Kane County Medical Society

Published in the May-June 2012 Edition of the KCMS BULLETIN

As I have grown older, I have become more aware of the workings of politics. It can be summed up in one of Dr. Wayne Polek's expressions, "If you are not at the table...you are likely to be on the menu!" I see the power that is had by people and organizations that give money towards political parties and campaigns. I have also come to realize how necessary it is to engage with those in power who have "the vote”, whether it be through actual face to face discussions or by sending written correspondence.

One thing that I am strongly aware of, now more than ever, is the fact that many organizations in Illinois that have goals quite different from those of us in the medical community, seem to be growing in influence. That is why the Kane County Medical Society needs to remain strong and actively engaged in what is happening in our county and state. I am pleased to report that the Kane County Medical Society is making a great effort to be “at the table." The Legislative "Meet and Greet" hosted by the Society was filled with invited legislators and candidates. Members as well as non-member physicians filled the Claddagh Irish Pub in Geneva on Thursday, April 12th, and were able to speak with various federal and state representatives vying for office in the November elections. The large turnout shows that we have active and dedicated physicians who want to influence changes. We are grateful to the legislators who made time in their campaign schedules to meet with our membership.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending my first ISMS House of Delegates Meeting as a KCMS delegate. It was a great learning experience for me. I was inspired by the dedication and hard work of so many devoted and involved physicians working at the meeting. Delegates from all over the state were able to express their views on many issues. All believe in ISMS and the work being done by IMPAC. I was able to meet many new doctors and also got to know my KCMS colleagues better.  After being involved in this meeting, I am confident there will be a great effort made to make sure ISMS has a place “at the table” in Springfield. 

Finally, I do want to take a moment to recognize Dr. Wayne Polek and to thank him for the many hours he put in as ISMS President this year. He was honored at the President’s Dinner on Saturday evening at the ISMS House of Delegates meeting. His total dedication and passion for the presidency and for the medical community made us all proud.

Larry Johnson, MD

President

Kane County Medical Society

_{^{Over 50 KCMS Members and Guests joined in to meet our legislative candidates and incumbents at the "Meet and Greet" at the Claddagh Irish Pub on April 12th.}}

_{^{The Kane County Medical Society welcomed:}}

_{^{US Congressman Randy Hultgren}}

_{^{IL State Representative Keith Farnham (District 43)}}

_{^{IL State Representative Kay Hatcher (District 50)}}

_{^{IL State Senate Candidate Karen McConnaughay (District 33)}}

_{^{and IL State Senate Candidates Jim Oberweis-R and Corrinne Pierog-D (District 25)}}

A portion of your ISMS dues reserved for non-tax deductible purposes shrank in 2011 to 7 percent, down from 12 percent. Therefore, for federal income tax purposes, your dues for 2011 are 93 percent tax deductible.

For applicability to your individual circumstances, you should check with your tax consultant or advisor.

Illinois' new seat belt law will save lives and reduce injuries due to auto accidents, the Illinois State Medical Society predicted. Beginning January 1, state law will require all passengers to buckle up-not just those in the front seat. Previously, only the driver, front seat passengers, and certain others under the age of 19 were mandated to wear seatbelts. 

"ISMS supported this law because it's another step forward in making our highways and streets safer. When it comes to motor safety, it shouldn't matter whether you're riding in the back or the front," said ISMS President Wayne Polek, MD. "Anyone who doubts the importance of this law should ask an emergency department doctor about patients rushed to the hospital with serious injuries because they weren't wearing a seat belt."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates an injury occurs in a traffic collision every 15 seconds and fatality occurs every 13 minutes. Yet, only 68 of Americans use seat belts. 

"If everyone in every vehicle wears his or her seat belt properly, we will see a significant drop in serious injuries and fatalities from traffic accidents," Dr. Polek said. "It will reduce the strain on emergency departments, the cost of healthcare, and most important, make sure we all arrive safely to the homes of our families and friends this holiday season." 

Illinois becomes the 12th state to require all vehicle occupants to buckle up or face fines. A few exceptions are allowed, most notably for backseat taxi passengers. ISMS urges them to buckle up too!