Speechwriting: Groundbreaking Ceremony Welcome Speech
Given by ACP's President, July 2000
On behalf of the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, let me be the first to welcome you to this special occasion. Today I look forward to a time of reflection, a time of anticipation and a time of celebration.
On July 4, 2001, less than one year from now, our nation will look back on 225 years of growth, change, and challenges. Likewise, this next year brings a time of reflection to ACP-ASIM. It was in 1926 that this organization first set down roots in Philadelphia. We've been here for nearly 75 years now, growing from a small organization with offices in an old mansion on Pine Street to the largest medical specialty organization in the country with the nine-story headquarters you see behind you. Much has changed in the country since 1926, and much has changed in the practice of medicine. New medical procedures have saved millions of lives. Miracle drugs have virtually eradicated once common and deadly diseases. The image of a physician toting a black bag and making house calls has given way to the modern scientist wielding an array of high-tech remedies. The fact that I stand here before you as President of one of the most prestigious medical societies in the world speaks volumes for the changes time has wrought in society and medicine. Yet, throughout the years, ACP-ASIM has remained committed to one ideal: advancing internal medicine so that our members can provide the best quality care to their patients. In reality, medicine has not changed that much. It's still about taking care of people.
That's why I'm optimistic about the future of medicine, and why I'm optimistic about the future of this organization. Not too long ago, when our existing headquarters was built, we had about 64,000 members. Today, eleven years later, we've almost doubled in size. We have chapters in all 50 states, and in several countries around the world. Our staff has kept pace with that growth, increasing from 180 people in 1989 to almost 400 today. We are a respected leader in the health care community, active in education, public policy, and many other areas. This new building will allow us to continue our efforts on behalf of our members, our patients, and our communities.
Yes, it's just a building. Nothing magical about it. But Independence Hall, just four blocks from here, was just a building. There was nothing special about it before a group of people took it over one hot summer 224 years ago and signed their names to a document. I don't think anything quite that world-changing will happen in our new building, but I do know that what will go on inside of it will help shape the future of medicine in this country. And that's something I'm quite proud to be a part of.
Today's ceremony is a time to look to the future, but also a time to celebrate the present. It's hard to imagine that a nine-story building will be standing here less than two years from now. It takes a lot of individual rooms and offices to make up an office building like this. And it takes a lot of people working behind the scenes to make sure all those rooms turn out right. Many people have worked very hard to make this project possible, and I thank all of you.
There is one individual for whom today is the culmination of several years work. As Chair of the ACP-ASIM Building Committee he has overseen the lengthy and complex process of constructing a world-class building in a world-class city. In his spare time he practices medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, and serves as the Chair of our Board of Regents. He's a busy man, I think. I'm glad he could take the time to be here with us today. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Rowen Zetterman.
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© 2000 American College of Physicians