From the Chair: ACEP24

Exploring Retirement Section Meeting - September 29, 2024

Our meeting was called to order with the room filled with old friends. There was business to attend to, and in the spirit of camaraderie, it was dispensed with rather efficiently.

Elections were held, without additional nominees from the floor, so the prior nominee slate was approved for a two-year term:

• Chair- Dr. Steve Anderson
• Vice Chair- Dr. Fred Dennis
• Newsletter Editor- Dr. Pam Bensen

Additionally, Dr. Dan Mayer was approved as a co-editor to assist Dr. Benson.

For a one-year term to represent us next year in Salt Lake City as section councillor, Dr. Charlie Pattavina was nominated and approved. We also approved three additional alternates, so each of the Reference Committee rooms could be covered.

Brief reports from several of the Affinity Groups were given, highlighted by Dr. Jay Kaplan from Wellness, proposing a website playing off retirement as “reFIREment” - exploring ways to re-energize with new directions. Dr. Linda Lawrence promoted further the opportunities to coach & mentor, including a group meeting in Vegas to empower women (further playing off the four women elected the day before to the ACEP Board of Directors).

The highlight and most powerful portion of the meeting, however, was an emotional panel discussion on “Cognitive Changes with Aging.” With lots of input from the entire room, the panel brought very personal experiences to the discussion. Led by this year’s Wiegenstein award winner, Dr. Deb Perina, and flanked by Dr. Bensen and Dr. Dennis, we discussed many of the topics covered in our last newsletter devoted to a discussion on dementia. Early recognition, differential diagnosis, concomitant depression/anxiety, and possible treatments were discussed. Emphasis was placed on calming, repetitive demeanor, avoidance of harm, forgiving love, and when additional support is in order. Realistic planning, but never giving up, were the final closings from the sometimes tearful, always heartfelt participants.

We finished with a discussion on volunteerism, and how giving of your time, talents, and gifts can help keep you relevant in retirement. Tony Vellucci spoke of the Wiegenstein Legacy Society ongoing support for the Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF). We finished with a quote from Winston Churchill: we make a living by what we earn. We make a life by what we give.

Until our next Zoom, there were too many to count hugs & promises to stay in touch, as we continue to support each other as we explore the world away from the gurney and try to REMAIN RELEVANT.

Steve Anderson, MD, FACEP
Chair, Exploring Retirement Section