PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

Dear Colleagues:

Throughout our professional careers there are periods and instances of influence which define a professional philosophy and vector a change in our effectiveness. As any pilot or engineer will tell you, a vector is not just a direction. A vector is a line or course which denotes both direction and force. The 95th Annual Scientific Assembly of the Southern Medical Association can be a career vector for us all. Our attendance at this gathering of colleagues, peers and mentors will provide us not only with educational direction, but with the intensity and excitement to apply that direction in our practice. This meeting will be a seminal event for you and the entire SMA family because of the 2001 emphasis of the SMA in general and for this meeting in particular. The design of this meeting was accomplished after hundreds of hours of needs and interest assessment of physicians across the geography of SMA from the District of Columbia to Texas. The architecture of the program produces a true interdisciplinary effect in cutting edge CME by thoughtful integration of specialties and disease management. The result is the unique experience you will receive in the three exhilarating days of the Assembly. It is important to note that SMA membership and the SMA educational experience is multi-specialty, but in 2001, perhaps even more important is the interdisciplinary effect which the Assembly will cause to happen within our membership and into the physician community at large. In Nashville, Tennessee from November 8-10, the SMA will produce a memorable and effective career building experience which will change you by your presence and change your practice through the body of knowledge applied according to your needs and interests. Do not miss this opportunity to enjoy a time of professional development, in an atmosphere of collegial renewal. Come and be a part of the brilliance!

Yours truly,

James C. Waites, MD

President, Southern Medical Association