HJNO Sep/Oct 2019

52 SEP / OCT 2019 I  Healthcare Journal of NEW ORLEANS column medical society Orleans and Jefferson Parish Medical Societies Move Forward with Collaboration Orleans Parish Medical Society (OPMS) and Jefferson Parish Medical Society (JPMS) leadership are excited to announce that they have taken another important step toward working in syner- gy to provide increased value to members. They plan to leverage membership, share resources, and solidify their collaboration that began taking shape in 2017 to best serve physicians, those in training, their patients, and their communities. The two organizations, with over 200 years of com- bined history and experience, now repre- sent almost one thousand physicians, resi- dents, and medical students. “Our vision for the proposed new or- ganization is to provide a stronger, more unified voice for physicians and physi- cians-in-training throughout Orleans, Jefferson, and surrounding parishes,” said George S. Ellis, Jr., MD, 2018–2019 Presi- dent, OPMS. “We believe medical profes- sionals value collegial networking, person- al and public advocacy, and professional development. This larger more represen- tative medical society is excited to meet those needs.” In 2018, the boards of the two organiza- tions finalized and agreed upon an affilia- tion and operating agreement that serves as an initial blueprint for moving forward in the development of a plan and infra- structure to work more collaboratively, and in the best interest of members and prospective members. On June 19, 2019, the leadership of JPMS and OPMS met to consider several models of further integra- tion and collaboration. Overwhelmingly, board members voted to pursue develop- ment of a new, more vibrant organization that will serve as the singular voice for physicians and those in training through- out the area. “Challenging times in medicine have sparked tangible innovation and collab- oration between Southeast Louisiana healthcare clinicians. JPMS alongside with OPMS proudly stand up to the challenge,” said Gabriel Rivera, MD, 2019 President, JPMS. Now, a Collaborative Advisory Board consisting of OPMS and JPMS current presidents and president elect/vice pres- ident, immediate past presidents, and the The proposed new organization will create a more unified voice for physicians and those in training, and will enhance advocacy on public health issues that impact Southeast Louisiana. George S. Ellis, Jr., MD President Orleans Parish Medical Society