South Dakota Chapter News

Congratulations to Dr. Russell A Wilke on National Award

(October 2024) We are pleased to announce that Russell A Wilke, MD MACP is the recipient of Mastership.

The first MACP in the College was presented in 1923 to Dr. James M. Anders, who served the College as President for two terms. He was recognized for extraordinary service to the College and for being one of the most outstanding internists and medical teachers of his day.

Please join me in congratulating them and celebrating this accomplishment at Internal Medicine Meeting 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. To view the full list of national awardees, click here.

2024 Chapter Excellence Award-Gold Level Winner

(August 2024) We are pleased to announce that our chapter is in receipt of the Gold Level of the 2024 Chapter Excellence Award! The award recognizes truly extraordinary chapters that surpass excellence in chapter management. We are in the company of 59 other outstanding chapters. In order to achieve the Gold Level of the Chapter Excellence Award, chapters must meet 20 Bronze criteria, 14 Silver criteria and multiple Gold level activities. Criteria include such activities as having a legislative action plan or agenda, holding a volunteerism/community service activity, holding multiple stand-alone meetings, having revenue sources outside of dues and meeting registration fees, implementing a strategic plan, implementing a formal recruitment and retention plan and measuring outcomes, conducting various activities for Medical Students, Residents and Early Career Physicians. We would like to extend a special thanks to those chapter members who assisted us in all of these endeavors! For their hard work and dedication, we received this award.

Empower Your Advocacy: Introducing Our Comprehensive Toolkit

(August 2024) We are excited to announce the launch of our Advocacy Toolkit: Using Your Voice as a Physician Advocate, a powerful resource designed to equip medical students and physicians with the skills and knowledge needed to become effective advocates for health care in their communities. This toolkit comprises five self-contained and independent modules, each presented as engaging voice-over PowerPoint presentations. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or new to the field, these modules offer valuable insights and practical guidance.

Module Highlights

Physician as Advocate

Discover advocacy tips and real-life examples that showcase how physicians can use their voice to drive positive health outcomes in their communities. This module emphasizes the pivotal role of physicians in advocating for public health.

Legislative Advocacy

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process at both state and federal levels. Learn about the opportunities available for physician advocacy within this process and how to navigate the legislative landscape effectively.

Print Media Advocacy

Explore the various types of print media, their audiences, and their scope in the realm of advocacy. This module provides insights into crafting compelling messages that resonate with readers and drive change through traditional media channels.

Social Media Advocacy

Delve into the dynamic world of social media and its potential as a powerful advocacy tool. Learn about the key features of different social media platforms and how to leverage them to amplify your advocacy efforts and engage a broader audience.

Audio Media Advocacy

Understand the motivations and uses of audio media in advocacy. This module focuses on the unique advantages of podcasts, radio, and other audio formats, offering strategies to effectively communicate your advocacy messages through these channels.

Each module begins with a standard introduction and overview, followed by an in-depth exploration of the topic, and concludes with a concise one-page outline to reinforce key points.

Toolkit: Using Your Voice As A Physician Advocate

By integrating these modules into your advocacy efforts, you will be better equipped to influence public health policy and drive meaningful change. Empower yourself and your community with the tools and knowledge provided in our Advocacy Toolkit.

Together, let's make a difference!

State Health Advocacy August Recess Grassroots Mobilization Challenge

(August 2024) Members of Congress are returning home to their districts during the August congressional recess. During this time, ACP is calling on internal medicine physicians to engage their representatives on important issues we need Congress to act on before the end of 2024.

To incentivize participation in this grassroots mobilization, the Advocates for Internal Medicine Network (ACP grassroots network) is challenging members to see which states will have the highest engagement. Advocates can score points for their states by choosing to take one or more advocacy actions identified in the campaign.

Access the August Recess Grassroots Mobilization Challenge Now!

Congratulations New Chapter Fellows

Bhargavi Ghanta, MD FACP
Martha M Holstein, MD FACP
Ukamaka N Nwadibia, MD FACP
Tamera L Sturm, DO FACP
Tomasz P Stys, MD FACP

(July 2024) Congratulations to the Chapter's new Fellows. Fellowship in the College is an honor. Being an FACP® is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internal medicine physician lives and practices.

Call for Spring 2025 Resolutions

(July 2024) Are you concerned about a practice or clinical issue or have an idea you would like to suggest? If so, you might consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or chapter council.

Initiating a resolution provides ACP members an opportunity to focus attention at the ACP national level on a particular issue or topic that concerns them. Participating in the Board of Governors resolutions process provides the ACP grassroots member a voice and allows you to shape College policy that impacts the practice of internal medicine.

Not sure how to begin drafting a resolution? Researching the College's position on an issue can give you a start. The ACP Board of Governors Resolutions Guide for ACP Members is available to download and will help, too. The Guide was created to provide members a short overview of the resolutions process essentials and highlights critical ACP online resources you must use.

Once drafted, members must submit resolutions to their Governor and/or chapter council. Chapter council approval is required to move resolutions forward to ACP national. Although not official ACP policy, a resolution becomes property of the chapter once the chapter council approves forwarding it to national. If effecting change interests you, the deadline for submitting new resolutions to be heard at the Spring 2025 Board of Governors Meeting is September 27, 2024.

Share your good idea with us. Draft a resolution.

We want to hear from you: Fall 2024 BOG Resolutions

(July 2024) The following resolutions are up for consideration at the Fall 2024 Board of Governors (BOG) Meeting. We invite you to review each resolution and share your support or opposition by completing the electronic response form by August 12.

Developing Policy to Address Consolidation in Healthcare
Gaining an Understanding of the 1-Year and 3-Year Mortality Rates of Patients that Have Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Stays
Supporting Patients’ Access to Documentation and Communications in their Preferred Language
Declaring Access to Equitable, Affordable Healthcare is a Human Right
Developing Policy on Reducing Traffic Fatalities and Injuries in the United States
Revising ACP’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy to Promote an Age-Friendly Professional Home and Create Engagement Opportunities for Senior and Retired Physicians
Advocating for Funding of a Direct Comparison of Two Highly Touted Dietary Approaches to Control Type Two Diabetes Clinical Measures and Costs

Resolutions provide our members an opportunity to focus attention at the national level on particular issues or topics that concern you and gives grassroots members a voice, allowing you to shape College policy that impacts the practice of internal medicine. Involvement in the resolutions feedback process is essential for maintaining a responsive and effective professional organization that truly represents its members.

Your feedback is valuable and will be forwarded to your Governor to assist in their testimony on behalf of the chapter. Thank you for your input.

(NOTE: Proposed resolutions should be considered confidential information and are intended to be viewed by ACP members only. Under no circumstances should proposed resolutions be shared with the news media or social networking media, nor should they be shared with other individuals and organizations. Proposed resolutions do not represent ACP policy.)

Happy Anniversary to our Chapter Members!

Chapter Anniversary Banner

5 Years

Shola A Aluko, MD
Casey N Watkins, MD
Spencer D Schilling, MD
Jared Drenkow, MD
Mark Anthony A Diaz, MD FACP
Fiorela Calderon Sandoval
Amir Makhmalbaf, MD

10 Years

Amy N Evjen, MD
Eddie A Dickes, MD
Brian J Hansen, DO
Alissa J Brummond, MD
Neil R Brummond, MD
Stephen Neabore, MD

15 Years

Tomasz P Stys, MD
Mark G Lounsbery, DO FACP
Arvin L Santos, MD FACP
Fady Ghassan Jamous, MD FACP

20 Years

Elden R Rand, MD FACC FACP
Michael P Pietila, MD FACP
Jitendra R Thakkar, MBBS FACP
Kelly Stacy, MD FACP

(May 2024) Your ACP Chapter thanks you for your continued Membership and all you do every day to serve your patients and support the future of internal medicine. We’re proud that you’ve chosen us as your professional home, and we’re committed to remaining by your side—advocating for and supporting your professional journey.

BOR Action on Spring 2024 BOG Resolutions

(May 2024) A summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at the Spring 2024 Board of Governors (BOG) meeting is now available. Resolutions initiated by ACP members and endorsed by a chapter council and the BOG become ACP policy when adopted by the BOR.

If you have an idea you would like to suggest to ACP, consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or local ACP chapter. Visit the advocacy section of your ACP chapter website for more information on how to propose a resolution.

Congratulations New Chapter Fellows

Miguel E Cervera Hernandez, MD FACP

(April 2024) Congratulations to the Chapter's new Fellows. Fellowship in the College is an honor. Being an FACP® is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internal medicine physician lives and practices.

Member Feedback is Requested on Spring 2024 Resolutions

(February 2024) Twenty-one (21) resolutions will be considered at the Spring 2024 Board of Governors (BOG) Meeting. With the exception of Resolution 9-S24, which will not be debated because this resolution is slated for adoption as a reaffirmation, please review each resolution and then indicate your support or opposition by completing the electronic response form by the deadline your ACP Chapter Governor has requested or by midnight March 13, whichever comes first.

Your comments will be forwarded to your Governor to be used as part of his/her testimony on behalf of the chapter. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Giampietro, BOG Administrator, at chapter@acpmembership.org. Thank you for your input.

Call for Fall 2024 Resolutions

(February 2024) Are you concerned about a practice or clinical issue or have an idea you'd like to suggest? If so, you might consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or chapter council.

Not sure how to begin drafting a resolution? Researching the College's position on an issue can give you a start. The just released ACP Board of Governors Resolutions Guide for ACP Members is now available to download and will help, too. The Guide was created to provide members a short overview of the resolutions process essentials and highlights critical ACP online resources you must use.

Once drafted, members must submit resolutions to their Governor and/or chapter council. Chapter council approval is required to move resolutions forward to ACP national. Although not official ACP policy, a resolution becomes property of the chapter once the chapter council approves forwarding it to national. If effecting change interests you, the deadline for submitting new resolutions to be heard at the Fall 2024 Board of Governors Meeting is March 29, 2024.

Share your good idea with us. Draft a resolution.

Congratulations New Chapter Fellow

Olusola Ogundipe, MD FACP

(February 2024) Congratulations to the Chapter's new Fellow. Fellowship in the College is an honor. Being an FACP® is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internal medicine physician lives and practices.

Frontier Medicine, Minesweeping and Hoffstenisms

(January 2024) Many of you may not know of the brilliant, pony-tailed Internist-Nephrologist from Pierre South Dakota, but Phil Hoffsten was the epitome of an old school internist. He passed away last week in Florida with family and friends present after fighting Alzheimer’s.

I had the privilege to join his multi-specialty group back in 1998. Phil was the ‘senior’ internist and had a gruff exterior to everyone he worked with. He demanded the best of himself and his staff. He was a constant teacher, challenging you to give evidence for what you saw and what you wanted to do. He wouldn’t take the simple answer given and would research the answers till he was satisfied. He took the new internists – me and Phil Meyer - and built a legacy of high-quality frontier medicine. He challenged us always to be at the front of medicine and to find a way to provide great care. In our ACP Phil was best known for presenting “Have I got a case for you” at our annual scientific meetings. He was an internists’ internist and practiced both inpatient and outpatient medicine and ran our dialysis unit for central South Dakota. He was well known for his “Hoffstenisms” - words of wisdom that have only proven truer as I have aged in my practice. He made his thoughts known about efficiency many times in partnership meetings and brought us each a shirt on the topic once, one I still have to this day, and still rings true. (Picture attached)

He loved to challenge himself, and for those of you who know the computer add on game “Minesweeper” he did them all … in order … to test himself. His dedication to his patients was just the same. I was so proud to award my friend his MACP Mastership in the College.

He was kind and gracious with his time. He loved to challenge himself physically and played racquetball and martial arts. Phil would always smile with a Boodle’s Gin and Tonic in hand and that would lead to a great story or joke. His wife Peggy was ever his support and at his side, supporting the man she loved and being the special person she was.

Phil moved to Florida to be with his kids’ families after retirement. He came back a few times to check in with friends and our last visit was in 2021. Thank you, Phil, for teaching me about life, past medicine and taking me out of my comfort zone to build the physician I am today.

Rob Allison, MD MACP

Past Governor SD Chapter of the ACP (2019-2023)

Call for Chapter Award Nomination

(January 2024) Do you have a colleague who deserves recognition for their fantastic work? It’s that time of year when we get to recognize the excellent work of our fellow ACP members! On behalf of the Awards Committee, I invite your nominations for the awards listed below:

SD Chapter Awards (Prior Chapter Award winners can be viewed HERE.)

Humanitarian of the Year: This award is given for outstanding contributions to humanism in medicine and recognizes scholarly activities in literature, philosophy, and ethics.
Award for Volunteerism: This award is bestowed upon a member who has initiated or been involved in volunteer programs or provided exemplary volunteer service. The volunteer activity may include education and teaching endeavors, service to the underprivileged, or work with community service organizations and should be medically related.
Teacher of the Year: This award honors a member who exemplifies talent, enthusiasm, and professionalism in medical education. The recipient may demonstrate excellence in education at the medical student, graduate, or continuing education level.
Early Career Physician of the Year: This award honors an internist who is practicing in the state of South Dakota and is within sixteen years of graduation from medical school. The recipient should demonstrate the ideals of the profession and maintain an active role in the activities of the SD ACP.

National Awards

National ACP Awards: These awards recognize ACP members in a number of categories. Please review all of these possible categories HERE.

Our chapter is full of internists who contribute greatly to the care of our communities and development of internal medicine. Please take just a few minutes to think about who you would like to recognize and send a brief supporting statement to Kris Rahm by January 26, 2024. If you have any questions about the awards or committee activities, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. We appreciate your time and look forward to reviewing the nominations.

Sincerely, Jennifer Hsu, MD FACP FIDSA Chair, SDACP Awards Committee

BOR Action on Fall 2023 BOG Resolutions

(December 2023) A summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at the Fall 2023 Board of Governors (BOG) meeting is now available. Resolutions initiated by ACP members and endorsed by a chapter council and the BOG become ACP policy when adopted by the BOR.

Congratulations New Chapter Fellows

Richard J Brue, DO FACP

(November 2023) Congratulations to the Chapter's new Fellows. Fellowship in the College is an honor. Being an FACP^® is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internal medicine physician lives and practices.

2023 Chapter Excellence Award – Gold Winner

We are pleased to announce that our chapter is in receipt of the Gold Level of the 2023 Chapter Excellence Award! The award recognizes truly extraordinary chapters that surpass excellence in chapter management. We are in the company of 54 other outstanding chapters. In order to achieve the Gold Level of the Chapter Excellence Award, chapters must meet nineteen Bronze criteria, seventeen Silver criteria and multiple Gold level activities. Criteria include such activities as having a legislative action plan or agenda, holding a volunteerism/community service activity, holding multiple stand-alone meetings, having revenue sources outside of dues and meeting registration fees, implementing a strategic plan, implementing a formal recruitment and retention plan and measuring outcomes, conducting various activities for Medical Students, Residents and Early Career Physicians.

We would like to extend a special thanks to those chapter members who assisted us in all of these endeavors! For their hard work and dedication, we received this award.

We Request Your Feedback on the Proposed Fall 2023 Board of Governors Resolutions

(August 2023) We would like to request your feedback regarding resolutions that will be considered at the Fall 2023 Board of Governors Meeting. With the exception of Resolution 3-F23 which was accepted as a reaffirmation and will not be debated, please review the balance of the slate and then indicate your support or opposition by completing the resolutions electronic response form by August 30th.

After considering the intent of each resolution and how it fits with the College’s Mission and Goals, please provide your feedback on each resolution and indicate your support or opposition by completing the electronic response form by August 30. Your input will be used as part of testimony on behalf of the chapter.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to provide comments regarding these resolutions. By providing your feedback on the Board of Governors resolutions, you have helped to shape College policy that impacts the practice of internal medicine.

Congratulations Dr. Diaz on Fellowship

Mark Anthony A Diaz, MD FACP

(July 2023) Congratulations to the Chapter's new Fellow. Fellowship in the College is an honor. Being an FACP^® is a distinction earned from colleagues who recognize your accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internal medicine physician lives and practices.

Call for Spring 2024 BOG Resolutions

(July 2023) Are you concerned about a practice or clinical issue or have an idea you'd like to suggest? If so, you might consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or chapter council.

Not sure how to begin drafting a resolution? Researching the College's position on an issue can give you a start. The recently released ACP Board of Governors Resolutions Guide for ACP Members is now available to download and will help, too. The Guide was created to provide members a short overview of the resolutions process essentials and highlights critical ACP online resources you must use.

Once drafted, members must submit resolutions to their Governor and/or chapter council. Chapter council approval to move resolutions forward to ACP national is required. A resolution becomes a resolution of the chapter once the chapter council approves forwarding it to national. If effecting change interests you, the deadline for submitting new resolutions to be heard at the Spring 2024 Board of Governors Meeting is October 16, 2023.

Share your good idea with us. Draft a resolution.

BOR Action on Spring 2023 BOG Resolutions

(June 2023) summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at the Spring 2023 Board of Governors (BOG) meeting is now available. Resolutions initiated by ACP members and endorsed by a chapter council and the BOG become ACP policy when adopted by the BOR.

Chapter Members Elected to ACP Fellowship

(March 2023) We would like to congratulate our chapter members on election to Fellow of the American College of Physicians. The distinction recognizes achievements in internal medicine.

Anthony S Sallar, MD FACP

Chencheng Xie, MD FACP

Fellowship is elected upon the recommendation of peers and the review of ACP’s Credentials Subcommittee. They may now use the letters “FACP” after their name in recognition of this honor. Please join me in congratulations!

Member Feedback is Requested on Spring 2023 Resolutions

(March 2023) Fourteen (14) resolutions will be considered at the Spring 2023 Board of Governors (BOG) Meeting. Please review each resolution and then indicate your support or opposition by completing the electronic response form by the deadline your ACP Chapter Governor has requested or by March 22, whichever comes first.

Your comments will be forwarded to the Chapter Governor to be used as part of their testimony on behalf of the chapter. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Giampietro, BOG Administrator, at chapter@acpmembership.org. Thank you for your input.

Call for Fall 2023 Resolutions

(February 2023) Are you concerned about a practice or clinical issue or have an idea you'd like to suggest? If so, you might consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or chapter council.

Once drafted, members must submit resolutions to their Governor and/or chapter council. Chapter council approval to move resolutions forward to ACP national is required. A resolution becomes a resolution of the chapter once the chapter council approves forwarding it to national. If effecting change interests you, the deadline for submitting new resolutions to be heard at the Fall 2023 Board of Governors Meeting is March 30, 2023.

Share your good idea with us. Draft a resolution.

Board of Regents Action on Fall 2022 BOG Resolutions

(November 2022) A summary of Board of Regents (BOR) actions on resolutions debated at the Fall 2022 Board of Governors (BOG) meeting is now available. Resolutions initiated by ACP members and endorsed by a chapter council and the BOG become ACP policy when adopted by the BOR.

If you have an idea you'd like to suggest to ACP, consider submitting a resolution to your Governor or local ACP chapter. Visit your ACP chapter website for more information on how to contact your Governor or chapter staff about proposing a resolution.

Chapter Members Elected to ACP Fellowship

(November 2022) We would like to congratulate our chapter members on election to Fellow of the American College of Physicians. The distinction recognizes achievements in internal medicine.

Mohammed S S Alzoubaidi, MBBS FACP
Lucio N Margallo, MD FACP

Congratulations Eric A. Larson, MD, MACP and Tim M. Ridgway, MD, MACP on Mastership

(October 2022) We are excited to share that the Mastership Committee and the Board of Regents have approved Eric A. Larson, MD, MACP and Tim M. Ridgway, MD, MACP to receive an award recognition during the 2023 Internal Medicine Meeting in San Diego, California.

ACP Bylaws state that Masters shall be Fellows who have been selected because of “integrity, positions of honor, impact in practice or in medical research, or other attainments in science or in the art of medicine.” Masters must be highly accomplished persons demonstrating impact in practice, leadership, or in medical research. Evidence of their achievements can come from many types of endeavors, such as renown within their field and/or ACP chapter, research, education, health care initiatives, volunteerism, administrative positions, care of patients, and service to their community.

One of the goals of the American College of Physicians is to “recognize excellence and distinguished contributions to internal medicine.” As a way of achieving this goal, the College offers 21 awards and a number of Masterships each year. Annually, awardees and MACPs are honored at the Convocation ceremony held during the Internal Medicine meeting. A list of past awardees and MACPs may be found online at www.acponline.org/awardslist.