The FINANCIAL — AOA’s newest president ascribes to two, self-proclaimed personal maxims that succinctly characterize his incoming leadership and personality.
The first, a “yes we can” motto that the Colorado doctor lives by and plans to espouse with his 2015-2016 presidential term; and the second: “Everyone remembers the man in the bowtie.”
Steven A. Loomis, O.D., and other AOA officers and members of the Board of Trustees were sworn into office on the final day of the 118th Annual AOA Congress & 44th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry’s Meeting in Seattle, Washington.
“This is our time,” Dr. Loomis proclaimed as he delivered his inaugural address to state delegates. “This moment is not about me, this moment is about us and how we are going to lead this profession now.”
Dr. Loomis cited the AOA’s increased participation in federal government as both an opportunity and a challenge. He also noted achievements in this arena, such as the breakthrough of the children’s essential benefit, and Harkin national provider nondiscrimination law–the latter of which is still targeted by outside groups constantly.
“You and I have work to do. Partner with the AOA,” Dr. Loomis charged delegates.
Dr. Loomis addressed embracing technology that benefits patients, but protecting them from businesses that claim their technology is a substitute for comprehensive eye exams by an optometrist. He also noted transitioning students into AOA membership to protect the profession’s future, and medical eye care as an opportunity ahead.
“It is our turn to lead, to communicate, to legislate and educate,” Dr. Loomis said in closing. “I look forward to doing great things with you.”
In other election results, Andrea P. Thau, O.D., of New York, was elected president-elect of the AOA. Serving on the board since 2007, Dr. Thau says the AOA’s challenge moving forward “is to ensure that our members have access to their patients, the ability to provide full-scope care and payment parity.” Read more about Dr. Thau.
Christopher J. Quinn, O.D., of New Jersey, was elected vice president after serving on the board since 2008. Read more about Dr. Quinn. And Samuel D. Pierce, O.D., of Alabama, was elected secretary-treasurer after serving as a trustee since 2009. Read more about Dr. Pierce.
James P. DeVleming, O.D., of Washington, and William T. Reynolds, Jr., O.D., of Kentucky, were also elected by state delegates to renewed board terms. Read more about Drs. DeVleming and Reynolds.
Ronald L. Benner, O.D., of Montana, was elected to the board for the first time and will serve a one year term. Dr. Benner is a past president of the Montana Optometric Association and has served numerous committees, including chairing the AOA Political Action Committee (AOA-PAC) since 2010. Read more about Dr. Benner.
Barbara L. Horn, O.D., of Michigan; Gregory A. Caldwell, O.D., of Pennsylvania; Robert C. Layman, O.D., of Ohio; each continue their terms on the board, as well. Read more about Drs. Horn, Caldwell and Layman.
Dennis M. Brtva, O.D., of Illinois, formally withdrew his bid for the office on Saturday’s AOA House of Delegates and endorsed all other candidates. Dr. Brtva, a past president of the Illinois Optometric Association, said he will continue toward his goal of representing corporate doctors on the board, and announced his candidacy for the 119th AOA Congress in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2016.
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