Greetings PAMED Members,
On January 17th, the Board of Trustees met to discuss the 2024 House of Delegates (HOD). I am writing to share information with you about the discussion and decision.
First, I would like to express sincere thanks to over 250 Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) delegates, alternates, trustees, and staff who participated in the 2023 HOD. Your collaboration to enact policy moves PAMED forward and furthers our profession.
What was discussed?
The 2023 HOD adopted Resolution: 23-509 (Format of the House). This resolution requested that PAMED reinstate the traditional three-day, two-night event in a format consistent with the pre-COVID era beginning with the 2024 HOD and that future changes to the format of the House automatically sunset after one year unless voted to be continued by a majority of the HOD. The board acknowledges the voice of the House and is working towards meeting these goals in 2025.
The board represents our membership, including delegates, and authentically works to hear and honor the voices of the delegates while balancing its duties and responsibilities to effectively steward the resources entrusted to it. We are committed to meeting policy goals and objectives, which is why a special meeting of the Board of Trustees was held to evaluate options for the 2024 HOD.
What was considered?
The board considered several options for the 2024 HOD. Crucial factors such as planning, logistics, time commitment of our members serving as delegates, financial impact for PAMED, and member inclusion played an important part in the board’s decision-making process. The board did not approach the decision lightly, each 2024 HOD format option came with benefits and drawbacks including:
- Budgetary implications ranging from $8,000 - $88,000
- Limitations on available space at the Hershey Lodge (constrained to a Sunday – Tuesday adjacent to holidays) and the board’s recognition that weekdays can be difficult for practicing physicians and the patients they serve
- Maximizing networking and mentoring opportunities while respecting our delegates’ time
- Throughout the meeting, all trustee voices were heard, and every option was thoroughly discussed.
What was determined?
Ultimately, the board decided to proceed with Option 2 as listed in the board report.
The 2024 HOD will open with a virtual business session in September 2024. That session will include voting on the standing rules, election nominations from the floor, and oral testimony for all reference committees. Following, the House will reconvene on Friday, October 25 through Saturday, October 26, 2024. House business is expected to conclude in the afternoon on Saturday, with a social to follow Saturday evening.
Please note that the decision by the Board of Trustees only impacts HOD 2024, and it is the intent of the board to work toward the goals of Resolution: 23-509 for HOD 2025.
What is next?
Now that the board has determined the date and time for the 2024 HOD, the planning and details of the full agenda as set by the Speakers will be forthcoming. To ensure you remain up to date, please sign up for HOD Alerts.
Again, thank you for your commitment to PAMED and the House of Medicine.
Sincerely,
John R. Mantione, MD
Chair, Board of Trustees
- To read more about the decision, view the Board Report
- For Specific questions about the board’s direction Connect with Me directly.
- To learn more about what happens at PAMED’s HOD and sign up for alerts, please click here.