-9959
August 2015
3 -4
11/13 Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women ACOG Headquarters
15 -17 9/13
Editorial Board for Clinical Updates in Women's
Health Care
Portland, ME
September 2015
2 -5
11/10 Society of Laproendoscopic Surgeons
1 -2
11/13 Committee on Gynecologic Practice
ACOG Headquarters
Caitlin Phelps
202/314-2336
4 -9
2/13
XXI FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and
Obstetrics
Vancouver, Canada
Bryan Thomas
([email protected])
+44 20 79281166
Central Association of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists
TBD
Rochelle Hickel (www.caog.org) 701/838-8323
New York, NY
October 2015
21 -24 9/12
November 2015
3 -5
11/11 Council of District Chairs Retreat
TBD
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
5 -7
11/11 Executive Board Retreat and Meetings
TBD
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
14
11/13 Committee on Nominations
Washington, DC
Penny Rutledge
202/863-2585
14 -17 10/13 American Medical Association Interim Meeting
Atlanta, GA
Lisa Ruffin Schauf
202/863-2434
20 -21 9/13
CMSS Annual Meeting
Washington, DC
Heida Lapka (www.cmss.org)
312/224-2585
5
2/13
Committee on Credentials
ACOG Headquarters
Tomara Lee
202/863-2408
5
7/12
Council of District Chairs
ACOG Headquarters
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
5
7/12
Committee on Government Affairs
ACOG Headquarters
Lucia DiVenere
202/863-2510
5
7/12
Committee on Bylaws
ACOG Headquarters
Rashanda Hathaway
202/863-2583
5 -6
7/12
Executive Board Meetings
ACOG Headquarters
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
Obstetrics and Gynecology Editorial Board
TBD
Rebecca Benner
202/314-2340
Linda Gildersleeve
410/571-1156
February 2016
20 -23 7/12
March 2016
16 -19 2/13
Society for Gynecologic Investigation
Montreal, QC, Canada
May 2016
6 -7
9/13
CMSS Spring Meeting
Chicago, IL
Heide Lapka (www.cmss.org)
312/224-2585
13
7/12
Executive Board Meeting
Washington, DC
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
Annual Clinical Meeting
Washington, DC
Victor Robinson
202/863-2442
14 -18 7/12
17
11/13 Committee on Honors & Recognitions
Washington, DC
Catherine Sacks
202/863-2501
18
11/13 Committee on Nominations
Washington, DC
Penny Rutledge
202/863-2585
18
7/12
Washington, DC
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
Lisa Ruffin Schauf
202/863-2434
Executive Board Meeting
June 2016
11 -15 10/13 American Medical Association Annual Meeting
Chicago, IL
July 2016
14
7/12
Executive Board Orientation (New Members Only)
ACOG Headquarters
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
15
2/13
Committee on Credentials
ACOG Headquarters
Tomara Lee
202/863-2408
15
7/12
Council of District Chairs
ACOG Headquarters
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
15 -16 7/12
Executive Board Meetings
ACOG Headquarters
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
November 2016
1 -3
7/12
Council of District Chairs Retreat
TBD
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
4 -5
7/12
Executive Board Retreat and Meetings
TBD
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
12 -15 10/13 American Medical Association Interim Meeting
Orlando, FL
Lisa Ruffin Schauf
202/863-2434
18 -19 9/13
Washington, DC
Heidi Lapka (www.cmss.org)
312/224-2585
Washington, DC
Penny Rutledge
202/863-2585
CMSS Annual Meeting
19
11/13 Committee on Nominations
3
6/13
Committee on Bylaws
ACOG Headquarters
Rashanda Hathaway
202/863-2583
3
6/13
Council of District Chairs
ACOG Headquarters
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
3
6/13
Committee on Government Affairs
ACOG Headquarters
Lucia DiVinere
202/863-2510
3
6/13
Committee on Credentials
ACOG Headquarters
Tomara Lee
202/863-2408
3 -4
6/13
Executive Board Meetings
ACOG Headquarters
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
Linda Gildersleeve
410/571-1156
February 2017
March 2017
15 -18 2/13
Society for Gynecologic Investigation
4
6/13
Council of District Chairs
San Diego, CA
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
5
6/13
Executive Board Meeting
San Diego, CA
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
10
6/13
Executive Board Meeting
San Diego, CA
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
Lisa Ruffin Schauf
202/863-2434
Orlando, FL
May 2017
June 2017
10 -14 10/13 American Medical Association Annual Meeting
Chicago, IL
July 2017
13
6/13
Executive Board Orientation (New Members Only)
ACOG Headquarters
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
13
6/13
Council of District Chairs
ACOG Headquarters
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
14
6/13
Committee on Credentials
ACOG Headquarters
Tomara Lee
202/863-2408
14 -15 6/13
Executive Board Meetings
ACOG Headquarters
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
31 11/2
6/13
Council of District Chairs Retreat
Mary Behneman
202/863-2533
3 -4
6/13
Executive Board Retreat and Meetings
TBD
Vicki Millard-Cobb
202/863-2572
Honolulu, HI
Lisa Ruffin Schauf
202/863-2434
October 2017
TBD
November 2017
11 -14 10/13 American Medical Association Interim Meeting
Contact: Leslie Smith [email protected] 202/863-2593
GUIDELINES FOR ORGANIZING A JUNIOR FELLOW MEETING
INDEX
PAGE
Ideas and Suggestions for Leading a Meeting .................................................................................... 1
Organizing a Junior Fellow Meeting Guidelines ...................................................................................
Is There A Need For A Separate Meeting?........................................................................................
Suggestions For Separate Meetings .................................................................................................
Where and When To Hold A Meeting ...............................................................................................
Program Content ............................................................................................................................
2
2
2
2
3
Committees .....................................................................................................................................
Scientific Program & General Arrangements Committee ....................................................................
Guest Speakers ..............................................................................................................................
Junior Fellow Paper Presentations Committee ..................................................................................
Exhibit Committee ..........................................................................................................................
Committee on Finance and Fund Raising .........................................................................................
3
4
4
4
5
5
Other Junior Fellow Activities ............................................................................................................ 5
Points to Consider When Planning a District or Section Meeting........................................................... 6
Ideas for Section Meetings ................................................................................................................ 7
Funding ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Publicity ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Financial Support for Junior Fellow Educational Meetings .................................................................... 8
Sample Flyers and Meeting Programs
2003
J:\FELL_JF\JF-MANUAL\Meeting Guidelines.DOC
IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR LEADING A MEETING
The success of a meeting is due in large part to the Chair, not because of what he/she can do to
contribute substantially, but because a good Chair is a prerequisite for controlling the meeting
process. Managing a meeting is managing people. The Chair should motivate and lead in a
positive way and be able to listen and hear what meeting participants are saying, to sense when
there is confusion or harmony, discord or agreement, and to be able to bring people and ideas
together in a constructive way.
The Chair can and should keep control over the meeting, moving it right along. The Chair should
also know when not to cut off a discussion. It helps to imagine the meeting in your head before it
ever takes place and envision the goal of the meeting. Try to align the meeting with the
functional goals of the group and the ACOG organization. Know what you expect to get out of the
meeting and review with the council the Congress's goals and the contribution to which they have
committed themselves.
Also review briefly with the council members the specific purpose of the meeting. One of the most
important functions performed by you as Chair is to facilitate communication among the individual
members of the group and be the principal voice of the council.
It is important to start the meeting on time. Starting time is the first test of your control. Very
often the beginning of the meeting sets the stage for the remainder of the meeting. At the
beginning of each meeting use the gavel and speak in a loud, clear voice. Never begin with an
apology and show confidence and strength throughout the meeting. It's important to get any
announcements out the way early and as quickly as possible and again to state the purpose and
objectives and estimated time for the meeting. Try to adhere to the agenda and time schedule.
Try to remain impartial or at least demonstrate an appearance of impartiality. Whenever you can,
distinguish between facts and information that the group may react or record as a fact. Watch the
pacing and keep an eye on the time and the feelings of the group. Be on the lookout for
emotional buildup; if you see signs of anger or frustration attempt to modify them as early as
possible. Don't force anyone to speak, but seek contributions of attendees. Be sure to summarize
points of agreement and clarify opposing points of view. People hear things differently. When a
particular issue or agenda item is completed, state the conclusion. Attempt to give the meeting the
sense of momentum and continuing success. Always end the meeting in a positive, upbeat
fashion. Let the members know that the meeting was worthwhile and express your appreciation
for their time and efforts.
Good luck and best wishes for a successful term as Chair!
ORGANIZING A JUNIOR FELLOW MEETING GUIDELINES
When ACOG's fall District meetings are held outside the continental United States or a great
distance from the District, the Junior Fellows usually hold a separate District meeting. When such
an occasion arises, the following information may be helpful in planning and implementing a Junior
Fellow District meeting. Also, please review the District meeting procedure checklist in
this section for month-to-month responsibilities for the meeting.
The decision to hold a separate Junior Fellow meeting from the Fellows of the District should be
made by the Junior Fellow District Advisory Council with the Fellow District Chair and/or District
Junior Fellow Advisor. Points to be considered are:
Is There A Need For A Separate Meeting?
The Junior Fellows should meet joint with the Fellows for fall District meetings whenever possible.
Consideration should be given for special "less expensive housing" at group rates to attend the
Fellow District meeting. Costs could be subsidized by the District or by contributions from the
pharmaceutical industry.
After consideration of the above points and finding it not feasible to have adequate Junior Fellow
attendance at the District meeting, the District Advisory Council will make the decision to hold a
separate meeting. The next points to consider would be what type of meeting, where, and when.
Suggestions For Separate Meetings
An all day meeting with multiple item agenda. This type of meeting would be ideal when
coordinated with the annual meeting of a gyn society or other related groups.
A 1½ - 2½ day conference with a multiple item agenda (scientific sessions, and "Call for Papers")
would be ideal for Districts with a large geographic area.
Where and When To Hold A Meeting
The location must be chosen according to the availability of facilities for the meeting and easy
access to the city. All hotel contracts must be sent to the ACOG attorney for a review before any
contracts are signed. If attendance would be 50 or more, and depending upon the number of
sleeping rooms required, some hotels provide the meeting rooms at no charge and some charge a
$200-$300 fee.
When deciding on a date, consideration should be given to important events in your District and to
other important meetings, examination dates, and holidays.
Avoid conflicts with large national ob-gyn related specialty meetings that possibly could lower
attendance at your meeting and meetings just prior to the American Board examinations. Since
most residents are given a limited number of meetings per year, holding the meeting in
conjunction with a gyn society and giving consideration to using some of the same guest speakers
would save transportation expenses.
• In obtaining support from pharmaceutical companies, it should be remembered that the larger
the number of people attending the meeting, the greater the financial support from the
exhibitors.
• It is important to work out and confirm in writing, arrangements for all financial considerations
in advance. The Department of Junior Fellow Services will work with the Junior Fellow Chair to
prepare and "estimate" the meeting budget to present to the Fellow District officers.
Program Content
A good educational program forms the basis of all planned activities to follow. The overall design
of the program should include a review of: the conference objectives, the conference theme, and
the audience needs and expectations.
Begin planning your program by evaluating the needs of your attendees. Discuss meeting topics
with your Junior Fellow Advisory Council members and review evaluations of past meetings.
Design a meeting format with exciting and stimulating topics and allow ample time for questionsand-answer sessions. The Department of Junior Fellow Services can help you with history from
your past meetings.
COMMITTEES
The Junior Fellow District Chair at the time of the Junior Fellow District meeting will serve as the
scientific program and general arrangements Chair. The Junior Fellow District Chair needs to
delegate responsibility of other duties to advisory council members (other committee examples:
exhibits, fund raising, committee to choose scientific papers for presentation at the meeting, and
special activities--if any are planned).
It is the responsibility of the Junior Fellow District Chair to be informed of each committee's
progress and to act as the coordinator of the activities of the various committees. He/she should
also keep the Fellow District Chair, and the District Junior Fellow Advisor, and the Department of
Junior Fellow Services informed of the decisions and progress of the meeting.
Scientific Program & General Arrangements Committee
The Junior Fellow District Chair should chair this committee. The following are guidelines and
responsibilities:
building the program
contacting the participants and/or guest speakers
provide the publicity and registration information to the Department of Junior Fellow Services
provide the Department of Junior Fellow Services with information for preliminary program and
final program
• applying for and securing continuing education credits for the program (Cognates)
•
•
•
•
Guest Speakers
In large geographical areas, it has been the experience that most guest speakers can usually be
obtained within the District. These individuals are sometimes willing to donate their time, as they
are usually involved in a teaching program for Junior Fellows in their area. For Districts with
smaller geographical areas it is sometimes advantageous to reach outside the District for a leading
speaker. Many pharmaceutical companies have a speaker’s bureau list. Contact the Department
of Junior Fellow Services for a speaker bureau listing.
After a commitment is made to these speakers, it is the responsibility of the Junior Fellow District
Chair to provide the Department of Junior Fellow Services with a list of the speaker names,
addresses, and phone numbers.
• Speakers should be notified in advance of the meeting, what expenses will be covered as well
as honorarium to be paid.
• A clear cut honorarium policy should be agreed upon in advance. Many speakers within the
District or officers of the Congress are willing to speak without an honorarium.
Junior Fellow Paper Presentations Committee
A "Call for Papers" should be mailed at least ten months prior to the meeting.
It would be this committee's responsibility to make the decision as to whether all Junior Fellow
papers submitted can be presented or whether they should be screened by this committee or by
the Junior Fellow District advisor. Prizes could be awarded to the top two or three papers as an
incentive. If the District meeting is being held in a highly desirable area, financial assistance for
the prize winning authors to attend the meeting could be awarded. This committee, working with
the Fellow District Chair or Junior Fellow District Advisor, should investigate this possibility.
Exhibit Committee
Tabletop exhibits (6 ft. tables) are recommended for Junior Fellow meetings (10-15 exhibitors).
Exhibit area should be in a room adjacent to the meeting room or a large registration area outside
the meeting room. Exhibit registration forms are mailed to various pharmaceutical companies
about 8-9 months prior to the District meetings.
Committee on Finance and Fund Raising
A suggested Chair of this committee would be the Junior Fellow District Secretary-Treasurer. The
responsibility of this committee would be:
• to establish a budget and to work with the District officers in obtaining District funds and
support for the meeting (the Department of Junior Fellow Services will assist with the budget)
• to establish registration fee
• to contact pharmaceutical companies for possible contributions in support of the meeting
The meeting must not incur a large deficit.
OTHER JUNIOR FELLOW ACTIVITIES
A "Stump the Professors" session is a popular educational tool at District meetings in which
unusual and/or interesting obstetrical cases are presented before a panel of experts who have no
advanced knowledge about the cases. They are then asked to comment on the management of
the cases or speculate on the diagnosis at prearranged pauses during the presentation. A "Trivia
Challenge" session is also common at District meetings. During this session, two teams of
physicians (usually Fellows v. Junior Fellows) answer questions similar to those on the CITROG
exam in an exciting game show format.
A Junior Fellow District Advisory Council Meeting and the Junior Fellow luncheon/business meeting
should be scheduled during these fall District meetings.
POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING A DISTRICT OR SECTION MEETING
1.
If meeting in conjunction with another group, definite written agreements should always be
made in advance to share expenses and divide income from the meeting, such as that from
exhibits.
2.
It is essential in communicating with guest speakers to inquire as to what type of audiovisual
equipment is needed and to arrange for these needs.
3.
Letters should be sent to all Junior Fellows submitting papers informing them as to whether or
not their paper has been chosen for presentation.
4.
It should be specified to guest speakers as to what expenses will be paid (i.e., transportation,
food, hotel, and honorariums). This will vary from District to District.
5.
Coffee and lunch breaks must be given sufficient time in the program.
6.
If pharmaceutical and industrial exhibits are to be part of the meeting, time must be allowed
in the program for visiting this area. Coffee breaks and continental breakfasts should be held
in the exhibit room. Proper recognition of the financial contributors and sponsors of the
meeting should be given in the meeting program.
7.
All program participants should be thanked by letter after the meeting, and letters of
appreciation should be sent to the sponsors after the meeting in hopes of maintaining their
support in the future.
8.
Time should be allowed for the Junior Fellow business meeting/luncheon in the program.
9.
Please contact Mary Behneman, Director, Department of Junior Fellow Services, early in the
planning stages for advice and guidance in helping to coordinate and publicize the meeting.
IDEAS FOR SECTION MEETINGS
In an effort to stimulate Junior Fellow activity at the section level, the following is a list of ideas
that will enable you to plan a successful Section meeting.
A Section meeting may take any of the following forms:
•
•
•
A one day meeting
A luncheon with a speaker - a free luncheon is an excellent way to maximize attendance
A dinner meeting with a speaker
Speakers/topics may be:
-university affiliated
-affiliated with the state ob/gyn society
-district officer(s)
-national ACOG officer(s)
-business topics outside of medicine, i.e. preparation for practice workshops, insurance,
pension plans
• A meeting of Junior Fellows within the section to review the benefits of membership. A medical
student video is available. Contact the Department of Junior Fellow Services (1-800-673-8444,
ext. 2532) for a copy of the video.
Funding
Financial support can be sought from local pharmaceutical representatives or hospital departments
to help defray expenses. Contact your Fellow Treasurer and Section Chair to inquire if the District
or Section has funds to help defray the cost of your Section meeting.
Publicity
This is the first and most important item necessary to achieve maximum attendance at your
meetings. Publicize your meeting date as quickly as possible and then follow up with more
detailed information. If there is time, two to three mailings or notifications are recommended.
The Department of Junior Fellow Services can help you with your publicity.
See the sample meeting announcement and meeting program on the following pages.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR JUNIOR FELLOW EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS
Financial support is available for Junior Fellow educational meetings through your local pharmaceutical
representative.
Many pharmaceutical companies have guest physician programs or speakers bureaus. They can provide
speakers on the subject of your choice and they will fund the speakers directly.
Contact your local pharmaceutical representatives 6 months - 1 year in advance of your
meeting for financial support.
You might also contact your Fellow District Treasurer for funds available to Junior Fellows.
ACOG
4J/FEL_JRF/ORIENT-F/MANUAL/MEM-QUAL
Updated 2-3-05.doc
ACOG QUALIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
FOR MEMBERSHIP
Fellow
Fellow Inactive
Junior Fellow
Fellow Senior Status
Life Fellow
Corresponding Fellow
Honorary Fellow
Associate Member/International
Educational Affiliate/Medical Student
ACOG
5J/FEL_JRF/ORIENT-F/MANUAL/MEM-QUAL
Updated 2-3-05.doc
FELLOWSHIP
Physicians whose professional activity is devoted to the practice of obstetrics and/or
gynecology.
Requirements
• Current board certification in obstetrics-gynecology acceptable examinations:
1. American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Parts I and II
2. Royal Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of England
3. Royal Congress of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or Quebec
4. Consejo Mexicana de Ginegologia Y Obstetricia
5. The Univ. of the West Indies Postgraduate Doctorate of Medicine
6. Royal Congress of Australia and New Zealand (RANZOG)
7. Federacion Centroamericana de Sociedades de Obstetricia Y Ginecologia
(FECASOG)
•
Active, unrestricted license to practice medicine within the geographic confines of ACOG and residence
within the geographic confines of ACOG at the time of application for Fellow membership.
•
Continuous limitation of training and/or professional activities to obstetrics and/or gynecology for the five
years immediately prior to the date of application.
•
In order to provide adequate peer evaluation, a candidate for Fellowship must have practiced in the
same community from which application is made for a minimum of twelve months prior to submission of
an application.
•
Attainment of high ethical and professional standing.
Sponsorship
• Two endorsements from active Fellows of the ACOG.
• Applicants for Fellowship shall be proposed by a Fellow and shall be endorsed by a Fellow within the
same District as the applicant, (exception, applicants from Armed Forces). The sponsors must not be
District, Section, or National officers of the Congress.
Processing
1. Upon receiving a completed application, the Membership Services department reviews and verifies all
pertinent information (i.e. board certification, medical license, sponsors, etc.).
2. The applicant is then listed in the “Candidate’s Listing” of the District mailing. The waiting period is 60
days.
3. If no negative comments are received, a list is prepared monthly depicting candidate’s name, address
and sponsors, and sent to the Section Vice Chairs, Section Chairs and District Chairs. At the end of the
quarter the candidate’s names are sent to the Executive Board for final approval.
4. Once a candidate has been duly elected, an election letter is prepared and mailed, and a certificate of
Fellowship is ordered.
5. If negative comments are received, the application will then be reviewed for action by the Section Chair
and the District Chair. Each reviewer will assess the candidate (with or without interview) according to
(a) the requirements and standards of the Congress; (b) status of hospital privileges; and (c)
acceptance and respect of peers. The actions by these committees will be recorded on the candidate’s
evaluation form and mailed back to the National office.
6. If applicant is approved by all the Chairs, numbers 3 and 4 above will be followed. In the case of a
recommended disapproval or deferral, a letter from the reviewer stating reason for such action
must accompany the application. This application will then be presented at the next Committee on
Credentials for assessment and its recommendation will be presented to the Executive Board.
If you have any questions, please contact Bernice Rose or Colleen Flood at 1-800-673-4444, ext,
2408 or 2404, respectively.
INDUCTION FOR ALL DULY ELECTED FELLOWS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE
ANNUAL CLINICAL MEETING FOLLOWING THE CALENDAR YEAR OF THEIR
ELECTION.
FELLOW INACTIVE
Any Fellow in good standing who temporarily interrupts his/her active practice.
Requirements
•
Active Fellow
•
Completes annual application (signed attestation not in medical practice)
•
No time limit – annual renewal required
•
Sign off by District and Section Chair (name added to Section/District officer monthly membership list)
•
Optional: subscription package with reduced dues
•
Reason for inactive status collected for internal informational purposes
•
No rights or privileges of Fellowship (i.e. voting, hold office)
JUNIOR FELLOWSHIP
Ob-Gyn residents in approved programs (US & Canada) or recent graduates of these
programs. Junior Fellowship is also available to residents in Mexico and the West Indies.
Requirements
• Current participation in an approved residency in obstetrics and gynecology, or successful completion of
such a program, provided it is within ten years from the start of the candidate’s residency.
•
Immediate and continued limitation of professional activities, exclusively, to obstetrics and/or
gynecology.
•
Attainment of high ethical and professional standing.
Sponsorship
• Applications for Junior Fellowship shall be proposed by a Fellow within the same District as the
applicant (exception: applicants from Armed Forces). The proposer may be a Section, District, or
Congress officer. The program director may also sign as the applicant’s proposer if a Fellow of the
Congress).
Processing
1. Processing of the application begins at the Congress upon receipt of a completed application (i.e. the
residency program director must complete the verification statement which should be returned with the
application.
2. The vice president responsible for the Department of Membership shall be empowered to review and
approve fully completed unquestioned applications on behalf of the Executive Board.
3. Review and approval of Junior Fellow applications shall be done each month, but election dates shall
remain on a quarterly basis to facilitate dues. If you have any questions, please contact either Colleen
Flood or Bernice Rose 1-800-673-4444, ext. 2404 or 2408, respectively.
FELLOW SENIOR STATUS
Any Fellow of the Congress, in good standing, who requests such action because of
advancing age, illness or other sufficient reason, may apply for this category.
Requirements
• Work less than 20 hours per week in any professional activity and completion of 25 years of Fellowship,
or
• “Other Sufficient Reason” requires individual evaluation, (includes disability)
Processing
All requests must be in writing from the Fellow or a person acting on the Fellow’s behalf. Upon receipt of
the written request, review and approval, the member is transferred to Fellow, Senior Status, with all rights
and privileges of Fellowship.
LIFE FELLOWSHIP
Any Fellow of the Congress, in good standing, who requests such action because of advancing age,
illness or other sufficient reason, may apply for Life Fellowship.
Requirements
• Fully retired and completion of 25 years of Fellowship, or
•
“Other Sufficient Reason” requires individual evaluation, (includes disability).
Processing
All requests must be in writing from the Fellow or a person acting on the Fellow’s behalf. Upon receipt of
the written request, review and approval, the member is transferred to Life Fellowship.
HONORARY FELLOWSHIP
Qualifications
An individual of outstanding achievement in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, or in an allied discipline.
Nomination and Election
• The Committee on Honors and Recognitions shall have the power to nominate individuals for Honorary
Fellowship.
•
Nomination for Honorary Fellowship shall be by formal motion to the Executive Board, and election shall
be by unanimous vote of the Executive Board.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Any physician, who has given valuable service in obstetrics and/or gynecology, and who is
not eligible to be a Fellow.
Requirements
• ABMS Board certification other than one that would qualify a candidate for Fellow status,
or
• Board certification or examination that would have qualified the candidate for fellowship if their medical
education and their ob-gyn residency program had been obtained within the geographic confines of
ACOG,
or
• Other advanced degree with significant contributions in women’s health, individual review by credentials
committee.
•
At least three years demonstrated expertise in the field.
Sponsorship
• Two endorsements from active Fellows of the ACOG.
• Candidates for Associate Membership shall be proposed by a Fellow and shall be endorsed by a
second Fellow within the same District as the applicant (exception: applicants from Armed Forces).
Statements from the endorser and the proposer attesting that the applicant has made a significant
contribution to the field of obstetrics and gynecology must accompany the application. The sponsors
may not be District, Section, or National officers of the Congress.
• Even though a candidate may meet all of the above requirements, the final decision remains with the
Committee on Credentials.
Processing
1. Upon receipt of a completed application and both sponsor recommendations, the application is
presented to the Committee on Credentials for action. The Committee on Credentials assesses the
eligibility of each candidate according to (a) the requirements and standards of the Congress; (b)
hospital privileges status; (c) acceptance and respect of peers.
2. The Committee on Credentials action is recorded on the evaluation form, indicating recommendation
regarding election of the candidate.
3. Following the committee’s approval, the applicant’s name will be published in the monthly “Candidate’s
Listing” for Associate Membership. If no negative comments are received, the applicant is duly elected
at the end of the current quarter and an election letter is prepared and mailed.
4. If negative comments are received, the application is sent by the Membership Services Department to
the Section Chair and then to the District Chair. If the applicant is disapproved at these levels, the
application is then returned to the Committee on Credentials for further examination.
5. *Exception: Completed applications received from physicians who are DOs and members of ACOG.
These applicants will be immediately listed in the monthly “Candidate’s Listing” for Associate
Membership. If no negative comments are received, their names will be given to the Committee on
Credentials for review and approval. They will be elected at the end of the current quarter and a letter
of election will be prepared and mailed. If negative comments are received, the application is then
given to the Committee on Credentials for further review.
International Applicants
•
•
Open only to ob-gyns who reside in countries outside the geographic limits of the Congress.
Ob-gyns who show evidence of advance training in women’s health and are members of an ob-gyn
society or organization recognized by FIGO in their country.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL AFFILIATE
Any obstetrician or gynecologist who resides in a country outside the geographic* limits of
the Congress and is ineligible for any other membership category.
An International Educational Affiliate has direct access to our web site, Annual Clinical
Meeting and ACOG publications. They can purchase ACOG materials along with
attending the Annual Clinical meeting at a reduced member’s rate. They will not
receive mailings from the Congress.
*Geographic limits include: American Samoa, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Costa Rica,
El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Nicaragua,
Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Panama, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, United
States, United States Minor, and Virgin Islands.
Processing
1. Processing of an application begins once ACOG has received an application filled out
completely (it must be typed in English).
2. Annual dues must be submitted via credit card.
3. Activation of membership is dependent on credit card approval.
EDUCATIONAL AFFILIATE
Any physician in a medical education or training program that would not qualify for Junior
Fellowship; or any individual with an advanced degree who through professional training
and/or experience in women’s health care is able to further the missions of the Congress,
or any medical student, may be elected an Educational Affiliate of the ACOG.
Requirements
• This category would include individuals with a Masters, Ph.D., D.Sc., RN, Medical Student, Osteopathic
Student, Non-Ob/Gyn MD Resident, DO Resident, or certification through a national process.
• Professional activities or affiliation within the field of obstetrics and/or gynecology, or in the allied field in
which the applicant is specialized.
• Realistic potential for contribution to programs or operations of the Congress.
• No proposal, endorsement, or letter of recommendation required with application.
Processing
1. Processing of the application begins at the Congress upon receipt of a completed application.
New Elects in All Categories Become Eligible for Active Status Beginning
the Next Quarter Immediately Following Their Election Notice.
JANUARY 1
APRIL 1
JULY 1
OCTOBER 1
NATIONAL DUES
Each year at the September Executive Board meeting, and upon advice from the Committee on Finance,
annual dues or any special assessments are approved for the following year.
SOGC/ACOG REDUCED FEES OFFERED FOR JOINT MEMBERS
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists of Canada offers membership at reduced fees to physicians in the United States and Canada
who belong to both organizations. Only full Fellows and members in active status in both organizations at
the time of annual billing are eligible for the dual membership rates.
Dual members residing in Canada will receive a reduction of US $100 in ACOG dues, while dual members
residing in the US will receive a reduction of Canadian $125 in SOGC dues. These reductions apply to
national dues only.
MEXICAN, WEST INDIES AND CENTRAL AMERICA FELLOW DUES
National dues for Fellows of the Congress residing in the West Indies Section, the Mexican Section or the
Central America Section are US $90.
THREE-TIERED DUES STRUCTURE FOR JUNIOR FELLOWS
The Congress has established a tthree-tiered dues structure for Junior Fellows. Junior Fellows who are in
training have a lower dues rate than those Junior Fellows in practice. Junior Fellows still in residency pay
the lowest rate of dues. Junior Fellows two years out of residency pay a slightly higher amount. Junior
Fellows who are more than six years beyond the beginning of their graduate education pay the highest
amount. This structure is designed to encourage an early affiliation with the Congress.
The Congress has a mechanism to identify those who are still in training or in the first year or two beyond
residency. The termination date for Junior Fellows is established as ten years from the beginning of ob-gyn
residency. For example, a PG1 starting July 2004 would have a Junior Fellow termination date of 2014,
without regard to the date of beginning Junior Fellowship.
TERMINATION FOR NONPAYMENT OF DUES
Termination for nonpayment of dues is done in July of each calendar year. A certified letter must be sent
notifying the member of termination. A member’s computer record is updated to reflect termination of
membership.
REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBILITY
Any member, who has been terminated through resignation or for delinquency and is eligible for
reinstatement can do so for a period up to three years following termination. After the three-year time frame
a new application must be filed in order to rejoin the Congress.
Reinstatement can be made upon payment of the current year’s dues along with a reinstatement fee of
$50.00. A Fellow would not lose seniority if reinstated within the three-year period.
GUIDELINES FOR WAIVER OF DUES
Dues may be waived if a member is completely disabled. Dues may be waived for a Fellow or Junior Fellow
if their income is greatly reduced because they have undertaken further training relevant to their career in
obstetrics and gynecology, or if they engage in missionary or other philanthropic work.
Members for whom dues are to be waived must be in good standing, i.e. their membership has not been
terminated and they are not delinquent in payment of dues on the date of the request for a waiver of dues.
Requests for waiver of dues must be made by the member or the spouse, physician, attorney or another
Fellow acting on behalf of the member.
The Congress office has the responsibility for obtaining evidence to support requests for waiver of dues.
Approval of waiver of dues for special circumstances may be granted by the Vice President of Fellowship
Activities on behalf of the Executive Board.
Waiver of dues is normally granted for one year only. Requests for waiver of dues for a second or third year
are handled in the same manner as the first request. Waiver of dues is not granted for more than three
years, except by approval of the Vice President of Fellowship Activities and/or Executive Board.
MODIFICATION OF DUES
Congress Fellows who are returning to training status as subspecialty fellows should pay the same dues as
Junior Fellows who are seven or more years from the beginning of training. This dues reduction must be
requested and can be granted on an annual basis for a maximum of three years. Documentation is
required from the director of the program.
Junior Fellows at the higher rate of the two-tiered dues structure, participating in a subspecialty fellowship,
may request and pay the lower rate of the two-tiered structure.
Any Fellow or Junior Fellow who is in an approved subspecialty fellowship program and receives approval
for a reduction in national dues will have District/Section dues waived automatically.
2003
JUNIOR FELLOWS
2013-2014
DONALD F. RICHARDSON MEMORIAL PRIZE PAPER AWARDS
You will be receiving a Call for Scientific Papers from your District for oral presentation at your 2013 Fall
District meeting. After the oral presentation at the District meeting, each District Chair, or his/her
designee, will select the best (one) Junior Fellow paper presented and sends that paper to ACOG
National and ACOG National will send the paper to an anonymous Congress committee appointed to
review the manuscripts. This committee will then select the two best papers submitted from all twelve
Districts.
The two winning papers will be presented orally (by their authors) at the Annual Clinical Meeting (ACM)
of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, April 26-30, 2014 in Chicago, IL. The
authors of the winning papers should be encouraged to submit the papers to the editor of Obstetrics &
Gynecology for possible publication.
The two award recipients will each receive a $2,000 stipend to cover their hotel and travel expenses to
the ACM, and a special certificate that will be presented at the ACM.
GUIDELINES:
 Principal author must be a Junior Fellow of ACOG at the time of their oral paper presentation. To be
eligible for the award, you must also be a member of the District where you are presenting your
paper.
 All papers submitted to the national office for the Donald F. Richardson awards must have been
presented orally at your annual Fall District meeting. When the Junior Fellows meet separate
from the Fellows, the paper submission will be accepted from the Junior Fellow meeting
ONLY.
 After the District meeting, the Districts’ first place Junior Fellow paper must be submitted
electronically with a cover letter noting the presenter of the paper, to the ACOG National
Office, Department of District and Section Activities, no later than Saturday, November 30,
2013.
 The principal author is requested to present the paper orally at the Annual Clinical Meeting.
 The paper must not have been published prior to May 2014.
Manuscripts should be prepared in a form suitable for publication consistent with that used by the
Congress journal, Obstetrics & Gynecology; however, only the front sheet should designate the name(s)
of the author(s), the date and the District meeting at which the paper was presented. The remaining
pages should contain the title of the paper but not the name(s) of the author.
****************************
Two Awards - $2,000 Each to cover hotel and travel expenses to attend the ACM
***************************
The American Congress
of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists
&
The American College of
Obstetricians and
Gynecologists
Divisions
and
Departments
Outlined are duties, responsibilities and structure of the ACOG National Office in Washington, DC. Direct dial
telephone numbers are listed for your convenience, or you may use the ACOG toll free number 1-800-673-8444.
June 2013
Contact the Department of District & Section Activities with updates at ext. 2346 or [email protected].
ACOG Divisions & Departments
PAGE
ADMINISTRATION
Central Services ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Executive Board Affairs ................................................................................................................................ 1
Information Systems .................................................................................................................................... 2
Electronic Resources ................................................................................................................................... 2
Resource Center/History Library/Archives .................................................................................................. 3
EDUCATION
Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics & Gynecology (CREOG) ..................................................... 5
Meetings & Exhibits ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Continuing Professional Development ........................................................................................................ 6
Educational Development and Testing ........................................................................................................ 6
FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITIES
District and Section Activities ....................................................................................................................... 8
Health Economics ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Membership Services................................................................................................................................. 11
Professional Liability/Risk Management .................................................................................................... 12
FINANCE
Accounting .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Development Office.................................................................................................................................... 14
Grants & Contracts Management .............................................................................................................. 14
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP loans) ........................................................................................ 15
Group Insurance Plans .............................................................................................................................. 15
Marketing and Publication Fulfillment ........................................................................................................ 16
Financial Service Center ............................................................................................................................ 16
OFFICE OF EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Physician’s Excellence Program ............................................................................................................... 17
Liaison Activities ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Office of Communications .......................................................................................................................... 20
Publications ................................................................................................................................................ 20
LEGAL AFFAIRS
General Counsel ........................................................................................................................................ 22
Human Resources ..................................................................................................................................... 22
PAGE
PRACTICE ACTIVITIES
Clinical Practice .......................................................................................................................................... 23
Clinical Document Review Panel – Obstetrics and Gynecology .............................................................. 24
Editorial ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
Ethics .......................................................................................................................................................... 24
HIV Grant .................................................................................................................................................... 25
Practice Committees/Projects – Gynecology ............................................................................................ 25
Practice Committees/Projects – Obstetrics and Genetics ........................................................................ 26
Practice Bulletins ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Patient Education ....................................................................................................................................... 27
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement ................................................................................................... 27
Research .................................................................................................................................................... 28
Adolescent Health Care ............................................................................................................................. 29
Health Care for Underserved Women ....................................................................................................... 30
Immunization Program ............................................................................................................................... 31
Obstetric Care Consensus & Pres. Task Forces ...................................................................................... 32
HEALTH POLICY, ADVOCACY
Government Affairs .................................................................................................................................... 33
State Legislative and Regulatory Activities................................................................................................ 35
Voluntary Review of Quality of Care (VRQC)............................................................................................ 35
SCOPE ....................................................................................................................................................... 36
Global Women’s Heath .............................................................................................................................. 36
Indian Health .............................................................................................................................................. 38
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Program ......................................................................... 39
National Fetal-Infant Mortality Review (NFIMR) Program......................................................................... 39
Gestational Diabetes – Physician tools project ......................................................................................... 42
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine ............................................................................................................ 4
Administration Division
Elsa P. Brown, MA, Vice President
(202) 863-2517
[email protected]
Leslie Smith, Executive Assistant
(202) 863-2593
[email protected]
The Administration Division includes departments that provide administrative support to the
members and staff of the Congress and the College. Additionally, the College’s relationship with
the affiliated specialty societies located at the headquarters building in Washington, DC, is
managed through this division.
Central Services
Margaret Goodman, Senior Director
(202) 863-2422
[email protected]
The Central Services (Facilities Management) Department is responsible for providing general
services to Congress and College staff. These services include: telephone and fax, supplies,
mailroom and shipping, on-site and off-site storage, in-house meetings, furniture and furnishings,
equipment (purchasing and maintaining) and maintenance of the Congress and College space
and common building space. This department also is responsible for management of the building,
including building security and safety.
Executive Board Affairs
Vicki Millard-Cobb, Director
(202) 863-2572
[email protected]
The Executive Board Affairs Department coordinates the activities of the College and the
Congress Executive Boards. The 31-member College Board is composed of 6 national officers,
the Executive Vice President, 12 district chairs, 2 Fellows-at-Large, 3 Young Physicians-at-Large,
the chair of the Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council, 4 subspecialty representatives, 1
representative from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inc, and the public
member. The Congress Executive Board is the same as the College Board, except that the Armed
Forces District chair does not serve on the Congress Board. The subspecialty representatives
represent the 4 subspecialty areas in obstetrics and gynecology–gynecologic oncology,
reproductive medicine, maternal-fetal medicine and urogynecology. The Executive Boards meet 5
times a year to set policy for the Congress and the College and to plan their activities. In February
and July, the Boards review reports from the Congress and the College committees and task
forces. All activities related to the presidential officers are handled through the Department of
Executive Board Affairs. This department also coordinates the activities of the Executive
Committees. The department is involved in the appointments to all committees and task forces,
and provides the information for the online committees’ directory.
1
Information Systems
Victor Branham, Director
(202) 314-2309
[email protected]
The Information Systems Department includes several functions related to the management of the
College’s in-house computer network and association management system (AMS). These
functions are outlined below:
Association Management System: The department develops, supports and maintains the College
and Congress association management system. All member data reside in modules within the
AMS, referred to as netForum. Modules implemented include Membership, Accounting,
Events/Exhibits, CME Programs, Cognates, CREOG, PROLOG, subscription data and member
contributions. Committee rosters, including the national, district and section officers, also are
maintained within the AMS. Fellows, Associate Members, International Educational Affiliates and
students can apply for membership online. All online member application data now reside in
netForum with easy access by Membership staff. In addition to online registration for in-house
educational activities, the department developed an online process for Annual Clinical Meeting
faculty and speakers to enter and update data for the meeting. The online member directory,
committee directory, member cognate transcripts, practice information and official contact
information are available to members by logging on to the ACOG website and clicking “myacog” to
review and/or update pertinent information.
Mailing Lists and Labels: The Congress and the College will sell mailing lists to organizations and
individuals requesting them for the purpose of promoting a continuing education program, product
or service devoted to women’s health care. Requests from outside entities are reviewed, approved
and processed by this department. Full payment, a written request and a sample of the
promotional material proposed for mailing must be remitted before ordering the lists.
Electronic Mailings (email): Communicating with our members through email has gained
importance. “Today’s Headlines” (daily), the Member E-Source newsletter (monthly), ACOG’s
Legislative News (weekly), and the Practice Management Update (bi-weekly) are various
publications sent on a recurring basis to keep members informed. The department routes various
emails related to districts, sections, and promotion for CME activities throughout the year.
Members can choose to opt-out of receiving recurring electronic communications from their
“myacog” page on the website. Open and link click rate statistics are available to staff related to all
emails sent from the College and Congress. The statistics help us to communicate better with our
members.
Systems Support: The Systems Support staff manages the computer network, email system, the
in-house Intranet, and in-house electronic meetings. Staff performs technical consulting and
support, configures and maintains network accounts, manages computer hardware/software
upgrades and installs, and manages the HelpDesk for all staff.
Electronic Resources
Mark Graves, Senior Director
(202) 863-2481
[email protected]
The Electronic Resources Department (ER) is responsible for the development and technical
support of ACOG's web site (www.acog.org), which was redesigned and introduced in late 2011.
The ER staff also is responsible for management of the Congress and the College Internet
connections, firewall, and intrusion detection system; management of ER's network; technical
support for the College CD-ROM products; support for staff in regard to the Audience Response
System and other activities; and data collection, analysis, and result reporting for CREOG and
2
Central American societies examinations, more than 200 continuing education courses (both ACM
and freestanding), jointly-sponsored courses, and surveys.
ACOG’s web site includes information for members and the public. Members may access the fulltext of Congress and College publications, including Committee Opinions, Educational/Technical
Bulletins, Patient Education Pamphlets, Practice Bulletins, Practice Patterns, and many more
Congress and College series. Nonmembers and members may obtain information on the
Congress and College, meetings information (including postgraduate courses), news releases,
statements, and the Congress and College physician directory.
In addition to the ACOG website, the department also hosts websites for Clinical Updates in
Women’s Health Care (www.clinicalupdates.org), the Council of University Chairs of Obstetrics
and Gynecology (www.cucog.org), and pause Magazine (pause.acog.org).
Using an electronic commerce system built upon a database foundation, the Publications and
Educational Materials Catalog (sales.acog.org) is more complete than the printed catalog.
Members and the public may order publications and other resources online, directly from the
Congress and the College distribution center using a credit card number.
Resource Center
(202) 863-2518 (9:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday)
(800) 410-2264 (exclusively for College and Congress members’ use
to reach the Resource Center)
Mary A. Hyde, MSLS, AHIP, Senior Director
(202) 863-2449
[email protected]
Debra Scarborough, MLS, AHIP, Special Collections Librarian
(202) 863-2578
[email protected]
The Resource Center, the College library, contains more than 12,000 books, 350 journals, 400
reference files, the Congress and College publication archives, the history museum and other
special collections. The collection covers all aspects of women’s health care, including clinical
obstetrics and gynecology, socioeconomic factors and educational materials for consumers.
Resource Center staff respond to approximately 100,000 requests each year from Congress and
College members, staff, other health professionals, and the general public.
Resource Center reference librarians provide free MEDLINE searches on women’s health care
topics to Congress and College members. Relevant College guidelines and photocopies of
selected articles from the collection are included with the search results. Searches may be
requested by email, letter, telephone or fax. Members who perform their own searches may
request articles from the Resource Center as well.
Resource Center staff also respond to specific questions about College guidelines and distribute
samples and order forms for all Congress and College publications and programs. Library staff can
direct you to additional sources for consumer health materials, computer and audiovisual programs,
and continuing medical education programs, as well as Internet resources. Commonly requested
national data, e.g., cesarean sections rates, are available at the reference desk and can be provided
over the phone; information about other associations and physician referral also are provided.
Resource Center librarians issue WEBTREATS – brief subject-oriented overviews to Internet
resources. WEBTREATS are available upon request and through the Resource Center home page
on the ACOG web site. Contact us by email, phone, letter or fax. Define your needs in as much
3
detail as possible, including intended use, audience, time limits, depth and format, as appropriate.
We will provide you with the information you need or refer you to a more appropriate source.
Our Special Collections include:
J. Bay Jacobs, MD, Library for the History of Obstetrics and Gynecology in America: This
collection, part of the Resource Center, focuses on the history of American obstetrics and
gynecology, with special emphasis on medical school departments, women’s hospitals, societies,
social issues, and biographies. Special activities include the College oral history program and the
College Fellowship in the History of American Obstetrics and Gynecology. A brochure describing
the collection and services is available.
Organizational Archives: The mission of the Congress and College archives is to preserve the
memory of the organizations and their organizational predecessors. It documents the history of
the Congress and the College, their growth and development, by identifying, collecting, and
preserving historically significant records created by the Congress and the College, such as their
documents of origination, policies, and actions, and arranging them for accessibility for Fellows,
staff, and scholars. The archives are the repository for the papers of physicians who have been
significant in the history of the College and the Congress and of authors of textbooks in the history
library. ACOG districts and sections are encouraged to send their records to be added to the
collection.
Ralph W. Hale, MD, History Museum: The museum serves as a visual record of the ob-gyn
specialty. Your support and interest will help the museum flourish. If you would like to donate any
items to the history museum, please contact the Resource Center Director or the Special
Collections Librarian.
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Daniel F. O’Keeffe, MD, Executive Vice President
[email protected]
Patricia D. Stahr, Executive Director
(202) 863-2476
[email protected]
Established in 1977, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) is a society of physicians
and scientists who are dedicated to the optimization of pregnancy and perinatal outcomes through
support for the clinical practice of maternal-fetal medicine, research, education/training, advocacy,
and health policy leadership. One of SMFM’s major activities is its clinical meeting–The Pregnancy
MeetingTM – that features three days of postgraduate courses, followed by two and one-half days
of the scientific meeting, incorporating oral presentations and poster sessions. Abstracts from the
meeting are published as a special supplement to the January issue of the American Journal of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, SMFM’s official journal. There are approximately 2,000 active
members of SMFM. Visit SMFM’s website at www.smfm.org for further information about the
organization.
4
Education Division
Sandra Ann Carson, MD, FACOG, Vice President
(202) 863-2550
[email protected]
THE COUNCIL ON RESIDENT EDUCATION IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (CREOG)
Staff: DeAnne Nehra, Director
(202) 863-2558
[email protected]
The Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG), a council of the American
College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is a non-regulatory organization providing services that
promote and maintain excellence in residency education in obstetrics and gynecology. Composed of
five national organizations, CREOG's unique inter-societal structure brings together representatives
from its member organizations and provides an array of viewpoints to its activities. In addition, there
are five Regional Program Director Representatives, and, two Junior Fellow resident representatives.
Ex-officio members include representatives of the Residency Review Committee (RRC), The American
Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inc. (ABOG), the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians
and Gynecologists (ACOOG), the American Residency Coordinators in Obstetrics and Gynecology
(ARCOG), the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO), and the Federacion
Mexicana de Associaciones de Ginecologia y Obstetricia. CREOG, promoting excellence in graduate
medical education in obstetrics and gynecology, is exclusively educational and service oriented. The
objective of CREOG is to serve as a resource for and a consultant to residency program directors
through the design and implementation of programs and services to fulfill their educational needs.
Major services of CREOG include consultations, publications, conferences, workshops, an annual intraining examination, and a referral service for residency positions in the specialty.
For further information contact the CREOG office at (202) 863-2554, or email [email protected] View
up-to-date CREOG information on the Web: http://www.acog.org Sign in as an ACOG member; select
“Education” and Choose CREOG.
THE DEPARTMENT OF MEETINGS & EXHIBITS
Staff: Victor Robinson, Senior Director
(202) 863-2442
[email protected]
The Meetings and Exhibits Department’s responsibilities encompass the management of all of the
logistical components for ACOG’s Annual Clinical Meeting (ACM), assisting The Committee on
Scientific Program in the production and development of the scientific program for ACM, assisting with
the hotel contract site selections and negotiations for ACOG’s Postgraduate Courses, assisting with
the site selection and pre-conference logistics for the CPT coding Workshops, and the management,
including publicity, logistics, site selection, budget, etc. for several of the Annual District Meetings.
Meeting Registration: This section of the Meetings and Exhibits Department is responsible for
providing registration services for ACOG freestanding postgraduate courses, CPT coding workshops,
CREOG programs, the annual legislative workshop, district meetings, quality improvement workshops
and other meetings as needed.
5
THE DEPARTMENT OF CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Staff: Vanita Murray, Director
(202) 863-2556
[email protected]
The department, through the Committee on Continuing Medical Education, is responsible for ensuring
compliance with the Essential Areas, Elements and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing
Medical Education (ACCME), and requirements of other regulatory agencies.
The department designs, developments, and administers the College’s freestanding postgraduate
courses for continuing medical education. These are clinically oriented courses taught by leading
experts in the field. Learner participation is a valued part of each course. Opportunities for interaction
between participants and faculty are built into the program. Courses are held throughout the year at
convenient locations in many parts of North America.
The department is responsible for the College’s joint sponsorship program which provides quality
continuing medical education that awards CME credits for outside organizations as well as the
College’s Districts, Sections, and in-house educational programs. Because these groups are not
independently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME),
they apply to receive the College’s accreditation. The process is well-defined to ensure compliance
with ACCME Guidelines and Standards for Commercial Support as well as other regulatory agencies.
The department administers the Program for Continuing Professional Development Cognate Program.
The program is open to membership categories for physicians. Enrollment in the program is automatic
upon the College’s receipt of the first appropriate continuing medical education activity verification.
Appropriate verification is a certificate of attendance from the sponsor indicating that the sponsor is
ACCME accredited. The certificate must include the AMA accreditation statement.
Educational Development and Testing
Staff: Erica Bukevicz, Director
(202) 863-2428
[email protected]
The Department includes multiple areas of focus:
• Multimedia development and evaluation
• PROLOG, the ACOG self-assessment program series development and evaluation
• Testing Center
• PROLOG eModules
• Simulations Consortium
In relation to development and evaluation of PROLOG and multimedia programs, activities include
assessment of educational needs, program planning, development, and evaluation to ensure
consistency with educational accreditation standards. Multimedia formats include interactive computerbased CD-ROM programs, the Audiovisual Library, and an audiotape series, ACOG Update.
PROLOG consists of five units of clinically specific content. Many of the programs award CME credit
and provide ACOG cognate hours.
The ACOG Testing Center is responsible for development, analysis, and reporting of the annual InTraining Examination; reporting needs assessment data from users of educational products.
6
Fellowship Activities Division
Albert L. Strunk, JD, MD, FACOG, Vice President
(202) 863-2468
[email protected]
Donna Kovacheva, Executive Assistant
(202) 863-2539 [email protected]
The division of Fellowship Activities is comprised of four departments: District and Section Activities;
Health Economics; Membership Services; and Professional Liability/Risk Management. District and
Section Activities provides guidance, training, and support services to ACOG’s Fellow and Junior
Fellow district and section officers, including officer elections. Health Economics is divided between
Coding (including coding education and the CPT/RBRVS Update process), Economics, Electronic
Health Records, and Practice Management, and includes the Committees on Coding and Healthcare
Economics and the Committee on Practice Management. Its mission is to support Fellows regarding
the economic aspects of ob-gyn practice through advocacy, research, and technical assistance.
Membership Services is responsible for the procedures which bring qualified applicants into
membership in the College, as well as for the billing and collection of membership dues and fees. This
department also develops and reorganizes categories of membership in response to changes in
physician and health care demographics. The Department of Professional Liability/Risk Management
provides information to the public and governmental policy makers about adverse effects of
professional liability on the practice of obstetrics and gynecology and its impact on access to ob-gyn
care. The department is also responsible for educating Fellows on ways to improve patient safety,
reduce the risks of professional liability litigation and cope with the stress of such litigation.
Liaison Activities
In addition to the foregoing, all departments of this division are involved in liaison relationships with
other ACOG divisions and departments. For example, District and Section Activities is involved in
Junior Fellow support activities as well as CREOG. Health Economics works internally with
Government Relations and Professional Liability, and externally with CMS, AMA and other medical
specialty societies. Practice Management interfaces with Professional Liability and, to a lesser extent,
Government Relations. Membership Services supports the Committee on Credentials and works
closely with Accounting and the General Counsel’s office. Professional Liability/Risk Management
provides relevant data and statistics to Government Relations and Communications.
7
Department of District & Section Activities
Mary Behneman, Senior Director
(202) 863-2533 \ (800) 782-1828
(202) 863-0789 Fax
[email protected]
Megan Willis, Manager, Fellow Officer Elections and District I Office
(202) 863-2531 or (800) 598-8048 [email protected]
Chris Himes, Senior Manager, Junior Fellows and District III Office
(202) 863-2532 (202) 863-2561 or (888) 872-7813 [email protected]
Barbara Kallas, Manager, District IV Office and Young Physicians
(202) 863-2441 or (800) 598-5188 [email protected]
Katherine Miller, Manager, Medical Students and District V Office
(202) 863-2532 or (866) 470-2354 [email protected]
Stephanie Williams, Manager, District VI Office and CDC Activities
(202) 863-2588 or (800) 598-3993 [email protected]
Sophie Barry, Manager, District VII Office, International Members and Department Budgets
(202) 863-2456 or (800) 782-1828 [email protected]
*Linda Kinnane, Manager, District VIII Office, Monthly E-Source News and Fellow Section Officer
Orientation
(202) 314-2332 or (800) 598-7333 [email protected]
*Michelle Clark, Manager, District IX Office
(202) 8632564 or (877) 759-0155 [email protected]
Wanda Proctor, Junior Fellow Coordinator
(202) 314-2344 [email protected]
Tamara Kelly, Administrative Assistant
(202) 314-2346 [email protected]
*Note: District VIII and IX staff report to James Lumalcuri, Senior Director
(202) 863-2485 [email protected]
This department provides services for over 500 Fellow and Junior Fellow officers, and oversees
several ACOG awards and projects for the membership. The department also acts as the liaison
between the Fellow and the Junior Fellow membership of the College, and coordinates all programs
and projects for the Junior Fellows, Medical Students and Young Physicians.
Districts I, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX currently have a District Office at ACOG national headquarters.
The staff assists district officers with their Advisory Council meetings, Websites and Facebook pages,
section meetings, section newsletters, daily correspondence, and various projects requested by the
officers.
Department Programs and Projects
Council of District Chairs (CDC) is composed of the 12 Fellow district chairs and meets four times
annually. It provides a forum for discussion in such areas as education, organization, meetings,
communications, finance, and government relations, as it pertains to the various Districts. The CDC
makes recommendations to the Executive Board on district issues. The Council acts as the Awards
Committee for the CDC Service Recognition Award, reviews nominations for the National Outstanding
8
District Service Award, and sets the agenda for the National Congress Advisory Council (CAC)
meeting.
National Congress Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting is held annually on Sunday during the Annual
Clinical Meeting (ACM), and is led by current and past national officers, district and section officers,
committee chairs, and ACOG vice presidents. The meeting provides an opportunity for the exchange of
information and ideas among the Congress/College leaders at all levels of Congress/College activity.
The meeting is chaired by the Chair of the Council of District Chairs. The CAC meeting is open to all
ACOG members.
Junior Fellow Congress Advisory Council (JFCAC) is the governing board for over 9,500 Junior
Fellows. This board meets three times a year and consists of 12 Junior Fellow district chairs, 12 Junior
Fellow district vice chairs, 3 Junior Fellow national officers, and a Fellow district chair who serves as
National Advisor. The JFCAC works with the officers of the Congress/College and the ob-gyn residency
program directors to recruit residents as ACOG members. The department manages all benefits of
membership, several educational programs such as the DVDs “Healing Our Own, Adverse Events in
Obstetrics and Gynecology” and “Social Media Professionalism in the Medical Community”, Junior Fellow
courses at the district and annual clinical meetings, and various awards, all listed on the ACOG Junior
Fellow Website and Facebook.
The Office of Medical Student Affairs was established to promote more interest in women's health
among medical students and to promote the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology. ACOG offers free
medical student membership, free meeting registration at the ACM, and various programs to promote
medical student interest. A DVD for Medical Student membership and awards information is located on
the Medical Student Website. Over 5,500 medical students are members of ACOG.
Officer Orientations are held each year to familiarize incoming Fellow and Junior Fellow officers with
the ACOG offices, staff, and structure of the organization.
District I, III, IV, V, VI, and VII Regional Offices are coordinated and managed in this department.
These district offices maintain a comprehensive communications network with their district officers,
serving as a resource for their advisory council meetings, planning and implementing projects and
programs for the district and section members.
Fellow and Junior Fellow Officer Rosters are developed and distributed by this department for
ACOG use. Currently there are 18 regional/supplemental offices for various districts and sections that
are included on the rosters. Requests for mailing labels or blast emails for ACOG officers and the
regional offices are coordinated by this department.
Meeting Coordination is provided for Junior Fellow annual fall meetings, when the Junior Fellow
meeting is held separately from the Fellows. The department also coordinates Junior Fellow section
meetings scheduled throughout the year for all districts.
The Silver Badge Luncheon Meeting is named for the silver badge that outgoing Fellow district
chairs receive upon completing their terms of office. This luncheon meeting is held during the Annual
Clinical Meeting.
ACOG Career Connection, a member of HealtheCareers Network is a physician network database
that provides job opportunities that are updated regularly and are targeted specifically to obstetrics and
gynecology on the internet via the ACOG website. The department manages and serves as liaison to
HealtheCareers Network and assists in promoting and marketing this service to ACOG members.
Awards
Luella Klein Lifetime Achievement Award is presented by the Council of District Chairs to honor an
obstetrician-gynecologist who has dedicated his/her life in a significant way to women’s health.
National Outstanding District Service Award is presented to those Fellows who have performed
outstanding and truly unique service.
9
CDC Service Recognition Award is an annual award of $5,000 presented to a section of the College
for the most outstanding section activity during the calendar year (up to two awards can be awarded
each year).
Scientific Paper Awards. This department administers the Donald F. Richardson Prize Paper Awards.
Only Junior Fellows are eligible. The two recipients receive funding to the Annual Clinical Meeting and
a stipend to present their research papers at the ACM.
Other department services include:
Coordination and management of on-line Elections for Fellow and Junior Fellow District and Section
Officers. Election notices, on-line ballot preparation, mailings, and final tallying of the on-line ballots for
Fellow and Junior Fellow officers each year.
Design and update the Junior Fellow, Young Physician and Medical Student Websites and Facebook
information linked to the ACOG site.
District and Section Policies and Procedures preparation: review for consistency with ACOG national
bylaws.
The management, coordination, and financing of International Officer Travel to the ACM and district
meetings.
Officer stationery, officer recognition certificates, mailing of section meeting announcements, and
distribution of minutes
Health Economics
Anne Diamond, Director
(202) 863-2444
[email protected]
Donna Tyler, Manager, Coding Education
(202) 863-2576 [email protected]
Keisha Sutton, Coding Specialist
(202) 863-2459 [email protected]
Rachel Thornton, Program Specialist
(202) 863-2498 [email protected]
The Department of Health Economics monitors and influences health care economics, advocates and
effects change in physician payment policy, and assists Fellows in understanding and adapting to those
changes. This department has two standing committees: the Committee on Coding and Healthcare
Economics and the Committee on Practice Management.
Specifically, the Department:
•
Responds to inquiries from Fellows and others advising which CPT/ICD-9 & ICD-10 codes to use to
correctly describe a service or procedure and the diagnosis. Publications include:
 “The Essential Guide to Coding in Ob-Gyn”
 “Ob-Gyn Coding Manual”
 “Frequently Asked Questions in Ob-Gyn coding”
 “Procedural Coding in Obstetrics and Gynecology”
 Outpatient Encounter Forms
 Quick Reference Coding Sheets
•
Will sponsor 13 workshops on CPT and ICD-10 coding for Ob-Gyns in 2014.
10
•
Sponsors web-based seminars on coding and practice management topics.
•
Conducts Socioeconomic Surveys of ACOG Fellows and reports on the results of these surveys.
•
Is primarily responsible for ACOG’s Health Information Technology activities. This includes
coordinating ACOG’s activities relating to the development of national standards for electronic
health records and electronic exchange of medical data.
•
Provides information to Fellows on managed care, practice management, and electronic health
records. A free monthly email news on coding, practice management, and Health Information
Technology topics is available, as well as numerous articles about these topics on the ACOG web
site. Recent publications include manuals to help practices comply with HIPAA and “The Business
of Medicine: An Essential Guide for Ob-Gyns.”
•
Develops responses to and influences Federal regulatory activities.
•
Represents the College on issues pertaining to the Medicare fee schedule and Medicare
payment policies, and works closely with the American Medical Association on projects impacting
ob-gyns in this area, including the Resource Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) Update
Committee and the CPT Editorial Panel. The Department surveys Fellows about the work entailed
in providing specific ob-gyn services in order to help develop recommendations to Medicare about
the relative value of services for the RBRVS.
•
Addresses payment policy issues with third party payers.
Membership Services
Tomara Lee, Director
(202) 863-2408
[email protected]
The primary responsibilities of this department include: 1) recruitment and retention of members, 2)
processing and tracking of membership applications, 3) collection and allocation of national, district
and section dues, creation of dues analysis and batch balance reports, 4) calculation of demographical
and categorical statistical information, 5) update and maintenance of the data base for 56,000 members,
including address changes, members’ ID numbers, replacement issues of journals, 6) staff the
Committee on Credentials.
Applications, recruitment of new members, statistics
LaChelle Smith, Membership Development Manager
(202) 863-2455 [email protected]
Sherryll Ware, Membership Coordinator
(202) 863-2406 [email protected]
Tari Hall, Membership Specialist
(202) 863-2343 [email protected]
Recruits, tracks and processes applications for Fellow, Junior Fellow, Fellow Senior Status, Life
Fellow, Associate Member, Associate Member International, Educational Affiliate, (this category
includes non-physicians, medical students, osteopathic residents, residents of other specialties) and
updates information on inactive Fellows. Generates reports of monthly candidates (new admits);
performs termination of Junior Fellows who became board certified but did not apply for Fellow status
and termination of Fellows not participating in Maintenance of Certification. Develops formats for the
calculation of demographic statistics of all categories. Determines features needed for comparative data.
Designs and produces graphs and flow charts.
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Dues, recruitment of terminated members, address changes
Tonya Thompson, Manager, Membership Services
(202) 863-2461 [email protected]
Zondria McFadden, Membership Administrator
(202) 863-2477 [email protected]
Demeteris Assing, Project Specialist for Dues
(202) 863-2478 [email protected]
Terry Moore, Administrative and Dues Recruitment Coordinator
(202) 864-2404 [email protected]
Keisha Staley, Dues Specialist
(202) 863-2462 [email protected]
Gibsy Benlizar, Data Entry Processor
(202) 863-2427 [email protected]
Collects, processes, and allocates national, district, and section dues via lockbox or receipt of checks,
credit card or on-line payments. Performs termination of members for non-payment of dues and
termination of Junior Fellows for 14-year limit; maintains resignations and deceased records.
Processes applications for International Educational Affiliate. Recruits and reinstates terminated
members. Creates dues analysis, batch reports and general ledgers for Membership and Accounting.
Executes district and section projects related to dues. Develops and updates statistics related to dues.
Updates Clinical Updates monographs subscription. Performs address changes, name changes (mail
and email), and provides replacement materials to members.
Department of Professional Liability/Risk Management
[email protected]
James Lumalcuri, MSW, Senior Director
(202) 863-2485 [email protected]
Jeffrey Klagholz, Manager, Research and Special Projects
(202) 863-2586 [email protected]
Toll free telephone: 1-800-499-4488
FAX machine: (202) 863-5408
Originally established in late 1983, the Department of Professional Liability’s sole focus was on issues
of professional liability. Since that time, the department’s scope has evolved to include medico-legal
risk management, and the name of the department was changed to reflect this added focus.
The Department of Professional Liability/Risk Management is responsible for guiding and educating
the Fellowship on various aspects of liability within the practice of obstetrics and gynecology. This
includes managing risk factors that might otherwise result in medical liability lawsuits. Members receive
personalized guidance on ob-gyn risk management, medical litigation, liability insurance and related
topics.
The department also creates and disseminates educational articles, materials, programs, and
products. A related function is to monitor and collect data on professional liability insurance. This
includes premiums rates, insurers’ coverage changes and other insurance matters. Extensive
membership surveys provide a major source of data on Fellows’ practice patterns and financial
decisions as they relate to the cost and accessibility of professional liability insurance.
Patient access to ob-gyn care is another area of departmental interest and endeavor. This ties in with
physicians’ need for available and affordable liability insurance.
12
Internal and external policy makers, as well as members, receive information and help from this
department on a variety of medico-legal and risk management matters. Support and input is given to
ACOG’s leadership, other departments, districts, sections and committees, especially the Committee
on Professional Liability.
Following are a selection of current, recent, or forthcoming services, publications, or educational
materials provided by the department:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Professional Liability and Risk Management: An Essential Guide for ObstetricianGynecologists, 2nd Ed - Resource Book
Professional Liability and Risk Management Teaching Modules - Series of free PowerPoint
slides and scripts intended for didactic presentation to residents
Liability & Risk Management Online Quizzes - Series of free online quizzes to help
residency program instructors gauge resident comprehension of liability and risk management
concepts
Healing Our Own: Adverse Events in Obstetrics and Gynecology - DVD/web-based video
to support clinicians impacted by adverse healthcare events and outcomes
From Exam Room to Courtroom: Navigating Litigation and Coping with Stress Continuing Education CD-ROM; 12 CME
"Shoulder Dystocia: How to Take the Fear Out of the Management" - Clinical Seminar,
ACM 2013
"Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring: The Evolution of Consensus" - Post Graduate
Course, ACM 2013
"New Insights into Breast Health: Management, Safety, & Medicolegal Considerations" Post Graduate Course, ACM 2013
"Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy" - Webcast, March 2013
"Cervical Cytology Screening" - Webcast, July 2013
"Management of Preterm Labor" - Webcast, November 2013
News - The department provides a continuous stream of information on professional liability
and risk management-related news and issues via ACOG Today, the ACOG website, and
Professional Liability and Risk Management Update, its monthly e-newsletter. The department
also coordinates dissemination of ACOG-wide resources and information for the monthly
member E-Source e-newsletter and webpost.
Other available information includes:
• Statistics from the 2012 ACOG Survey Professional Liability (National and district specific)
• Information on professional liability insurance premiums and carriers
• Supportive information for physicians who have been sued
• Materials for presentations or media contacts
• Liability crisis educational pamphlets for physicians’ offices
• Data on ob-gyn workforce trends and access to care
• Information on alternative dispute resolution
Department staff does not provide legal advice; members are directed to outside attorneys for statespecific and situation-specific legal counsel.
13
Finance Division
Richard C. Bailey, CPA, MBA, Vice President
(202) 863-2523
[email protected]
The Finance Division encompasses the Accounting, District and Section Financial Service Center,
Budget and Grants Management, HELP Fund, Marketing and Publication Fulfillment, and Development
Office. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer manages the investments of all College and District &
Section Reserves. The College receives investment counsel from the international firm of Merrill
Lynch.
Accounting
Warren Look, CPA, MBA, Controller
(202) 863-2495
[email protected]
The Accounting Department is responsible for processing transactions, reporting and controlling the
financial operations of the College and Congress. These responsibilities encompass the processing of
accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and the development of the annual operating and
capital budgets, as well as other general accounting functions. Reporting obligations incorporate
external requirements, (e.g. tax compliance and special reports defined by legal or regulatory
directives), and internal reports generated for use by College and Congress management. In addition,
the Accounting Department also coordinates and responds to requests from external audit firms, taxing
authorities, and financial regulatory entities.
Development Office
Katie O’Connell, Senior Director of Development
(202) 863-2546
[email protected]
The Development Department is responsible for the College’s individual and corporate giving
programs, including the President’s, Beacham, Reis and Schmitz Societies, Planned Giving,
Endowments and Lectureships, Research Awards, Website Advertising, Annual Clinical Meeting
Opportunities, Development Fund projects, publications and special programs. The department serves
as a vital source of supplemental funds for the College.
Budget and Grants Management
Phillip Tcheng, Director of Budget/Grants Administration
(202) 863-2464
[email protected]
Grants and Contracts Management is responsible for fiscal reporting of our governmental and
foundation grants and contracts. Governmental grants and contracts require special monitoring and
reporting to ensure regulatory compliance.
14
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP Loans)
Jennifer Ingalls, Executive Assistant
(202) 863-2595
[email protected]
The Division of Finance also handles the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). These low interest
loans (annual simple interest rate of 4.5%) are available to ACOG Junior Fellow residents that have
participated in an approved residency training program in obstetrics and gynecology with at least 1
year of the program completed or, upon completion of such residency and must have participated in an
approved subspecialty fellowship program. In addition, the applicant must be a citizen in any country
within the geographic confines of ACOG. Call (202) 863-2595 for an application and more information.
Group Insurance Plans
Richard C. Bailey, CPA, MBA Chief Financial Officer
(202) 863-2523
[email protected]
The administration of the College’s Group Insurance Plans is overseen by the Finance Division. The
Subcommittee on Insurance provides policy oversight regarding the member insurance programs. The
national Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee are members of the Sub-Committee on
Insurance. The administration of the plan is with Aon Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. whose
headquarters are in Chicago, IL. The Subcommittee works to improve the benefits and decrease the
cost of the various insurance plans sponsored by the College.
The College offers the following Group Insurance Plans to its members:
Group Term Life Insurance
10/20 Year Level Term Life plans
Member Disability Plan
Professional Overhead Expense
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Hospital Indemnity
Medicare Supplemental Health Insurance
Long Term Care
Residents Free Term Life
Residents Free Disability
Umbrella Coverage
Free Identity Theft Protection
Questions on any of these plans are best directed to the administrator of the plan at:
Pearl Insurance
1200 E. Glen Avenue
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
1 (800) 214-8122
309-679-0295
www.pearlcompanies.com
15
Marketing and Publication Fulfillment
(202) 863-2591
The Department of Marketing and Publication Fulfillment is responsible for promotion and inventory
management of over 500 College patient and professional publications and multimedia materials.
Maintaining a high level of product visibility within the specialty and expanding the customer base by
including related health care organizations, institutions, and individuals, is part of the marketing
strategy used to maximize sales revenue. Promotional strategies are planned and implemented for all
new titles and for every major product grouping in the College. This is achieved through direct mail,
catalog sales, advertisements in medical journals, articles in newsletters, exhibits at medical meetings,
personal selling, press releases, and through an online bookstore (sales.acog.org). Response to
promotional efforts is analyzed and the information is integrated into future activities. Consultation with
other departments and their activities is prevalent.
Distribution of all for-sale publications is also coordinated by this Department. Orders for publications
should be placed directly with PBD Worldwide Fulfillment Services, our outside distribution vendor,
either by mail, internet, or by calling 800-762-ACOG.
District & Section
Financial Service Center
Steve Cathcart, CPA, Senior Director
(202)-314-2347
[email protected]
The Financial Service Center (FSC) manages all financial transactions related to the Congress’
Districts and Sections. These activities include preparation of monthly financial statements, payments
from district and section funds for vendor expenses and travel reimbursements, coordination of annual
budgets, and provision of other assistance required by district and section officers and staff.
The FSC holds the annual ACOG Treasurers Conference each January for both new treasurers and
current district treasurers. It also prepares the Best Practices manual each year. In addition to the
Senior Director, the FSC has two other full time accounting staff. The FSC can also be contacted on
its toll free number, 800-281-1551 or via email, [email protected].
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Office of the
Executive Vice President
Hal C. Lawrence, III, MD, FACOG
Executive Vice President
(202) 863-2500
[email protected]
The Office of the Executive Vice President is the center of all College operations, internally and
externally. It is charged with overseeing activities that enhance and support Fellow membership. The
Office of the Executive Vice President is comprised of the Office of Communications, the Department
of Government Affairs and the Office of Publications. Liaison activities with various medical specialties
and women's organizations in the promotion, development and implementation of programs specifically
designed for women's health care also reside within the division as well as journal activities and the
Physician’s Road to Maintaining Excellence Program.
Catherine Sacks, Executive Assistant
(202) 863-2501
[email protected]
ACOG Clinical Review
Catherine Sacks, Project Manager
(202) 863-2501\ [email protected]
Hal C. Lawrence, III, MD, FACOG, Associate Editor
(202) 863-2500 \ [email protected]
Morton Stenchever, MD, FACOG, Editor
(206) 286-1775 \ [email protected]
This bi-monthly online publication focuses on review of articles in published literature with commentary.
The journal is a benefit of membership.
Department of Government Affairs
Lucia DiVenere, MA, Senior Director
(202) 863-2509
[email protected]
ACOG's Department of Government Affairs influences federal and state legislation and regulations,
and federal elections, to improve women's health, the practice environment for obstetriciangynecologists, and the future of our specialty. ACOG leadership and committees are regularly briefed
on pending legislation and advised on policy positions. The Department develops and conducts
programs to educate, inform, and empower the Fellowship about federal and state legislative and
regulatory issues, and federal elections.
The U.S. Congress, the White House, and Federal Agencies
The Department is responsible for all of the Congress’ work with the U.S. Congress, the federal
agencies, and the White House on federal legislation and regulations, and informs federal officials of
17
the impact that specific legislation and policies will have on women's health and the practice of
obstetrics and gynecology. The Department works closely with the U.S. Congress and the federal
agencies, and with the American Medical Association, the Surgical Coalition, and a wide array of
organizations and coalitions to achieve the Congress' goals.
ACOG’s Congressional Leadership Conference
The President’s Conference
This three-day CME accredited conference is held every Spring in Washington, DC. Top-level
speakers and in-depth sessions prepare Fellows from across the Nation to meet with their Senators
and Representatives on ACOG’s top federal legislative priorities.
Ob-GynPAC
The Department operates the only federal ob-gyn political action committee, and is responsible for
PAC fundraising and administration, electoral analysis, and communication. Ob-GynPAC is governed
by the Ob-GynPAC Governing Committee, which meets annually at ACOG’s Congressional
Leadership Conference and by teleconference as needed.
ACOG News
The Department writes and produces a weekly email-based newsletter for Fellows and ACOG
Leaders, focusing on ACOG developments, ob-gyn related news in the U.S. Congress and the
statehouses, and including a message from ACOG’s President. Fellows are directed to take action on
issues before Congress, through links and other interactive techniques that allow them to directly
contact their elected representatives.
Federal Key Contact Program
Designed to empower physicians in the legislative process, this program recruits ACOG Fellows and
Junior Fellows to contact their Members of Congress on issues affecting women's health care. The
Federal Legislative Action Center on ACOG's website gives Fellows the latest news on Capitol Hill and
enables Fellows to communicate with their U.S. Senators and Representatives at the click of a mouse.
John McCain Memorial Fellowship Program
This program gives select Fellows first-hand exposure to the U.S. Congress, the White House and the
Administration. The Fellowship in Washington D.C. facilitates insight into the programs, policies, and
interrelations of the executive and legislative branches of the government, and how ACOG and its
Fellows can influence legislation. Fellowships are sponsored on a rotating basis by ACOG Districts.
Gellhaus Resident Advocacy Fellowship Program
This program is designed to provide senior ob/gyn residents a greater understanding of policy and
political factors that shape the future of obstetrics and gynecology. The Fellowship is two to four
weeks, ideally completed during the ob/gyn resident elective. The Department works with each
resident to create a program that coordinates the resident’s availability, the Congressional schedule,
and other relevant factors.
ACM McCain Fellows Lunch
Every year at the ACM, the McCain Fellows convene for a luncheon conference focusing on a relevant
aspect of women’s health care policy and advocacy. This lunch is open to all ACM attendees, with
prior registration.
State Legislative Chairs Conference
Held every Fall, designed to increase legislative advocacy and effectiveness of all 50 states.
18
State Lobbyist Roundtable
This one day conference convenes established professional ob-gyn lobbyists and physician leaders to
share information and strategize on winning common issues in the statehouses.
Congressional Leaders Circle
This program recruits Fellows who have personal relationships with U.S. Senators and
Representatives to become involved in ACOG on Capitol Hill, and recruits Fellows who are interested
in serving on federal advisory boards and commissions. These leaders work closely with ACOG's
Government Affairs staff to help gain attention for and support of ACOG's Congressional agenda.
Public Advocacy/Major Issue Campaigns
The Department of Government Affairs develops and carries out major public advocacy campaigns
designed to mobilize ob-gyn and patient support for our issues. The Department develops the
messaging, look, techniques, and distribution of these campaigns, for ease of use for doctors and
patients, and strategic leveraging on Capitol Hill and in the statehouses.
Federal and State Legislative Advocacy and Improvement Awards
Awards related to the work of the Department of Government Affairs:
• ACOG’s Public Service Award, Given to a federal lawmaker or individual involved in public policy at
each year’s Congressional Leadership Conference. This award recognizes individuals who make
a positive contribution to women’s health and our specialty at the federal level.
• State Legislative Advocacy Award: Given to a state that has accomplished a specific legislative
achievement.
• State Legislative Improvement Award: Given to a state that has improved its legislative advocacy.
The State Awards are given each year at the State Legislative Chairs Conference. ACOG’s
Government Affairs Committee provides nominations to ACOG’s Committee on Nominations for
consideration and approval.
State Legislative and Regulatory Activities
State Legislative and Regulatory Activities, a part of ACOG’s Department of Government Affairs, works
to influence state government policies as they affect ob-gyn practice and women's health and provides
technical assistance and training to ACOG Sections and Districts, both on setting up an effective
legislative initiative.
Staff monitors legislation in all 50 states and D.C., responds to requests from state lawmakers, and
lobbies various state government organizations. Staff works with lobbyists for the state medical
societies and with women’s groups across the country.
State Legislative and Regulatory Activities:
 State Legislative Workshops tailored to Sections/Districts (by request)
 Annual State Lobbyist Roundtable
 On-line State Legislative Action Center
 Customized Legislative Tracking for Sections/Districts
 State Legislative Quarterly Status Report
Liaison Activities
Terrie Gibson, Director
(202) 863-2515
[email protected]
Liaison activities include management of and representation on, as well as arranging meetings,
retreats and seminars for the ACOG Committee on Honors and Recognitions, the American Medical
19
Association (AMA), the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS), the Future Leaders in
Obstetrics and Gynecology (FLOG), and the JSOG/ACOG Resident Exchange Program.
Maintenance of Certification Part 4 Modules
Maintenance of Licensure
Liaison Committee for Obstetrics and Gynecology
Megan McReynolds, Program Director
(202) 863-2545
[email protected]
The Office of the Executive Vice President is responsible for the Maintenance of Certification (MOC)
Part 4 self-assessment modules. The Part 4 modules are one of four components of MOC and are the
only joint ABOG/ACOG part of MOC. Maintenance of Licensure (MOL), a program in development, is
for physicians who are not Board certified. MOL covers reflective self-assessment, the assessment of
knowledge and skills, and performance in practice. The Liaison Committee for Obstetrics and
Gynecology (LCOG) consists of 21 ob-gyn societies and organizations that meet to exchange
information, advance research goals, and create a unified voice for women's healthcare.
Office of Communications
202-484-3321
[email protected]
The Office of Communications serves as a vital resource for information about ACOG and on
women’s health topics to members, peer medical societies, national and local media, and consumers.
The goal of the Office is to represent ACOG’s positions and goals to its audiences, keeping the lines of
communication open to all. Specific activities include the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Media Inquiries: Handles thousands of inquiries annually from newspapers, magazines, TV,
radio, and online media
Press Releases and Media Relations: Issues news releases, statements, and letters-to-theeditor
ACOG Experts: Manages and coordinates with a list of ACOG experts, who serve as media
spokespersons on behalf of the organization
Media Training: Offers media training for Fellows and Junior Fellows
Social Media: Manages ACOG’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter
(daily), YouTube, and the ACOG President’s blog (weekly) . Create guidelines and tips for
Fellows to use in developing their own professional social media approaches
Mobile: Manages the mobile strategy, development, and implementation, including the mobile
app
News and Information: To keep fellows informed, produces Today’s Headlines, the daily enews alert that highlights top health-related stories in the news; ACOG Today , the national
quarterly print newsletter; and eight District newsletters, which highlight locally-relevant
College-related activities
Video: Develops videos on news-worthy and research topics, featuring ACOG
experts/Fellows, often for distribution on YouTube
Annual Clinical Meeting Communications Support: Operates the ACM Press Room, produces
ACM News (onsite print and e-mail distribution), live-Tweeting of the event (including a
Twittertron on-site), holds special events (e.g., Twitter chats), and produces on-site video
Publications
Thomas Dineen, Senior Director
(202) 863- 2429
[email protected]
The Publications Department is responsible for publishing ACOG educational materials for patients
and physicians as well as for coordinating activities with publishing partners. The staff works with
departments and divisions within ACOG, authors, committees, and editorial boards to produce highquality, peer reviewed publications. Staff members manage every phase of the publishing process:
20
content development, editing, design, printing and production, and dissemination. The department
also handles licensing and subsidiary rights, copyright issues, and foreign-language translations. The
goals of the department are to identify needs, develop new products or enhancements to existing ones,
maintain high editorial and production standards, ensure content is consistent and accurate, and
promote cost-effectiveness.
Clinical Updates in Women’s Health Care
This quarterly monograph series is designed to update and educate obstetrician–gynecologists in
practice. Each issue features a clinically oriented overview of a specific topic that has a significant
impact on women’s health with regard to screening, prevention, and early detection and management.
The information is presented in a quick-reference format that utilizes boxes, tables, and checklists, and
a quiz is included for which 5 CME credits are awarded. Each monograph is written by an expert in the
field and is peer reviewed. The content is developed under the direction of Morton Stenchever, MD,
Editor, supported by Editorial Board of 7 physicians appointed on a rotational basis.
Obstetrics & Gynecology
The editorial office of the “Green Journal” manages the peer review process under the direction of the
editors and coordinates the editorial and production process with the publisher. A benefit of
membership, the journal is published monthly; and includes three yearly supplements. The content is
a mixture of original research, reviews, letters, and commentary relating to the specialty. Approximately
25% of manuscripts submitted are accepted for publication, and the time from acceptance to
publication averages 6 months. The staff members in Washington, DC oversee all aspects of
manuscript review and content development in conjunction with the editorial board and consultant
editors. On July 1, 2013, Nancy C. Chescheir, MD begins her term as Editor-in- Chief. Also beginning
their terms are Associate Editors Dwight J. Rouse, MD, MSPH (Obstetrics), William W. Hurd, MD
(Gynecology), and Thomas W. Riggs, MD, PhD (Statistics).
21
Legal Division
Penny Rutledge, JD, General Counsel and Vice President Legal
(202) 863-2585 [email protected]
Sara Needleman Kline, JD, Deputy General Counsel
(202) 863-2581 [email protected]
Susannah Frazier, JD, Assistant General Counsel
(202) 863-2432 [email protected]
FAX: (202) 554-3491
General Counsel Office
The General Counsel’s Office is responsible for advising the College and the Congress on all legal
matters affecting the organizations and for representing the College and the Congress in legal
proceedings. The General Counsel’s Office advises the organizations on corporate governance
issues, negotiates and drafts contracts, reviews College and Congress documents prior to
publication, interprets the Bylaws, and advises on personnel matters, intellectual property, and
other legal issues. The department provides legal representation to the organizations in litigation
to which the College and/or the Congress is a party, third-party subpoenas, and friend of the court
briefs. Additionally, the General Counsel’s Office continuously monitors legal developments in
areas related to the College and the Congress. The office advises program staff and Fellows on
changes to laws and regulations affecting obstetricians and gynecologists, such as EMTALA,
OSHA, and HIPAA.
The General Counsel’s Office advises the Congress’ Grievance Committee and Appeals Panel
Committee on the processing of complaints against Fellows for alleged violations of the Code of
Professional Ethics or Congress Bylaws. The department monitors state medical board
disciplinary actions against Fellows and initiates complaints when the state medical board
disciplinary action is based on sexual misconduct or other behavior inconsistent with the Congress
Bylaws or policies.
Fellows, Junior Fellows and District and Section officers who have legal questions in the course of
their College and/or Congress related responsibilities should contact the General Counsel’s Office.
Human Resources
Ivy S. Chou, SPHR, MBA, MS, Senior Director of Human Resources
(202) 314-2421 [email protected]
The Department of Human Resources is responsible for the day-to-day activities of managing
approximately 210 College employees, including fringe benefit programs, employee educational
programs, insurance reports, and other technical personnel reports required by the District of
Columbia and the federal government.
22
Practice Activities Division
Gerald F. Joseph, Jr., MD, FACOG, Vice President
202-863-2577
[email protected]
Ginny Satterfield, Executive Assistant
202-863-2516
[email protected]
Clinical Practice
The division provides staff support for the Clinical Document Review Panels/Obstetrics and
Gynecology and the Committees on Ethics, Genetics, Obstetric Practice, Practice Bulletins/Obstetrics
and Gynecology, Patient Safety and Quality Improvement, Health Care for Underserved Women,
Adolescent Health Care, and Gynecologic Practice as they deliberate practice issues and produce
Committee Opinions, Practice Bulletins and Technology Assessments. Staff administers the work of
the Committees, including the development and production of new editions of the AAP/College
Guidelines for Perinatal Care, Guidelines for Adolescent Health Care and revisions of the College
antepartum, obstetric history, and postpartum records. Staff also supports the efforts of the Editorial
Committee for Guidelines for Women’s Health Care and oversees development of the College’s
Women’s Health and Adolescent Visit Records.
The office also provides staff support for task forces that are created to study and report on practice
issues. The department is staffing a reappraisal of the presidential Task Force on Neonatal
Encephalopathy and Cerebral Palsy that is updating the 2003 report, Neonatal Encephalopathy and
Cerebral Palsy: Defining the Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology. Currently, a presidential task force
on Hypertension in Pregnancy is reviewing diagnosis and management of hypertension in pregnancy.
In the past, a Cystic Fibrosis Task Force was convened to establish prenatal screening
recommendations and subsequently developed physician and patient education materials. Also in the
past, a task force reviewed the risks and benefits related to hormone therapy and issued a report as a
supplement to Obstetrics & Gynecology. The division staffed task forces on genetic screening,
midwifery, ultrasound, enhancing practice satisfaction, and patient safety in the office surgical setting
that were convened as presidential initiatives. The division has been awarded a number of grants
totaling several million dollars from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on
preventing perinatal HIV transmission, routine HIV screening of women, prevention of birth
defects/developmental disabilities, immunization, and preventing obesity.
The department staff interpret committee actions to Fellows and others, respond to requests for
information on practice issues, facilitate the development of College newsletter articles and information
on the College’s website on emerging practice issues, and serve as an interface with other medical
organizations and government agencies concerned with aspects of maternal and infant care and
women’s health. Staff represents the College at meetings of other medical or governmental groups to
ensure that clinical guidelines and policy matters promulgated by the College are reflected in items
under discussion. The Division also staffs the ACNM-ACOG, ACOG-SGO, ACOG-ACR-AIUM and
ACOG-SMFM liaison task forces that were established by the leadership of the respective
organizations to facilitate collaborative efforts. The division also collaborates on ad-hoc joint work
groups with other professional organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, American
Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Society for
Adolescent Health and Medicine, and American Diabetes Association.
Debra Hawks serves as deputy to the Vice President for Practice Activities Division addressing
administrative, fiscal, and organizational issues in the Vice President’s absence. The senior directors,
Debra Hawks, Mary Mitchell, Nancy O’Reilly, Sean Currigan, Lisa Goldstein, and Jay Schulkin also
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serve as deputies to the Vice President of Practice Activities in the areas of
obstetrics/genetics/immunization, ethics/gynecology/primary care, evidence-based practice guidelines
in obstetrics and gynecology, patient safety/quality improvement, adolescent health care/health care
for underserved women, and clinical research, respectively, and as such, they are the main points of
contact for Fellows, Junior Fellows, and others when the Vice President is away from the office.
Division committees, departments, and staff are as follows:
Clinical Document Review Panels—Obstetrics and Gynecology
Debra Hawks, MPH, Senior Director
202-863-2445
[email protected]
The division staffs the Clinical Document Review Panels—Obstetrics and Gynecology that review
documents for clinical accuracy and any policy issues prior to submission to the Executive Board.
Debra Hawks oversees both Panels and staffs the Obstetrics Panel. Mary Mitchell staffs the
Gynecology Panel.
Editorial
Alyssa Politzer, Managing Editor
202-314-2331
[email protected]
Chuck Emig, Editorial Assistant
202-863-2457
[email protected]
This department provides editorial and document development assistance in conjunction with the
Directors, Managers, Committees, and Task Forces in the division. This includes (1) editing and
managing the development of Guidelines for Perinatal Care; Guidelines for Women’s Health Care; and
the revisions of the Antepartum, Postpartum, Obstetric, and Women’s Health Records; (2) serving as
primary staff for the Editorial Committee that develops Guidelines for Women’s Health Care and
overseeing the development of Guidelines for Perinatal Care; (3) editing other Practice documents,
including Committee Opinions, Practice Bulletins, Technology Assessments, and resource materials;
(4) providing editorial support for the development of published products of task forces, work groups,
and other grant-funded and special projects as assigned; (5) serving as a resource for the
development of digital products; and (6) acquiring permissions for documents produced by the
committees on Ethics, Genetics, Gyn Practice, Ob Practice, Gyn Practice Bulletins, and Ob Practice
Bulletins.
Ethics
Mary F. Mitchell, Senior Director
202-863-2502
[email protected]
Lyndona Charles, Special Assistant
202-863-1639
[email protected]
The division provides staff support to the Committee on Ethics, which reports directly to the Executive
Board. The Committee publishes Committee Opinions, and also encourages awareness and
educational opportunities in ethics for Fellows through responding to inquiries and conducting liaison
activities. Formal liaison relationships have been established with the American Academy of Pediatrics,
the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and the
Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.
24
HIV Grant
Debra Hawks, MPH, Senior Director
202-863-2445
[email protected]
Margaret Villalonga, Manager, Committees/Task Forces
202-863-1645
[email protected]
Kelly Thomas, Program Assistant
202-863-2489
[email protected]
The division has received grant funding since 1999 from the federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention to help eradicate the transmission of perinatal HIV and promote routine HIV screening of
women. Staff increase awareness of the College’s clinical guidelines among Fellows, other health care
providers, and women and develop materials and activities to help promote perinatal and routine HIV
screening for both pregnant and non-pregnant women Staff convene stakeholders meetings and host
resources on ACOG’s HIV website, www.womenandhiv.org, in collaboration with CDC and other
organizations to promote perinatal HIV and reproductive health issues for HIV-infected women. Staff
maintain and update the HIV website and the on-line CME tutorial “Gynecologic Care for Women
Infected with HIV.” The College’s HIV Expert Work Group advises staff in the development and
execution of HIV-related activities and serves as an advisory body to the College’s Committees on
Obstetric and Gynecologic Practice.
Practice Committees/Projects–Gynecology
Mary F. Mitchell, Senior Director
202-863-2502
[email protected]
Caitlin Phelps, MA, Associate Director
202-314-2336
[email protected]
Lyndona Charles, Special Assistant
202-863-1639
[email protected]
This department handles gynecologic and primary care practice issues, which includes staffing the
Committee on Gynecologic Practice, the College–SGO Liaison, and representing the College at
meetings of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
The Committee on Gynecologic Practice considers all clinical aspects of the medical and surgical
practice of gynecology and makes appropriate recommendations regarding needs in the areas of
gynecologic education, research, and development. The Committee develops commentaries on new
techniques and their appropriateness for clinical application and on gynecologic subjects related to
clinical management as necessary. The Committee also reviews Guidelines for Women’s Health Care,
the Woman’s Health Record, and other College documents as appropriate. The Committee
coordinates the work of the subcommittees on Gynecologic Oncology, Reproductive Endocrinology,
and Urogynecology and has liaison relationships with the Committee on Practice Bulletins–Gynecology
and the Committee on Patient Safety and Quality Improvement. It has formal representation with both
government (e.g., U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health) and other groups,
such as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, the
American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, the American Institute of Ultrasound in
Medicine and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
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Practice Committees/Projects–Obstetrics and Genetics
Debra Hawks, MPH, Senior Director
202-863-2445
[email protected]
Mindy Saraco, MHA, Director
202-314-2304
[email protected]
Kelly Thomas, Program Assistant
202-863-2508
[email protected]
This department handles obstetric and genetic practice, which includes staffing the Committee on
Obstetric Practice, the Committee on Genetics, the College-ACNM Liaison and special projects as they
arise.
The Committee on Obstetric Practice is responsible for the development of Guidelines for Perinatal
Care, a joint publication with the American Academy of Pediatrics on preconception, antepartum, and
intrapartum care. The Committee also revises the ACOG antepartum, obstetric history, and
postpartum records. The Committee considers all clinical aspects of the practice of obstetrics
(including maternal and fetal medicine) and makes appropriate recommendations regarding needs in
the areas of obstetric education, research, and development. It has formal liaison with other groups,
such as the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and
Neonatal Nurses, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians,
the American Society for Anesthesiology, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the Food
and Drug Administration, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
and interacts with groups such as the National Institutes of Health.
The Committee on Genetics considers all aspects of genetics as it relates to reproduction and
women's health and develops appropriate recommendations regarding clinical management,
education, and research issues. The Committee develops written opinions on newly emerging or
rapidly changing issues in the field. It has formal liaisons with other groups, such as the American
Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Medical Genetics, the American Society of
Reproductive Medicine, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention and interacts with other groups such as the Teratology Society.
Practice Bulletins
Nancy O’Reilly, MHS, Senior Director
202-863-2557
[email protected]
Sarah Son, Research Assistant
202-863-2436
[email protected]
Karina Ngaiza, Program Assistant
202-863-2508
[email protected]
This department, in the Practice Activities Division, is responsible for the development of Practice
Bulletins, the College’s evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. These documents provide
guidance on clinical management issues, with recommendations directly linked to the available
evidence. The Resource Center staff provides literature searches in support of the project. Two
standing committees include Practice Bulletins–Gynecology and Practice Bulletins–Obstetrics, which
guide the subject selection, scientific review, and document development. These committees have
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liaison representation from the corresponding Committee on Gynecologic or Obstetric Practice to
ensure document consistency among College documents and to coordinate activities to avoid
duplicative documents.
Staff collaborate with external guidelines development efforts, in particular the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality’s Evidence-based Practice Center initiative, which includes topic nomination and
development, and evidence evaluation. The department also works in collaboration with other
specialty and sub-specialty organizations such as SMFM, ASRM, AUGS, SGO, AIUM, and ACR to
develop joint guidelines.
Patient Education
Thomas Dineen, Senior Director
202-863-2429
[email protected]
Deirdre Allen, Editorial Director
202-863-2465
[email protected]
Kathleen Scogna, Managing Editor
202-863-2466
[email protected]
Department staff manages the editorial development and production of ACOG’s popular series of
patient education pamphlets, booklets, FAQs, and other related educational materials. More than 130
products in the series cover virtually all aspects of women’s health. More than 10 million pamphlets
are sold yearly and distributed mostly through physicians’ offices, and most titles are now available
online in Spanish.
The department also is responsible for publishing consumer books, including Your Pregnancy and
Childbirth, Month to Month, Fifth Edition (available in English and Spanish) a complete guide to
prenatal care. This book is sold to Fellows and directly to consumers through the web site
www.yourpregnancyandchildbirth.com and retail outlets.
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
Sean M. Currigan, MPH, Senior Director
202-863-2507
[email protected]
Pamela K. Scarrow, CPHQ, Director
202-863-2538
[email protected]
Lauren Lemieux, Program and Research Associate
202-314-2306
[email protected]
Foster Curry, Program Assistant
202-863-2482
[email protected]
This department oversees those aspects of the specialty related to patient safety and quality
improvement activities. To that end, the department, through the Committee on Patient Safety and
Quality Improvement and the respective district committees, is responsible for studying patient safety
and medical error reduction issues specific to the practice of obstetrics and gynecology and developing
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strategies to improve patient outcomes; sponsoring webcasts and postgraduate courses on quality and
safety for leaders in women’s health care designed to provide Fellows with hands-on training in the
leadership skills and assessment tools necessary to run hospital departments of obstetrics and
gynecology; and developing the College’s publications on quality and patient safety, including
Committee Opinions, Patient Safety Checklists, the annual How I Practice video series, and Quality
and Safety in Women’s Health Care.
In addition, the department plays a key role in developing College responses to forces both within and
outside medicine as they relate to quality issues by maintaining liaison with the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality, the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, the National Quality
Forum, the Joint Commission, the AQA (formerly the Ambulatory Care Quality Alliance), the Surgical
Quality Alliance, the American Medical Association Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement,
and other organizations working on data registry development, performance measurement, and quality
and safety in health care and supports the interdisciplinary work of the newly formed Women’s Health
Registry Alliance and the Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care.
The Women’s Health Registry Alliance is a coalition of women’s heath societies and networks
collaborating in the development and sharing of information related to data registries.
The Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care is a multidisciplinary organization comprised
of representatives from subspecialty organizations in women’s health and industry stakeholders with the
common goal of improving and providing safe health care for every woman.
Research
Jay Schulkin, PhD, Senior Director
202-863-2504
[email protected]
Michael Power, PhD, Senior Research Associate
Britta Anderson, PhD, Administrator, Research Associate
Victoria Farrow, MS, Research Associate
Greta Raglan, MS, Research Associate
Katherine Jones, BS, Research Associate
The department responds to suggestions from colleagues, Fellows, Junior Fellows and others and
works to initiate, design, implement and direct research for the College, Part of the research is funded
by external organizations such as the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health. Current projects include
the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network (CARN), a research network composed of
obstetrician-gynecologists working in office-based practices.
Individual Fellows of the College and approximately 20 research institutions work with the department
on various projects. One of the explicit goals is to facilitate research by Fellows. The department
works collaboratively with diverse departments within the College, as well as with several federal
agencies consistently: The Bureau of Child and Maternal Health, the National Institutes of Health, and
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additional activities of the department include
providing technical assistance to other College departments, and collaborating with other specialty
organizations on relevant medical research.
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Adolescent Health Care
Lisa Smith Goldstein, MS, Senior Director
202-863-2497
[email protected]
Rashi Agarwal, Manager
202-863-2450
[email protected]
Candace Davis, Program Assistant
202-863-2496
[email protected]
Department Fax: 202-484-3917
Recognizing that adolescents of all socioeconomic levels do not have adequate access to health
services, the ACOG Executive Board established the Committee on Adolescent Health Care in 1986.
The Committee is charged with developing ongoing plans and activities for the involvement of ACOG in
the solutions to the problems of adolescent health care. It has formal liaisons with other organizations
interested in adolescent health, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American
Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the North American Society
for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada,
the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and the Federal Maternal and Child
Health Bureau. The Committee is currently:
• Increasing awareness of Fellows and others regarding issues disproportionately affecting the
adolescent population.
• Working to enhance the public side of ACOG’s website by preparing resource guides on the media,
adolescent sexuality, the overweight adolescent, and other important topics.
• Undertaking efforts to increase the involvement of Fellows and Junior Fellows in adolescent health
care and adolescent pregnancy prevention efforts.
Resource materials available include:
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Guidelines for Adolescent Health Care – This book was published in 2011 as a CD-ROM and on
the member side of the College website and incorporates all of ACOG’s long standing guidance for
caring for the adolescent patient.
Reproductive Health Care for Adolescents with Disabilities is a supplement to Guidelines for
Adolescent Health Care, Second Edition, and was released in April 2012. It is designed to provide
information necessary for the provision of health care services to adolescents with disabilities. This
overview contains information related to the comprehensive care of these patients including
preventive health care, sex and sexuality education, abuse and abuse prevention, menstrual
issues, contraception, and pregnancy.
Tool Kit for Teen Care, 2nd edition – Resources to help every office care for adolescents –revised in
2011
Clinical Cases in Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology: an educational CD-ROM developed by the
College and the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. This will be
revised shortly.
Committee Opinions on: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception in Adolescents, Vaginal Agenesis,
Normal Menstruation, Human Papillomavirus Vaccination, Noncoital Sexual Activity, Depo-Provera
and Bone Mineral Density, Von Willebrand Disease in Women, Cervical Cancer Screening, Initial
Reproductive Health Visit, Menstrual Manipulation for Adolescents With Disabilities, and Expedited
Partner Therapy.
Fact sheet on adolescent pregnancy – revised in 2009
Summary of adolescent pregnancy prevention programs
Summary of ACOG’s policies and activities pertaining to adolescent health issues
Information on the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Network
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Technical assistance in developing community initiatives on adolescent pregnancy and health is also
available.
Health Care for Underserved Women
Lisa Smith Goldstein, MS, Senior Director
202-863-2497
[email protected]
Rashi Agarwal, Manager
202-863-2450
[email protected]
Candace Davis, Program Assistant
202-863-2496
[email protected]
Department Fax: 202-484-3917
In an effort to ameliorate barriers that compromise women’s access to health care services, the
Executive Board established the Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women in 1986.
Underserved women are defined as those populations experiencing difficulty obtaining necessary and
appropriate health care services. The Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women serves to
identify impediments to accessing women’s health care, with particular focus on access to obstetric,
gynecologic, and family planning services, and to develop and implement solutions that involve the
College and obstetrician/gynecologists at the national, state, and community level. The Committee also
monitors access to specific women’s health services, including comprehensive family planning and
breast and cervical cancer screening. This committee has formal liaisons with other organizations
interested in health care for underserved women, including the National Medical Association, the federal
Maternal and Child Health Bureau, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Preventive Services Task
Force, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Current/recent activities aimed at reducing barriers to quality health care services include efforts to:
•
•
•
•
Decrease the number of uninsured women
Decrease racial and ethnic inequities in women’s health
Examine cultural and linguistic barriers to care
Address barriers to family planning
Resource materials available from the department include:
•
•
•
•
•
Female Genital Cutting: Clinical Management of Circumcised Women (slide-lecture kit)
Health Care for Lesbian & Bisexual Women (slide lecture kit)
Special Issues in Women’s Health - This book was published in 2005 and incorporates all of
ACOG’s long standing guidance for caring for underserved women. Chapters are currently being
revised into Committee Opinions.
Recent Committee Opinions: Health Care Systems for Underserved Women, Intimate Partner
Violence, Reproductive Health Care for Incarcerated Women and Adolescent Females, Health
Care for Lesbian and Bisexual Women, Health Care for Urban American Indian and Alaska Native
Women, Opioid Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction in Pregnancy, Access to Postpartum
Sterilization, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and
Women of Color, Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs, Access to Emergency Contraception,
Health Care for Women in the Military and Women Veterans, and Benefits to Women of Medicaid
Expansion Through the Affordable Care Act
Special Report: Breastfeeding: Maternal and Infant Aspects (released as a supplement to the
January/February 2007 ACOG Clinical Review)
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Immunization Program
Debra Hawks, MPH, Senior Director
202-863-2445
[email protected]
Mindy Saraco, Director
202-314-2304
[email protected]
Sarah Patterson, Immunization Program Manager
202-863-2443
[email protected]
Ari Sallas-Brookwell, Immunization Program Specialist
202-863-2453
[email protected]
As the major provider of health care for women, obstetrician-gynecologists are well-positioned to
provide patients a full range of adolescent and adult immunizations. Most obstetrician-gynecologists
are already providing HPV immunization, and many practices also offer annual immunization against
influenza. ACOG’s Immunization program provides information and tools to assist obstetriciangynecologists start and maintain office-based immunization programs. The College’s Immunization
Expert Work Group advises staff in the development and execution of immunization activities and
serves as an advisory body to the College’s Committees on Obstetric and Gynecologic Practice and
Adolescent Health Care. The Immunization Program receives federal and other funding to distribute
evidence-based immunization toolkits, conduct training in ob-gyn practices, and promote immunization
resources for ob-gyns and their patients to increase immunization rates.
Current activities include:
•
•
Updating and promoting the College’s Immunization website, “Immunization for Women,” at
www.immunizationforwomen.org
Collaboration with professional organizations and federal agencies in promoting immunization
for pregnant and non-pregnant women and their providers
Resource materials available:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Immunization Website for providers and patients located at www.immunizationforwomen.org
FAQs for Pregnant Patients and the Flu Shot
Physician Script for Flu Shots for Pregnant Patients
FAQs for Tdap Vaccination
Physician Script for Tdap Vaccination
FAQs on Vaccine Safety
Physician FAQs on Tdap
Adult Immuniztion Record for pregnant and nonpregnant patients
Training Materials
•
Publications
Immunizations and Routine Obstetric-Gynecologic Care, A Guide for Providers and
Patients
•
Immunization Coding for Obstetrician-Gynecologists, 2013
•
Public Education
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•
•
Patient FAQs
Patient sections on ACOG’s Immunization for Women website located at
www.immunizationforwomen.org
Obstetric Care Consensus and Presidential Task Forces
Margaret Villalonga, Manager, Committees/Task Forces
202-863-1645
[email protected]
This department facilitates the development of the Obstetric Care Consensus series. Obstetric Care
Consensus documents are joint ACOG-SMFM publication statements intended to provide high-quality,
consistent, and concise recommendations to practicing obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine
(MFM) subspecialists. They focus on issues of common interest to both generalist obstetricians and
MFM subspecialists. For each topic, a four-person Writing Committee is selected by the ACOG-SMFM
Work Group. The ACOG-SMFM Work Group -- composed of the ACOG Committee on Obstetric
Practice Chair, the ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins Obstetric Chair, and the SMFM
Publications Committee Chair -- advises staff on emerging, relevant topics and shepherds each Writing
Committee through the development process. Final Obstetric Care Consensus documents are
published in both the Green and Gray Journals simultaneously.
Current topics include:
• The Safe Prevention of the First Cesarean Delivery
• Levels of Maternal Care
Additionally, this department facilitates presidential task forces, work groups and special initiatives,
including the development of task force/work group committee opinions, policy statements,
monographs and other reports. In such, the department works collaboratively with all areas of the
College, including other Practice Activities departments as well as our Publications, Communications,
and Advocacy divisions.
Current presidential initiatives include:
• Presidential Task Force on Neonatal Encephalopathy
• Presidential Task Force on Hypertension in Pregnancy
• Presidential Initiative on Leadership in the 21st Century
• Well Women’s Collaborative Task Force
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Health Policy, Advocacy Division
Barbara Levy, MD
Department of Government Affairs
Voluntary Review of Quality of Care (VRQC)
Safety Certification for Outpatient Practice Excellence for Women's Health
(SCOPE for Women's Health)
Global Women’s Health
Special Issues:
American Indian/Alaska Native
Contraception/ LARC program
NFIMR
Provider Partnerships
Department of Government Affairs
Lucia DiVenere, MA, Senior Director
(202) 863-2509
[email protected]
ACOG's Department of Government Affairs influences federal and state legislation and regulations,
and federal elections, to improve women's health, the practice environment for obstetriciangynecologists, and the future of our specialty. ACOG leadership and committees are regularly briefed
on pending legislation and advised on policy positions. The Department develops and conducts
programs to educate, inform, and empower the Fellowship about federal and state legislative and
regulatory issues, and federal elections.
The U.S. Congress, the White House, and Federal Agencies
The Department is responsible for all of the Congress’ work with the U.S. Congress, the federal
agencies, and the White House on federal legislation and regulations, and informs federal officials of
the impact that specific legislation and policies will have on women's health and the practice of
obstetrics and gynecology. The Department works closely with the U.S. Congress and the federal
agencies, and with the American Medical Association, the Surgical Coalition, and a wide array of
organizations and coalitions to achieve the Congress' goals.
ACOG’s Congressional Leadership Conference
The President’s Conference
This three-day CME accredited conference is held every Spring in Washington, DC. Top-level
speakers and in-depth sessions prepare Fellows from across the Nation to meet with their Senators
and Representatives on ACOG’s top federal legislative priorities.
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Ob-GynPAC
The Department operates the only federal ob-gyn political action committee, and is responsible for
PAC fundraising and administration, electoral analysis, and communication. Ob-GynPAC is governed
by the Ob-GynPAC Governing Committee, which meets annually at ACOG’s Congressional
Leadership Conference and by teleconference as needed.
ACOG News
The Department writes and produces a weekly email-based newsletter for Fellows and ACOG
Leaders, focusing on ACOG developments, ob-gyn related news in the U.S. Congress and the
statehouses, and including a message from ACOG’s President. Fellows are directed to take action on
issues before Congress, through links and other interactive techniques that allow them to directly
contact their elected representatives.
Federal Key Contact Program
Designed to empower physicians in the legislative process, this program recruits ACOG Fellows and
Junior Fellows to contact their Members of Congress on issues affecting women's health care. The
Federal Legislative Action Center on ACOG's website gives Fellows the latest news on Capitol Hill and
enables Fellows to communicate with their U.S. Senators and Representatives at the click of a mouse.
John McCain Memorial Fellowship Program
This program gives select Fellows first-hand exposure to the U.S. Congress, the White House and the
Administration. The Fellowship in Washington D.C. facilitates insight into the programs, policies, and
interrelations of the executive and legislative branches of the government, and how ACOG and its
Fellows can influence legislation. Fellowships are sponsored on a rotating basis by ACOG Districts.
Gellhaus Resident Advocacy Fellowship Program
This program is designed to provide senior ob/gyn residents a greater understanding of policy and
political factors that shape the future of obstetrics and gynecology. The Fellowship is two to four
weeks, ideally completed during the ob/gyn resident elective. The Department works with each
resident to create a program that coordinates the resident’s availability, the Congressional schedule,
and other relevant factors.
ACM McCain Fellows Lunch
Every year at the ACM, the McCain Fellows convene for a luncheon conference focusing on a relevant
aspect of women’s health care policy and advocacy. This lunch is open to all ACM attendees, with
prior registration.
State Legislative Chairs Conference
Held every Fall, designed to increase legislative advocacy and effectiveness of all 50 states.
State Lobbyist Roundtable
This one day conference convenes established professional ob-gyn lobbyists and physician leaders to
share information and strategize on winning common issues in the statehouses.
Congressional Leaders Circle
This program recruits Fellows who have personal relationships with U.S. Senators and
Representatives to become involved in ACOG on Capitol Hill, and recruits Fellows who are interested
in serving on federal advisory boards and commissions. These leaders work closely with ACOG's
Government Affairs staff to help gain attention for and support of ACOG's Congressional agenda.
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Public Advocacy/Major Issue Campaigns
The Department of Government Affairs develops and carries out major public advocacy campaigns
designed to mobilize ob-gyn and patient support for our issues. The Department develops the
messaging, look, techniques, and distribution of these campaigns, for ease of use for doctors and
patients, and strategic leveraging on Capitol Hill and in the statehouses.
Federal and State Legislative Advocacy and Improvement Awards
Awards related to the work of the Department of Government Affairs:
• ACOG’s Public Service Award, Given to a federal lawmaker or individual involved in public policy at
each year’s Congressional Leadership Conference. This award recognizes individuals who make
a positive contribution to women’s health and our specialty at the federal level.
• State Legislative Advocacy Award: Given to a state that has accomplished a specific legislative
achievement.
• State Legislative Improvement Award: Given to a state that has improved its legislative advocacy.
The State Awards are given each year at the State Legislative Chairs Conference. ACOG’s
Government Affairs Committee provides nominations to ACOG’s Committee on Nominations for
consideration and approval.
State Legislative and Regulatory Activities
State Legislative and Regulatory Activities, a part of ACOG’s Department of Government Affairs, works
to influence state government policies as they affect ob-gyn practice and women's health and provides
technical assistance and training to ACOG Sections and Districts, both on setting up an effective
legislative initiative.
Staff monitors legislation in all 50 states and D.C., responds to requests from state lawmakers, and
lobbies various state government organizations. Staff works with lobbyists for the state medical
societies and with women’s groups across the country.
State Legislative and Regulatory Activities:
 State Legislative Workshops tailored to Sections/Districts (by request)
 Annual State Lobbyist Roundtable
 On-line State Legislative Action Center
 Customized Legislative Tracking for Sections/Districts
 State Legislative Quarterly Status Report
Voluntary Review of Quality of Care (VRQC)
Debjani Mukherjee, MPH, Manager
(202) 863-2463 [email protected]
Anne Fox, Specialist
(202) 863-2454 [email protected]
Established in 1986, the mission of the VRQC Program is to provide peer consultations to departments
of obstetrics and gynecology, assess the quality of care provided, and suggest possible alternative
actions for improvement. This is accomplished by way of a site visit conducted by three boardcertified, practicing obstetrician-gynecologists and a nurse with experience in obstetrics and
gynecology, utilizing various quality assessment techniques, including an evaluation based on College
guidelines. In conjunction with the department of Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in the
Practice Activities Division, the VRQC Program staff coordinates the site visits, develops reports and
recommendations, and maintains the program’s educational and marketing efforts.
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Safety Certification for Outpatient Practice Excellence for Women's Health
(SCOPE for Women's Health)
Debjani Mukherjee, MPH, Manager
(202) 863-2463 [email protected]
Andrea Jones, Program Assistant (see also Division of Practice Activities)
(202) 863-2482 [email protected]
The SCOPE for Women's Health Program has been in development since 2010, growing out of the
Office Patient Safety Assessment (OPSA). It is designed as an onsite peer review program for
physician office practices to assess implementation of patient safety and quality improvement practices
such as medication safety, tracking, checklists, drills, and continuous quality improvement. Practices
achieving 3 year certification through this process are published in Obstetrics & Gynecology and on the
SCOPE website. SCOPE for women's health staff coordinate the ongoing program development,
applications for certification, site vists, feedback reports, marketing and outreach, and educational
resources in conjunction with activities of the Department of Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in
the Division of Practice Activities.
Global Women’s Health
Special Issues in Women’s Health
Office of Global Women’s Health
Janet Chapin, RN, MPH, Senior Director
(202) 863-2579
[email protected]
Ruth Moreno, Project Administrator
(202) 863-2487
[email protected]
Galina Yudovich, Program Specialist
202-863-2407
[email protected]
Department Fax: (202) 484-3917
The Office of Global Women’s Health was established in 2011 to continue and expand the College’s
priority addressing women’s health problems in low-resource settings around the world. College
President James N, Martin, Jr., MD, appointed the Global Operations Advisory Group (GOAG) to assist
in developing this new focus, and which currently serves in place of a standing committee. The Office
of Global Women’s Health is responsible for the College’s ongoing Latin American Initiative,
developing critical infrastructure for the accreditation of residency programs and the administration of
certification examinations in Central and South America. This work facilitates the development of
ACOG Sections in selected regions and countries. Current work includes partnerships with the
FECASOG/ACOG Accreditation Committee, the Dominican Republic-ACOG Accreditation Committee,
the Federation of Chilean Ob-Gyn Societies, the Buenos Aires, Argentina Society of Obstetricians and
Gynecologist the Colombian Federation of Ob-gyn Societies, and the Peruvian Ob-Gyn Society.
36
Expanded Global Women’s Health Activities are aimed at rapidly accelerating the reduction of
maternal mortality and morbidity in those low resource countries bearing the highest burden in the
world, in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The College is participating in several public- private
partnerships for this work. Saving Mothers, Giving Life is a partnership with The Global Health Initiative
in the US AID, The Government of Norway, Merck for Mothers, and Every Mother Counts. A second
partnership, Survive and Thrive, includes USAID, the American College of Nurse Midwives, the
American Academy of Pediatricians, Laerdal Health and Johnson & Johnson. In all these partnerships,
the focus will be on training Fellows and Junior Fellows to work in global low-resource settings,
facilitating bilateral relationships between ob-gyn departments in universities in the US and other
countries, and fostering the development and participation of ob-gyn societies in the efforts to address
maternal health problems in their country. Additionally databases of ob-gyn departments and
residency education programs as well as Fellows conducting international work are being created for
greater coordination and support.
Special Issues in Women’s Health
Janet Chapin RN MPH, Senior Director
(202) 863-2579
Kathleen Buckley, MSN, CNM, Program Director
(202) 863-1630
[email protected]
Shreya Durvasula, Program Specialist
(202) 863-2587
[email protected]
Melony Hawkins, Administrative Assistant
(202) 863-1637
[email protected]
Alicia Luchowski, MPH, Director
(202) 314-2321
[email protected]
Yvonne Malloy, MPP, Director
(202) 863-2580
[email protected]
Shirley Kailas, Program Coordinator
(202) 863-2470
[email protected]
Jeanne Mahoney, Program Manager
(202) 314-2352
[email protected]
Special Issues in Women’s Health comprises programs and projects that require
additional advocacy and special outreach to Fellows, agencies, communities and
women. Many of the programs address needs of underserved populations and staff
work collaboratively with the ACOG Committee oh Health Care for Underserved
Women as well as public health organizations and agencies at the national, state
and local levels to improve women’s health in the United States.
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The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Robert C. Cefalo
National Leadership Institute
Janet Chapin, RN, MPH, Senior Director
(202) 863-2579
[email protected]
Every spring, the ACOG - Robert Cefalo Leadership Institute is held at the University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill North Carolina. The Institute program directors are Herbert B. Peterson, MD FACOG,
Claudia Fernandez, DrPH, and Anna Marie Connolly, MD, FACOG.
This program is designed to enhance the skills needed by ob-gyn leaders in the rapidly changing
healthcare environment including:
• Creating and leading transformation
• Using evidence to lead change
• Crafting a personalized leadership development plan
• Successfully working with the media
• Team building
• Negotiating
• Advocating for women’s health and health care
Each District selects three individuals to participate in this exciting leadership program, including an
experienced Fellow who wishes to improve his/her leadership skills, a Fellow in mid-career who is an
emerging leader, and a Young Physician or Junior Fellow who has demonstrated leadership potential.
Five additional participants are selected by the College.
The criteria used for selection include: 1) participation in or a demonstrated potential for leadership
within ACOG sections, districts, or committees; 2) participation in or a demonstrated potential for
leadership within his or her own institution, community or state; 3) willingness to prepare for the
Institute by completing reading, the leadership inventory and the 360 evaluation prior to the meeting,
and be able to attend the full 4 days of the Leadership Institute; and 4) a commitment to initiate and
continue leadership activities and continue work on a local and/or national level after the institute.
American Indian / Alaska Native Women’s Health
Yvonne Malloy, MPP, Director
(202) 863-2580
[email protected]
Melony Hawkins, Administrative Assistant
(202) 863-1637
[email protected]
Department Fax: (202) 484-3917
The office administers several activities to improve the health of American Indian and Alaska Native
women. The activities are carried out under the direction of the Committee on American Indian/Alaska
Native Women’s Health, composed of Fellows with experience in Indian Country, representatives from
the Indian Health Service (IHS), and other organizations. Many of the activities are carried out under
financial arrangements with the IHS. One major activity involves site visits and consultation regarding
obstetric-gynecologic care at Indian facilities, conducted with the College Committee on American
Indian/Alaska Native Women’s Health and IHS/tribal consultants. Another is an annual post graduate
educational program for non-specialist physicians, nurses, and other health professionals providing
maternal and child health care at remote Indian facilities. A third activity is helping the Indian Health
Service to fill both short-term and full-time ob-gyn vacancies at IHS/Tribal facilities. Staff are taking
requests from those who wish to volunteer and connecting them with the appropriate Indian Health
Service personnel.
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Breastfeeding
Janet Chapin RN, MPH
Senior Director
(202) 863-2579
[email protected]
The College supports exclusive breastfeed for six month or longer in its clinical guidance, however,
additional tools and programs have been developed to strengthen the capacity of Fellows for assuming
stronger roles in promotion of breastfeeding, Advocacy is also undertaken with other organizations and
agencies including the US Committee on Breastfeeding, the CDC, The Academy of Breastfeeding
Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics and The American Hospital Association.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Program
Alicia Luchowski, MPH, Director
(202) 314-2321
[email protected]
Shirley Kailas, Program Coordinator
(202) 863-2470
[email protected]
The Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Program is designed to increase access to LARC
methods (intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants) and reduce unintended pregnancy. By
providing information and resources and facilitating hands-on training, the LARC Program is
empowering obstetrician-gynecologists to offer LARC methods to all appropriate candidates. The
LARC Program provides continuing education sessions at Annual District Meetings and other events,
coordinates efforts to make clinical training for LARC methods more accessible to Fellows, completes
survey research regarding Fellows’ knowledge and attitudes toward LARC, helps to develop and
distributes clinical guidance and curriculum materials, strengthens collaboration and relationships with
other family planning organizations, and supports patient education and outreach.
The LARC Program also collaborates with the Fellowship in Family Planning to offer an advocacy
rotation for Family Planning Fellows that provides Fellows the opportunity to work with LARC Program
staff on a variety of activities supporting access to contraception. In addition, the LARC Program
supports other special projects designed to improve access to contraceptive care, including the current
Bedsider Evaluation Project that will assess how the contraceptive support website www.bedsider.org
can make contraceptive care more efficient and effective in ob–gyn practice
.
National Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (NFIMR) Program
Kathleen Buckley, MSN, CNM, Program Director
(202) 863-1630
[email protected]
Shreya Durvasula, Program Specialist
(202) 863-2587
[email protected]
Department Fax: (202) 484-3917
The National Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (NFIMR) Program is an ongoing collaborative effort
between the College and the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau. NFIMR provides a national
resource center offering technical assistance and resource materials about implementing Fetal and
Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) to over two hundred existing local programs in forty states and to states
and communities that wish to begin FIMR.
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Topics include confidentiality, liability, data collection, home interview techniques, coalition building,
taking recommendations to action, coordinating with other local mortality reviews, and using local FIMR
information for regional/state assessment and planning. Referrals to expert consultants are available.
Resource materials available include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Manual: A Guide for Communities
Sustaining the FIMR Program: A Toolkit
Questions Physicians Frequently Ask About Participation in the Fetal and Infant Mortality
Review Program
Fetal and Infant Mortality Review: The HIPPA Regulations
Making Healthy Communities Happen (quarterly newsletter)
Data abstraction forms
NFIMR for Windows software
NFIMR listserv posted every other week
Making a Difference in the Community (brochure)
Reports, announcements, bibliographies, and other timely information are posted on the
NFIMR web page
The FIMR home visitor manual
Maternal Mortality
Janet Chapin, RN MPH, Senior Director
202-863-2579
[email protected]
Jeanne Mahoney, Program Manager
(202) 314-2352
[email protected]
Department Fax: (202) 484-3917
The reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity within the United States has long been a priority of
the College. Current activities include support of the ACOG/CDC Maternal Mortality Study group,
facilitation and technical assistance in the development of state-based maternal mortality review
committees and the dissemination of action that have been demonstrated to reduce maternal death.
Tools include manuals for conducting review and consultation
MCH Providers’ Partnership
Jeanne Mahoney, Program Director
(202) 314-2352
[email protected]
Candace Davis, Administrative Assistant
(202) 863-2496
[email protected]
Department Fax: (202) 484-3917
The MCH Providers’ Partnership includes state-level collaborations to address key women’s health
issues such as disaster readiness, substance use, and tobacco control. The Partnership addresses
important women’s health issues, while simultaneously building state-level partnerships between
ACOG Fellows and public health leadership to enhance service integration, minimize demands on
individual providers, and facilitate dialogue between providers and agencies to create comprehensive
care.
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This project keeps state MCH and reproductive health officials informed of ACOG activities and
publications through a monthly mailing and list serve. In addition the partnership collaborates with the
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) as well as federal partners to address identification
and treatment of women engaged in at-risk substance use.
Resource materials include:
Drinking and Reproductive Health: A Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevention Tool Kit
Women and Alcohol web site –www.womenandalcohol.org
Committee Opinion No 423, Motivational interviewing, a tool for behavior change
Committee Opinion No 473, Substance Abuse Reporting and Pregnancy The Role of the Obstetrician
Gynecologist
Committee Opinion No 496, At-Risk Drinking and Alcohol Dependence - Obstetric and Gynecologic
Implications
Committee Opinion No 524, Opioid use, abuse and dependence during pregnancy (Joint CO with
ASAM)
Women with Disabilities Initiative
Jeanne Mahoney, Project Director
(202) 314-2352
[email protected]
Candace Davis, Administrative Assistant
(202) 863-2496
[email protected]
Department Fax: (202) 484-3917
This initiative works to improve the access and quality of reproductive health care for women with
physical, developmental, and sensory disabilities. A sub-committee of the Health Care for
Underserved Women Committee advises this project.
Resource materials available from the project include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Extensive, interactive, web-based, recorded program on the ACOG web site: Reproductive
Healthcare for Women with Disabilities.
http://www.acog.org/departments/dept_notice.cfm?recno=38&bulletin=4526
Extensive power point program suitable for use in presentations and lectures on reproductive
health care for women with physical, developmental, and sensory disabilities.
Annotated resource listings for clinicians and patients are available on the Women with Disabilities
page of the ACOG Women’s Health web site.
Access To Health Care For Women With Disabilities chapter in Special Issues in Women’s Health
Reproductive Health Care for Adolescents with Disabilities, a chapter supplement to Guidelines for
Adolescent Health Care.
Coding for Women with Disabilities – laminated folder
Smoking Cessation
Jeanne Mahoney, Program Director
(202) 314-2352
[email protected]
Candace Davis, Administrative Assistant
(202) 863-2496
[email protected]
Department Fax: (202) 484-3917
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As the major provider of health care for women, obstetrician-gynecologists can substantially impact
their patients’ smoking behavior. This program raises awareness on the role of the ob-gyn in helping
women quit and providing the necessary tools to do so, Program staff collaborates with other provider
groups and national and state organizations to promote research on women and tobacco and access
to cessation treatment. Special interests include smoking in pregnancy and youth smoking. See also
MCH Providers’ Partnership Project.
Resource materials include:
•
•
•
•
•
Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy: A Clinician’s Guide to Help Pregnant Women Quit Smoking
CME credits available. Downloadable from ACOG website.
Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy – Web based lecture program and lecture guide
Pregnant woman’s smoking cessation workbook – Need Help Putting Out That Cigarette –
Committee Opinion No. 503 Tobacco Use and Women’s Health
Committee Opinion No. 471, Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy
Gestational Diabetes – Physician tools project
Jeanne Mahoney, Project Director
202-314-2352
[email protected]
Candace Davis, Administrative Assistant
202-863-2496
[email protected]
This project, supported by funding from the CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health focuses on provider
follow-up of women who had gestational diabetes to identify those at risk for Type II diabetes and to
postpone or prevent its occurrence through an office based tool to facilitate follow up.
Products include:
Tear pad to provide information and schedule postpartum follow up testing for women who had GDM.
Available in English and Spanish,
Violence Against Women
Janet Chapin, RN, MPH, Senior Director
(202) 863-2579
[email protected]
Department Fax: (202) 484-3917
Violence against women constitutes a major social and public health problem that warrants physician
involvement. This program continues ACOG’s long commitment to educate obstetrician-gynecologists
on their role in identifying and providing appropriate intervention to women affected by family or
intimate partner violence, rape or sexual assault, or childhood sexual abuse. This program also
continues ACOG’s advocacy on these issues, particularly as they relate to women’s health.
Current activities include:
• Expansion of national core of Fellows with interest or expertise in this field
• Collaborating with other organizations
-American Medical Association Advisory Council on Family Violence
-Family Violence Prevention Fund
Resource materials available include:
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•
•
•
•
Slide lecture on domestic violence
Slide Lecture on elder abuse and survivors of sexual assault or abuse
Intimate partner violence during pregnancy (in conjunction with the CDC)
Educational materials for use in office or by patients including:
− Screening tools on sexual assault and domestic violence for health care providers
− Domestic violence pocket/shoe card with toll-free numbers and safety plan (English and
Spanish)
− Pocket card for sexual assault risk reduction
• Website for both ACOG Fellow and public access
• Policy statements and fact sheets
• Selected bibliographies
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