President's Message
Dr. Mark Felton
2004 is zooming ahead, faster than most of us want! Much has happened since our last newsletter. The 2004 AAO Annual Session in Orlando was a great success, being one of the largest attended meetings in AAO history. I want to congratulate Dr. Mel DeSoto following his installation as President-Elect of the AAO. Dr. DeSoto has served unselfishly both the SWSO and the AAO and has now moved on to a more universal role relative to his service of our profession. I also want to congratulate Dr. Gayle Glenn upon her installation as the SWSO's new AAO Trustee. In addition to underscoring the fact that she is the first woman to hold such a position in the AAO hierarchy, I know that Dr. Glenn is more than capable of handling the job and she will represent the SWSO very well!
I would like to thank and commend our SWSO delegates for their dedication in the House of Delegates. Our delegation was very active and instrumental in helping to pass very significant resolutions. In an attempt to streamline the governance process of the AAO, starting with the 2006 Annual Session, the time specified for the House of Delegates will be greatly reduced. By this action, delegates to the House will have more time to take in the rest of the Annual Session. Hopefully this will encourage more AAO members to participate in directing our profession's future.
In the same vein, the SWSO Board of Directors has voted to reduce the number of board meetings during the SWSO Annual Session to one pre-session meeting. The post-session board meeting will be eliminated unless deemed necessary. This policy will go into effect with the 2004 Annual Session.
Additionally, the membership will be presented this fall with a resolution to amend the bylaws to reduce the number of business meetings during the SWSO Annual Session from two to one. Bylaws changes necessary to accomplish this action will also be presented. By instituting these two actions, it is hoped that more SWSO members will become involved in our constituent's governance.
Also coming up fast is the 2004 SWSO Annual Session---"Gettin' Your Kicks on Route 66!" We will be rallying in Oklahoma City on October 21st through 24th at the Renaissance Hotel. This meeting is literally overflowing with a variety of continuing education opportunities and social activities. Downtown Oklahoma City now offers many restaurants, clubs and cultural destinations well within walking distance of the host hotel. Hope to see you there!