Voting Information
Voting for the next Governor-elect begins September 27, 2024, and concludes on November 1, 2024.
Eligible voting members (MACPs, FACPs, Members, and 2-year Resident/Fellow Members with an elect date of 9/1/2022 or earlier) will receive an election email containing their unique and personal voting credentials to vote online.
- Ballot materials are not sent from ACP directly. ACP has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to conduct the election.
- Please add noreply@directvote.net as an approved sender so that your ballot arrives safely in your inbox. The subject of the ballot email is “Vote Now! ACP 2024 Governor-elect Election Voting Information”.
- For replacement ballots and election customer service, contact SBS at support@directvote.net or call toll-free 1-866-909-3549, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. ET. For other questions, please call Julie Sinkoff at 215-351-2699 or jsinkoff@acponline.org.
Please review the Governor-elect candidate bios and statements below. When you are ready to vote, return to your election email and follow instructions to cast your ballot!
Melvin S. Blanchard, MD, MACP
To learn more about Dr. Blanchard, read their biosketch below.
Janaki Deepak, MBBS, FACP
To learn more about Dr. Deepak, read their biosketch below.
Candidate Bios
Candidate Statement: I am eager to serve as Governor of the Maryland Chapter ACP to advance the quality of patient care and advocate for our profession. With over 30 years of clinical experience and leadership in multiple clinical settings (academic, community, FQHC, VA), I have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face. My nine years of national leadership in service organizations such as the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine (President and Chair of the Board), local leadership in the ACP and other institutions have equipped me with skills to drive positive change. I have strong experiential skills in using Quality Improvement methodology to narrow gaps between knowledge and practice. I am committed to fostering collaboration that promotes professional development, innovation, and evidence-based practices. As Governor, I will advocate for policies that support physicians and patients, advance educational resources, and strengthen our community. Together, we can build a stronger ACP.
Medical School Education: University of Tennessee College of Medicine
Post-Doctoral Training: Internal Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis/Barnes-Jewish Hospital 1994-1997
Board Certifications: Internal Medicine
Present Employment Position: Chairman of Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center
ACP Chapter and Leadership Activities: Council; Awards Committee; Education Committee, Missouri Chapter; Laureate, Missouri Chapter; Council, Missouri Chapter
ACP National Activities: Mastership 2023; International ACP Lectures organized by the ACP for Einstein University, São Paulo, Brazil 2021
Other Appointments/Activities: Chairman of the Board, Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine; Secretary-Treasurer of the Board, Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine; Advisor, Baltimore Magazine, TOP Docs Issue since 2021; Chairman of Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center (this includes service on 15 Hospital committees)
Areas of Professional Interest and Expertise: Application of Quality Improvement Methodology to Improving Patient Care; Medical Education; Application of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine; High-Value Care
Candidate Statement: I believe the Maryland Chapter is the best in The College. As current Chapter Vice President, Co-Chair of Health and Public Policy, Co-Chair of the Internal Medicine Interest Group, and through my former role as Chair of the International Medical Graduate Committee and participation in the Women in Medicine, Chief Resident committee of Baltimore, Early Career Physician, and Senior Physician WISE Committees, I have engaged with the brightest minds in our Chapter and beyond. Understanding that membership holds unique meanings for everyone, I am committed to fostering valuable interactions for members. I will leverage social media to enhance access, engagement, and information dissemination. I aim to ensure our Chapter's varied voices are strongly represented in local and national advocacy. My goal is to enhance the joy of practicing internal medicine by promoting collaboration, education, and innovation, while positively impacting the health and well-being of physicians, individuals, and communities throughout Maryland.
Medical School Education: Seth G. S. Medical College
Post-Doctoral Training: Internal Medicine Residency, Medstar Harbor Hospital; Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Board Certifications: Internal Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Present Employment Position: Associate Professor, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Director, Tobacco Health Program; Deputy Section Chief Baltimore VA; Director, Lung Mass Clinic and Lung Cancer Screening
ACP Chapter and Leadership Activities: Vice President; Co-Chair, Health and Public Policy Committee; Member and Previous Co-Chair, IMG Subcommittee; Member, Program Committee, Chapter Meeting; Faculty Advisor, Internal Medicine Interest Group Student Committee; Director, Doctors Dilemma Competition; Member, Chief Residents Association of Baltimore (CRAB) Committee; Member, WISE Committee for Senior Retired Internists and sub Specialists; Director, Student Dilemma, Williams Student Conference; Herbert S. Waxman Award for Outstanding Medical Student Educator 2022; Physician of the Year Award, University of Maryland Medical Center, Downtown Campus 2023
ACP National Activities: Membership 2005; Fellowship 2012; Writer and Group Leader, Doctors Dilemma Question Writing Committee; Moderator, Doctors Dilemma; Co-Director Internal Medicine Board Review, Washington DC since 2021; Abstract Reviewer since 2010; Poster Judge
Other Appointments/Activities: Deputy Section Chief, Pulmonary Division, Baltimore VA Medical Center; Director, Lung Mass and Lung Cancer Screening, Baltimore VA Medical Center; Director, Tobacco Health, University of Maryland Medical Center; Faculty Advisor, Internal Medicine Interest Group, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Immunization Commissioner, State of Maryland; Board Member, Tobacco Control Resource Center, State of Maryland; Member, Lung Cancer Collaborative, State of Maryland; Member, Tobacco Action Committee, American Thoracic Society
Areas of Professional Interest and Expertise: Preventive Pulmonary Health including disparities in Tobacco, Vaping and Lung cancer screening; Military Exposures and Effect on Lung Health Medical Education
FAQ
Frequently asked voting questions.
Am I eligible to vote?
Honorary Fellows, Student Members, Non- Physician Affiliates, Physician Affiliates, and Traditional Graduate Members are not eligible to vote.
What if I cannot find my ballot?
How do I update or change my ACP membership status or category so I may vote?
To cast your vote, return to your ballot e-mail for your personalized voting link.
For other questions about the election, contact Julie Sinkoff at jsinkoff@acponline.org or 215-351-2699.