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In this Issue:
- ACP Illinois Northern Governor Advisory Council Election 2025
- Action Requested: ACP Legislative Action Center
- Inspiration, Innovation, and Mentorship: The Launch of ACP + Innovation Podcast
- Are you covered for the unexpected?
- ACP Announces the Release of the New ACP MKSAP
Thomas E. Bleasdale Jr., MD, FACP, ACP Governor, Illinois Northern
The snow is melting! There seems to be more birds in the air. There seems to be more animals in my backyard. As I sit in my kitchen writing this, a robin just flew into a tree. Could it be that winter is giving way to spring? I seriously doubt it. Its February. Its Chicago. I can't deny the early signs however and it makes me think that more winter is behind us than there is ahead. I'm not saying winter is bad, its just that after the holidays, to me at least, it feels like it overstays its welcome just a bit too long.
I guess it's never too early to look ahead however and it gives me an opportunity to be excited about what spring will bring. The Northern Illinois chapter of ACP has an amazing April planned for our members. First and foremost, the ACP annual scientific meeting will be held in New Orleans from April 3rd through the 5th. If you've never been to a national meeting or perhaps it's been a few years, I can promise you, this is not one you would want to miss. There are ample opportunities to refresh your clinical skills with unmatched hands-on learning opportunities. It offers lifelong connections at receptions and networking events. You have the ability to earn CME credit and MOC points. You can attend in person or attend from anywhere with virtual registration but its New Orleans so we're planning on going full NOLA and making it so those who do attend in person are able to immerse themselves in the community and culture that only New Orleans can provide. Please consider joining us this April!
On April 28th and 29th we will be headed to D.C. for our annual Leadership Day. This allows us as Internal Medicine Physicians to have an up-front seat in the legislative process that is affecting each and every one of us. It is a direct opportunity to make our voices heard. I don't need to tell you that we are in profound times of uncertainty when it comes to National and Global health policy. During Leadership Day, you will receive a comprehensive orientation on ACP's top legislative priorities. You will learn advocacy skills that can be utilized back home. You will earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, as well as meet other internists who care about advocacy, including colleagues from your own state and Internists from around the nation. You will learn about policy issues that impact our profession and our ability to provide quality care. You will get to know ACP leaders and staff, and have a great time while doing a great thing!
Yes, it may seem a bit early to think about spring but it's never too early to think about it and the things that it brings: Warmth, growth and opportunity. Please consider joining us this spring in New Orleans, Washington D.C. or both.
Sincerely,
Tom Bleasdale MD, FACP
Governor, ACP Northern Illinois
ACP Illinois Northern Governor Advisory Council Election 2025
The Call for Nominations for the Governor's Advisory Council is now open. If you are interested in running, please email your Name, Short Bio (less than 200 words), and CV to Colleen Keeku no later than Wed, March 12th.
If you would like to nominate a colleague, please email that person's name and contact information no later than Friday, March 7th.
The Governor's Council consists of physician volunteer leaders entrusted to represent and actively engage the membership of the Chapter. The Council sets policy and provides leadership, including planning strategically for the Chapter's growth; determining the mission, goals, and priorities; and allocating resources in line with those priorities. The Council meets in-person or online 2-3 times annually.
Action Requested: ACP Legislative Action Center
ACP advocates for you on policy changes that will make a difference in your daily work, your professional development, and your patients' health. For the latest advocacy efforts from ACP, visit our new one-stop collection featuring articles, statements, and ways you can take action on various campaigns.
ACP has issued the following public statements:
- Reiterated the importance of vaccines and evidence-based public health policies
- Issued a joint statement with 5 other medical societies to protest the U.S. withdrawing from the World Health Organization
- Reaffirmed our commitment to advancing equity
- Issued a joint statement about the removal of data and guidance from federal websites
- Issued a joint statement about protecting Medicaid
Inspiration, Innovation, and Mentorship: The Launch of ACP + Innovation Podcast
In this inaugural episode of ACP + Innovation, co-hosts and introduce the vision behind the podcast — a platform to inspire and empower medical students, residents, and early career physicians exploring careers in clinical informatics, health IT, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Tune in as they share the inspiration behind this initiative, discuss the importance of mentorship in shaping career choices, and highlight how this podcast aims to connect listeners with leaders and innovators driving change in healthcare.
IMSpeaks is an engaging monthly webinar series designed exclusively for IM physicians. In this thought-provoking series, delve into evidence-based practices and clinical pearls that will fuel your practice. Led by esteemed experts from around the US, each update offers you the latest research, case studies, and innovative approaches. All Illinois Members are welcome to attend.
Register for the March 20th session
See previous IMSpeaks Presentations HERE
Are you covered for the unexpected?
Life's twists and turns can't always be predicted, so being prepared can make all the difference. ACP's Member Insurance Program provides members with essential coverage including life, disability, and office overhead expense insurance—designed to protect you, your loved ones, and your practice from unforeseen challenges. With affordable group rates and plans tailored to your unique needs, this member-exclusive benefit helps you stay ready for whatever the future holds. Take the first step at acponline.org/insurance!
ACP Announces the Release of the New ACP MKSAP
ACP is excited to announce the release of ACP MKSAP, (Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program), a new subscription-based, all-digital edition of our comprehensive learning program. MKSAP has been the most trusted resource in continuous learning for internal medicine physicians and residents for nearly 60 years. That tradition continues with ACP MKSAP.
Developed by nearly 400 physician clinical editors, question writers, and peer reviewers who are active in clinical practice and expert leaders in medical education, ACP's psychometrically validated question bank uses evidence-based question-writing principles to challenge clinical reasoning and reinforce learning. Learners can select a 1-year or 3-year subscription and will receive regularly updated content and new questions added annually.
ACP MKSAP subscribers can meet their goals with numerous learning innovations on a modern interface, including:
- Nearly 2,000 unique multiple-choice questions, mapped to the ABIM blueprint and linked to related syllabus content
- 16 evidence-based syllabus subspecialty content areas with hundreds of embedded images, tables, and algorithms
- Multiple question formats: traditional self-assessment, board-prep-focused Quick Qs, and Virtual Dx image-based questions
- Multimedia enhancements, including clinical shorts, ultrasound scans, animated whiteboards, and explainer videos
- Board-simulation features, including a time-lapsed question indicator, option strike-through, and highlighting
- Visit /node/403693 for more information and to order.