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DedicatioFn
or the pasts 3 1⁄2 years the Washtenaw County Medical Society has been fortunate to have Gabrielle Szlenkier at the helm as its executive director. Gabrielle brought to the position youthful enthusiasm, intelligence, perceptiveness, a
passion for advocacy, people skills, loyalty, and dedication to promoting the goals of the society. She understood and appreciated that the WCMS, founded in 1827, was the first county medical society in Michigan and that it had a tradition of providing leadership in both local and state medical affairs to uphold, which she embodied in her work. Her writing and editorial skills were admirably demonstrated
as she improved our regular communications and oversaw the publishing of the quarterly WCMS Bulletin. She understood politics and lobbying, which strengthened out legislative affairs work.
We knew that what we had to offer would not
keep someone with Gabrielle’s skills for an extended period and that she would some day look for new opportunities to grow. She has taken a new position with the U.S. Department of Justice.
We will miss her and wish her Godspeed in her new endeavor. •
- Richard E. Burney MD, Editor
What to Look For in This Issue of the Bulletin
By Richard E. Burney, MD
Alarge portion of this issue of the Bulletin is devoted to business that came before the 2021 House of Delegates. I call your attention to two articles in particular: first, an essay on the membership crisis, which is affecting both county and state societies, and second, related to that, two resolutions that were passed at the HOD related to that crisis. I encourage you read Resolution 13-21 (page 24) and to take the time to read the fine print from the Reference Committee accompanying HOD Resolution 04-21 (page 21).
WCMS President Terence Joiner calls attention to the importance of non-profit groups in our community. He has
been featuring brief presentations by these groups as a regular part of the monthly Executive Committee meetings to raise awareness of the important work they do.
For diversion, you can turn to Share Your Story, in which the adventure of the ‘trip north’ on vacation in the 1950’s is recounted by one who was a child at the time. This may be the first of a series about family vacation cottages, which are a Michigan tradition. •
6 Washtenaw County Medical Society BULLETIN FALL 2021