北美洲台灣人醫師協會 南加州分會2005年刊
President’s Remarks
Jim C. Wang, M.D.
Dear fellow members:
After a successful Annual Convention in 2004, NATMA-SCC began 2005 with three goals: to streamline our communication with members, to promote participation in other NATMA events, and to better involve the younger “second-generation” Taiwanese American members in this organization. I am glad to report that we have made great strides in all three areas.
Electronic communications (via email and Evite) continue to be the most efficient and cost-effective method for delivering NATMA news and registering for NATMA activities. We now have over 130 email recipients on the distribution list! This year, we also started a NATMA online discussion group to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas and information among Taiwanese American health professionals. I encourage all members to join and participate. We will continue to send out traditional mail newsletters to all members and will need your help to update the mailing addresses of our members. To further member communication in 2006, we plan to improve the NATMA website (www.natma.org) with updated events calendar, downloadable application and activity registration forms, and online address change and email list sign-up.
Participation in numerous 2005 NATMA activities has been good. On 3/27, more than 35 trekkers enjoyed the mountain scenery during the NATMA Spring Hike. The Taiwanese American Heritage Week Health Fair on 5/14, offered for the first time- free teeth cleaning and volunteer medical consultations, in additional to health seminars and first aid station. After several years of absence, the NATMA Tennis Tournament returned on 6/12, with healthy competitions from both young and senior players. The golf outing on 6/19 hosted 50 amateur players and even 2 Taiwanese American LPGA professionals! The national NATMA meeting on 7/01-3, in San Jose, was widely attended by members across the U.S. A focus session dedicated to young Taiwanese American members sparked a great deal of enthusiasm and hope for the future of NATMA. With CME programs for physician members and nonmedical seminars to appeal to spouses and guests; plus, prominent keynote speaker- Dr. Allen Chao, the 2005 Annual Convention will undoubtedly be the highlight of Southern California Chapter’s events. For 2006, NATMA will strive to focus on issues important not only to Taiwan, but to Taiwanese Americans; and to develop new activities, with emphasis on Taiwanese American Culture and Heritage, and family events that cater to members with young children.
We have started a student out-reach program this year to actively recruit local Taiwanese American medical and dental students. We have also laid the ground work to establish mentorship and international exchange programs to cater to the needs of the younger M second-generation” members. I look forward to meeting the first participants of these exciting programs soon.
This president’s remarks, the first to be written in English, will mark the beginning of NATMA’s evolution to adapt to its unavoidable membership shift- from early founding Taiwanese physicians and dentists living in North America, to Taiwanese American citizens of America. NATMA has a long history of contribution to Taiwan and the Taiwanese communities in North America. This year, NATMA- SCC was recognized by the California Medical Association and joined its Network of Ethnic Physician Organizations to represent the Taiwanese American community. I look forward to NATMA extending their dedication to mainstream professional communities in the U.S.
I would like to thank all board members for their tireless effort and dedication. Thanks also to the sponsors and NATMA members for supporting this worthy organization. I look forward to seeing you again at the combined Southern California Chapter and national NATMA Annual Convention on 6/23- 25/2006, and the Eastern European Trip in 2006 to rally support for Taiwan’s bid for WHO in Geneva!
Posted in 2015/09
