A Message for the Chile Section of ACOG

As your first District Chair, I would like to wish the entire Chile Section of ACOG a warm and enthusiastic “¡Feliz Año Nuevo!” as you begin 2010! 

There is a well  nown saying that “Timing is everything” and that is indeed a very true statement.  It was my very good fortune to be the Chair of District I at the exact time in history that the Chile Section formed and joined ACOG.  Indeed, your creation of the Chile Section is truly historic.  You were the first South American Section to become active in ACOG, and we in District I are very proud that we are associated with you.

In the very short time since we were introduced to each other, it has been my pleasure  to meet so many of your members at our ACOG national meetings in New Orleans in 2008, and in Chicago in 2009.  In addition, Drs Guzman and Suarez have attended District meetings that we have held in 2008 and 2009.  You have already added a whole new dimension to our District meetings and our interactions – the world is getting smaller!

The most memorable time that we have spent together was at the SOCHOG Congress, held this past November.  My wife and I were honored to attend the meeting and meet so many more ACOG Chile members.  I was very surprised and very, very touched to be made an Honorary Fellow of SOCHOG.  In addition to being your first District I Chair, it was such an amazing honor to also be associated with your national society, which has had so long and rich a tradition in our specialty.  Words cannot express the tremendous gratitude that I have for you all.  .  You have such a beautiful country, and such very warm and friendly people!

Sadly, I have just concluded my term as District I Chair, but I am very happy to continue as your friend-for-life! 

Dr. Ronald Burkman is the new Chair and many of you have already met him this past November also.  He is a wonderful person, an excellent professor and will be an extremely good Chair for District I.

I look forward to continuing our friendship for many years to come, and hope to see you all at ACOG meetings in the USA and in Chile!!

Warmest good wishes,

Mark S. DeFrancesco, MD