SWSO President's Message
Dr. Larry Tadlock
The SWSO continues to lead the AAO in many ways. Of course our organization is outstanding because of its members. Recently, members of our society were recipients of numerous national awards given at the AAO annual meeting in Denver. Fred Garrett and Don Thompson received the Dale Wade Award from the ABO. Peter Buschang received the Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Award from the ABO. Carmen Briceno received the Milo Hellman Award for research performed as a resident at Baylor. Bob Morrison received the Blair Award from the AAOF. While in Denver I heard someone say “the Southwest cleaned up.” I was very proud to witness the presentation of these awards. I hope you were able to see them as well. Please take the opportunity to congratulate these outstanding representatives of our organization.
Kirt Simmons chaired the SWSO delegation to the House of Delegates at the AAO annual meeting. The other delegates included Mark Felton, Devek Frech, Vann Greer, Dean Jensen, and myself. The alternate delegates were Mike Mizell, Darrin Storms, and Jeff Thompson. Trustee Gayle Glenn was also present for all the delegation meetings and provided leadership on many issues. The most significant discussions concerned the member’s assessment for the AAO’s Consumer Awareness Campaign. Ultimately the assessment was passed but lowered by using cash reserves. The efficacy of the program and the assessment will be debated again next year. You can view all of the resolutions adopted and referred by logging onto the AAO website and follow the link “AAO Leadership Actions That Impact You.”
The SWSO annual session is in Ft. Worth at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel, Thursday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 28. Devek Frech and all the volunteers have preparations nearly complete. There will be two and a half days of scientific presentations beginning Friday and two full days for the staff. Please see the website for the latest details on the speakers and topics. The Saturday night dinner and entertainment will be at Billy Bob’s. So reserve the dates on your calendar, bring your hat and boots, family, and staff, and join us for a great weekend. I look forward to seeing everyone there.