Year-End 2010
Happy Holidays,
On behalf of the TPAA 2010 team, we would like to thank you, the members, for your participation in our events this year. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the 2010 team for their hard work and dedication to our beloved TPAA.
It has been an event-filled year that is now nearing its end, and I am proud to highlight the many accomplishments that TPAA 2010 has achieved.
1. We had a successful annual convention in Chiang Rai that featured CME, a modified Medical Mission, the Rural School Children’s Project, attractive local tours, nightly activities in different venues, and of course an unforgettable Gala Dinner.
2. We redesigned the TPAA website, giving it a more professional look and adding functionality for our members.
3. We entered the age of social media and started our own Facebook page for members to communicate to each other.
4. We sparked the interest of our next generation physicians in the association and enlisted their participation as co-chairs in key positions in the administration. We also elected 3 of them to BOD positions.
5. On Memorial Day, our next generation physicians sponsored a CME event which featured our own members as keynote speakers on various topics of career development.
6. The TPAA All Chapters Meeting was sponsored by the Midwest Chapter this year and was held this past Labor Day weekend on a France River Cruise.
7. We passed a bylaw to include osteopathic doctors (D.O.’s) as our regular members.
8. We formed a TPAA-U.S. Training Network committee which will utilize TPAA’s resources to help guide physicians from both Thailand and the U.S. to find further training opportunities.
Lastly, as the outgoing president, I urge future TPAA presidents to continue to involve our next generation physicians who are our hope to ensure that TPAA survives and thrives for many years to come.
Have a wonderful holiday,
Pisit Rangsithienchai, M.D.
Summer 2010
Dear Members,
As TPAA is now in its 32nd year of serving our members, a new group of next generation, Thai-American physicians has emerged and is waiting to involve themselves in the association. In order for our beloved organization to move into the future, we need to evolve and incorporate this new group and inspire them to carry on the traditions of TPAA. While this process presents many challenges, it is well worth our time and effort to ensure that TPAA lives on. As president, there are a few issues I would now like to address in this communication.
First and foremost, I would like to congratulate and welcome Drs. Chris Malaisrie, Ped Bunsongsikul, and Arada Ronkavilit to our Board of Directors. As next generation, Thai-American physicians, their contributions and experience will be a great asset for our organization. We will also look to them to attract and recruit more next generation physicians to join TPAA and help lead us into the future.
Secondly, I would like to congratulate the Communication and Membership Committees’ website development team for their long hours and arduous work on redesigning and updating the TPAA website (www.tpaa.us). Mirroring other professional society websites, our new one really enables our association to move forward and efficiently and effectively communicate all the activities, events, and business of TPAA with our members. The site also nicely organizes the history of our association so prospective members and other guests can easily identify who we are and what we are about. Therefore, I would like to invite all members to visit our new website and provide the development team with your thoughts and comments.
Thirdly, we are still looking for volunteers to contribute to our medical mission in Cairo, Egypt on October 29-30, 2010. We will be working out of the Thai Embassy in Cairo and helping our fellow Thai citizens who are experiencing some medical issues. Not only is this a worthwhile cause, but the post-mission tour to the Land of the Sphinx adds an attractive adventure as well. For more details, please see the website and contact Dr. Sripatt Kulkamthorn or myself if you are interested.
Lastly, the Spring/Summer issue of the TPAA newsletter will also be mailed to you in the near future.
Have a wonderful summer.
Best Regards,
Pisit Rangsithienchai, M.D.
President, TPAA 2010
Winter/Spring 2010
Dear TPAA members,
The 2010 annual convention in Chiang Rai, Thailand was well attended by our members and guests this past February. One of the highlights that received much praise was the joint CME program, “Current Trends in Medicine – East meets West.” Participants were comprised of both TPAA members and local healthcare providers including attending physicians, residents, medical students, and nurses from Chiang Rai Regional Hospital. Also receiving favorable comments was the modified medical mission program that included specialty workshops, clinics, and the rural school children project. Our donation of medical equipment was a welcomed gift as well.
On the social side, the convention tours to different points of interest in the northern provinces were a hit for our members. Those who stayed back were able to enjoy two days of perfect golfing weather that provided the setting for fun and friendly competition. Our members also enjoyed all the different social events each evening. Highlights included the Mae Fah Luang Cultural Park excursion with a memorable celebration in traditional Thai Lanna fashion and the BBQ-Karaoke evening program with its “surprise” entertainment. Of course we punctuated the annual convention with a Gala Dinner in grand Lanna style with delicious food and entertaining performances.
The post-convention tours to China and Japan provided a venue where our members and guests were able to relax and enjoy the different cultures. Last but not least, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the 2010 annual convention team and to our members who attended this event.
See you in Hua Hin in 2011.
Best Regards
Pisit Rangsithienchai, M.D.