United by a shared commitment to individual and population health, especially at a time when prevention is on of mind, you can feel the power of proximity and minds moving on day one of PM2025! It was more than a kickoff for PM2025, it was a statement: Preventive medicine is not only relevant, but it is also essential. Be sure to stay engaged with ACPM on social media throughout PM2025. Tag us and use #PM2025:
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The day with several engaging workshops focused on skill building and professional development:
- Residency program directors convened to discuss emerging issues, share insights on their programs and discuss best practices to shape the next generation of physicians in public health.
- Media training focused on developing communications strengths to deliver clear and courageous remarks for medical and public health topics in the public eye. Participants took time to practice their skills with one another, taking mock interviews and sourcing feedback from experts
- The VA-led Military Environmental Exposure (MEE) Symposium and resident’s workshop on emergency preparedness included valuable CME opportunities for prevention-centered topics.
The energy was matched by our exhibitors who transformed the venue into a hub of learning. For those exploring our new Town Square sessions, it was impossible to miss the energy in the air:
- Lightning rounds were buzzing with fast-moving topics and engaging conversations to move ACPM forward.
- In The Room Where It Happens, passionate members made their voice heard in efforts to acknowledge the status of preventive medicine and how our specialty can position itself for success.
The opening session convened the full community of attendees. We were welcomed by Bellevue Mayor Leanne Robinson, and I was honored to join ACPM President Dr. Mirza Rahman Secretary Dr. Jill Waalen, as well as Finance Committee Member Dr. Edward Fess, to deliver the State of the College, where we shared not only where ACPM stands today—but also a vision of where the College needs to go.
President Rahman offered heartfelt reflections on his tenure as president and remarked on the values of leadership, resilience and empathy as his presidency comes to an end. He recognized four honorees for the ACPM President’s Award:
- The American Board of Preventive Medicine
- Preventive Medicine Residency Program Directors
- ACPM Membership Committee Chair Prasad Acharya
- ACPM Director of Residency Engagement and Development Anita Balan
I was honored to award ACPM’s Volunteer of the Year Award to Dr. Lisa Waddell, for her many contributions to the College. We then heard from Conference Chair Dr. Yuri Jadotte and Vice Chair Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky, who welcomed attendees and provided an overview of what was to come for the next three days of education, connection and “Moving the Needle for Preventive Medicine and Public Health.”
It was a pleasure to recognize Dr. Matthew Boulton, as he accepted the ACPM Board of Regents’ Scientific Excellence Award, honoring his devotion to the pursuit of knowledge and scientific rigor. He delivered a wonderful encapsulation of his legacy and inspirations for research and innovation.
Turning to one of the most anticipated events of the conference — the Katharine Boucot Sturgis Award and Lecture — Dr. Leith States, Former Acting Assistant Secretary for Health delivered a passionate and timely speech, honoring Dr. Sturgis’s legacy of excellence in preventive medicine. Dr. States delivered a lecture that met the moment public health is at, challenging ACPM members to move prevention forward.
“So be vigilant and move when the opportunity shows itself and move with confidence, especially in lock step with the communities that you serve. Incremental change may be the rule, but watershed moments should be pursued. Don’t lose sight of the audacious.”
-Leith States, 2025 Katharine Boucot Sturgis Lecturer
It was a reminder that with challenges surrounding, we must make strides where we can, with what we can.
After attending the opening session and networking with colleagues, many attendees joined the newly relaunched Sections where Fellows spoke with residents, students engaged with potential vendors and early career physician shared their voice among peers. These connections are what moves us forward. not just nice to have, they’re what move us forward.
As Interim CEO, I know that preventive medicine is ready to meet the challenges of today’s environment. It was an invigorating start to conference – with connection, education and innovation – and we get to do it again tomorrow!
Melissa Ferrari, CAE
Interim CEO
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