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Chapter Leadership: Vermont From Vermont Governor - J. Christian Higgins, M.D., FACC: GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE 
I am writing to you as the newly installed Governor for Vermont, Northern New England Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (NNE-ACC). Marco Diaz, MD FACC, Governor for Maine; Robert Capodilupo, MD FACC, Governor for New Hampshire and I are bringing life back to the Northern New England Chapter. The College has been working hard to gain a position at the Healthcare table, trying to influence healthcare policy and bring pressure to bear on legislative issues. As we see in the news and read in the papers on a daily basis, Healthcare is being decided by large insurance companies and governmental regulation. If we are not seated at the table we will likely be on the menu (Lewin 2006).
The Northern New England Chapter of the ACC was chartered in November, 1991 by Dr. Martin Lewinter representing Vermont, Dr. Costas T. Lambrew representing Maine and Dr. Robert M. Lavery representing New Hampshire. Their original intent was to share information, science and their experiences in a collegial manner and foster a sense of camaraderie between colleagues practicing in Northern New England. We are fortunate to have two major teaching institutions in our practice area. Unfortunately this has also led to a diminished need for the local sharing of information as academia is local and readily available. Over time, the enthusiasm for and the activities of the NNE-ACC have waned. The present political climate in Healthcare combined with the CMS’s budget constraints and the flawed SGR formula present challenges and opportunities for our involvement. The need for a strong and unified voice, advocating not only for our patients but also for ourselves, has arisen. I would emphasize that we advocate not as a trade organization protecting our interests but as a professional society advocating for our patients and for the ongoing delivery of high quality healthcare that only we, as cardiovascular specialists, can deliver. The current Governors of New Hampshire and Maine have included a statement in this inaugural NNE-ACC Newsletter. I hope that you will read them. I will be contacting each of you regarding any concerns or issues that you may have specific to your patients or your practice. It is my hope that we can develop a relationship with our legislators that will allow them to see us as a resource and ally instead of merely consumers, sacrificial lambs on the altar for their political survival. J. Christian Higgins, M.D., FACC CCA Chapter Liaison: Gregory L. Ehle, PA-C ACC Board of Governor Election RESULTS! The Northern New England Chapter and the National Office of the ACC are pleased to announce that the Vermont Governor-elect for March 2010 through March 2011 is: Edward F. Terrien, M.D., FACC At the March 2011 ACC Annual Scientific Session, Dr. Terrien will assume the duties of Vermont Governor from March 2011 through March 2014. Congratulations Edward. ACC CCA Chapter Liaison Work Group Election RESULTS! In addition, the Chapter and the National Office are pleased to announce that the Vermont CCA Chapter Liaison-elect for March 2010 through March 2011 is Lori L. Peneston, RN. In March 2011, during the 60th Annual Scientific Session, Lori will assume the duties of CCA Chapter Liaison for March 2011 through March 2014. Congratulations Lori.
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