A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

As NAAMA embraces 2012, we are truly grateful for the support of our members and the community. We look back on the past year with pride at three successful medical conferences through which our members received continuing medical education. We underscored our commitment to sharing medical knowledge with our fellow physicians by holding NAAMA’s 25th International Medical Convention in Amman, Jordan, despite unrest in the Arab region. We ventured for the first time to South America to do the same with the Arab Argentine medical community.

We look back on the year in which NAAMA donated funds to equip a much-needed ophthalmology clinic in ElKhiam, Lebanon, that services the entire region and provided funds to assist Iraqi Refugee Physicians prepare for and take the United States Medical Licensing Exam, both examples of our humanitarian mission.

NAAMA has served its members since 1975. We celebrate 37 years of professional education, professional networking and lifelong friendships, humanitarian and charitable work and bridge building that connects our countries of origin with our home country, America.

Following in the footsteps of NAAMA’s 27 past presidents, I proudly assume the role of president for 2012. Even after 37 years, there is still a need for NAAMA! Continuing medical education, professional networking and humanitarianism never go out of style. We face challenges as any member organization does in these economic times. But I’m more convinced than ever that NAAMA’s relevance to our careers, our patients, our families and our communities is greatest now. As Arab countries evolve politically and socially, NAAMA stands ready to send medical supplies, equipment and volunteers as the need arises. This is what our founders meant by our humanitarian mission. The board and I will monitor events and take action in whatever ways are appropriate for NAAMA.

My vision for NAAMA this year is the addition of at least two chapters in major U.S. cities and growth in the membership of NAAMA’s 27 existing chapters. There are thousands of Arab American physicians, dentists and pharmacists are all over this great country serving their communities. We know they’re out there but they might not know NAAMA is here for them! It is you, our current NAAMA members and their families, who can best recruit your friends, colleagues and co-workers. In addition, we look to further enhance the value of NAAMA for members with the addition of new and discounted services that professional medical practitioners use daily in their practice. Finally, I wish to arrange for academic exchanges between medical institutions in the Arab world and NAAMA members whose expertise runs the gamut of medical specialties.

My commitment and that of the board of directors is to maintain the mission envisioned by our founding members at the same time we evolve to meet the ever changing times. Strong and active membership and financial stability will keep NAAMA viable.

Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me and the newly seated board of directors. We look forward to working with you in the next year and leading NAAMA forward.

Aziz Shaibani, MD
NAAMA National President, 2012

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