INSIDE WVSMA
Message from the President
Outreach and Resilience
“ Another turning point , a fork stuck in the road . Time grabs you by the wrist , directs you where to go . So make the best of this test and don ' t ask why . It ' s not a question , but a lesson learned in time . It ' s something unpredictable , but in the end , it ’ s right . I hope you had the time of your life .”
It ’ s been 20 years since my high school class , the Weir High class of 2003 , chose Green Day ’ s “ Time of Your Life ” as our class song to celebrate that turning point in our lives . As the West Virginia State Medical Association ( WVSMA ) approaches another turning point in our history as our first full Board of Trustees and officers are elected under our new governance model , I thought of these lyrics to begin my last journal message .
Serving as WVSMA president has been one of the greatest honors of my career , and I have had the time of my life working with members and partners to support our mission .
During my presidency , my daughter ’ s name , ELEANOR , has helped serve as an acronym to represent my key areas of focus — Engagement ; Leadership ; Education ; Advocacy ; Networking ; Outreach ; Resilience . Let ’ s finish with outreach and resilience .
Outreach
Lisa M . Costello , MD , MPH , FAAP
The WVSMA remains committed to strengthening outreach with members and community partners to help grow the association . This past year we collaborated with health systems and organizations around the state to coordinate and launch Physician LEADS West Virginia . We also partnered with the West Virginia Hospital Association for a successful first joint leadership summit and look forward to another successful joint summit at The Greenbrier on September 27- 29 , 2023 . We have increased advocacy networks and educated the public and policy makers on various health topics .
The WVSMA will continue to expand outreach . We also need your help as we depend on members to do this important work . Please renew your membership , encourage others to join , or become more engaged by emailing info @ wvsma . org .
Resilience
Every day as a pediatrician and first-time mom , I witness the resilience children have when faced with an illness or challenge . Every day as WVSMA president , I witness the resilience physicians have when faced with significant challenges .
Developing resilience is crucial for our life as physicians and as people . I am sharing a quote from college basketball coach and advocate , Jimmy Valvano , that helps remind me of the importance of being vulnerable and building resilience : “ If you laugh , you think , and you cry , that ’ s a full day . That ' s a heck of a day .”
Allow yourself to laugh . Laugh with your patients and laugh with your colleagues . Laughter really is the best medicine .
Think . Think every day . Medicine is ever changing . With new treatments and procedures , along with technological advancements , there is much to keep up with to maintain skills and knowledge .
Cry . Yes , cry . Be moved to tears . Tears of happiness , joy . Tears of pride . Tears of grief , sorrow . The opportunity to enter people ’ s lives and journey with them is special . Take time to reflect and take care of each other . Look out for your colleagues and yourself . There are others to provide support , including the WVSMA .
The WVSMA ’ s work is possible thanks to dynamic leaders , passionate members , dedicated staff , and many partners . Thank you to our transition Board of Trustees , committee chairs , and members for their ongoing service , as well as current and former WVSMA staff and partners who assist members in implementing our vision and mission .
I want to thank my family , especially my husband , daughter , mom , and dad , along with the numerous friends and countless individuals I have worked with since my time as a medical student member of the WVSMA . Their support and collaboration mean the world to me , and I am forever grateful for their guidance , help , and love .
I am grateful to complete my WVSMA presidency surrounded by colleagues , friends , and family who push me to laugh , think , and cry . As I look back on those who have lifted me up , I also look forward to ongoing engagement , leadership , education , advocacy , networking , outreach , and resilience in our physician community in West Virginia and beyond .
Because being a physician is “ something unpredictable , but in the end , it ’ s right .”
8 • www . wvsma . org