National health reform and emergency medicine

I accept the responsibility of the office of President of ACEP today with great pride--not in myself at having achieved this prestigious office, but rather in the specialty of emergency medicine. I am honored to have the privilege and pleasure of your association and support, and I am immensely proud of being an emergency physician. I have presented these ideas and challenges in a spirit of enthusiasm and optimism for emergency medicine and ACEP. Innovation, courage, and determination are our heritage and will hopefully forever be our legacy. Emergency physicians truly are on the leading edge of the great issues of our society. I believe the time has come for us to assume a leadership position in medicine that reflects the dedication, compassion, and pioneering spirit on which this specialty was founded nearly 25 years ago--and which is so evident in this room today. Please join me in this exciting and worthwhile endeavor.