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Over the past several months, I’ve had the privilege of visiting various ACOFP state society meetings and student chapter meetings at our Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (COMs). These interactions have been inspiring, allowing me to connect with fellow osteopathic family physicians, residents, and students and to gain valuable insights into our diverse and vibrant ACOFP community. It has been a privilege to engage with them and learn about what is happening in our states, and I am deeply grateful for the warm reception I’ve received at every stop.
Looking ahead, I am excited about my upcoming visits to additional ACOFP state societies and COMs. These visits will give us more opportunities to foster connections, share knowledge, and strengthen our ties as a united osteopathic family. Your participation and engagement are invaluable in shaping the future of our profession. I also ask for your help by encouraging ACOFP membership to every family physician in your circle of influence. Only together can we grow our wonderful organization and achieve new heights!
My presidential theme of legacy honors the achievements and inspirations provided by past leaders and promotes the possibilities of what’s to come. In this issue of Osteopathic Family Physician and in future issues, we will aim to spotlight past presidents who remain active in our organization with their service and continue to grow their legacies in the ACOFP. While our commitment to improving our patients’ health is essential, so is our active involvement in leadership. There are many ways for you to involve yourself in this endeavor and one great way is to become more active in the ACOFP. Our website can provide more information on various ways to be engaged as leaders in service.
As proud members of the osteopathic family, it is vital that we continue to uphold the legacy of our profession’s founder, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, whose birthday was celebrated in August. Let’s promote osteopathic medicine every chance we get and recharge our dedication to the osteopathic principles and practices that guide us as osteopathic family physicians. We can be the gold standard role models for the thousands of new osteopathic medical students and residents who recently embarked on our collective journey. Let us be inspired by the leadership of our past, with a bright outlook for the future as we continue to incorporate new technologies, innovation, and knowledge in medicine to enhance the future of health care and wellness of our patients and ourselves.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your commitment to the ACOFP community and wish you all the best in your practices and endeavors.
Professionally Yours,
David J. Park, DO, FAAFP, FACOFP dist. 2023–24 ACOFP President