北美洲台灣人醫師協會2017 南加州分會年刊

By NATMA S.C. Chapter

President’s Remark for Yearbook(南加州分會會長的話)

Dennis Wong MD

Dear NATMA Southern California Members:

NATMA Southern California Chapter remains very active this year.

In February, NATMA Southern California is one of the more than 70 organizations that participated in the 228 70th Anniversary Commemoration. Many of our members attended this event to remember this tragedy in the history of Taiwan.

Medical mission is a tradition of NATMA. NATMA SCC members went to this year’s Guatemala mission as well as last year’s mission to Burma. They brought back fond memories of caring for the poor and needy. In honor of their contribution, NATMA SCC will dedicate this year^ annual convention to honor those who participated in medical missions.

On community events, NATMA engaged the public during Taiwanese American Heritage Week celebration. Members shared important information to the public to promote health. Again, NATMA offered dental care outreach and free CPR class to the community on May 7.

In March, Dr. Kenny Su, who worked for Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, gave an informative presentation on services provided by his Department for the community. He also discussed case studies. Included in the cases are suicides resulted from stress and mental health issues. Mental health is an important health topic which is not often talked about. On April 30, NATMA partnered with Taiwanese American Professionals-Los Angeles to talk about mental health matters and increase community awareness.

Healthcare professionals often focus so much on patients and ignore their own health-related issues. On September 10, NATMA SCC hosted a talk on stress management to address professional burnout and introduce stress-man-agement strategies. Since stress impacts not
only the health of the individual but also on others, families and friends were also invited
to attend this talk.

NATMA SCC continues to engage its members. This year, members enjoyed concerts at Holly-
wood Bowl. There was a July 4th BBQ party. The first and second-generation members exchanged ideas in a relaxed setting. It was wonderful to see people laughing and bridging the generation gap.

NATMA SCC also collaborates with the national chapters. Many members participated in the national convention this year. Now, in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, NATMA SCC is working with our NATMA President Dr. Chu-Chi Chen to fundraise and help the victims of this historic devastation.

NATMA SCC has had a wonderful and productive year. We hope to continue our effort in our international medical mission and community outreach. And I invite all members to become more engaged.