insidepulse association of cameroonian physicians in the americas newsletter monthly inside december...

PulseAssociation of Cameroonian Physicians in the Americas

NewsletterMonthly

Inside

December 1, 2016Volume 1, Issue 1

Getting Started ........................... 2Editorial ....................................... 2ACPA Inaugural Meeting ...........3Membership ............................ ...3Our Mission ................................ 4Membership Details ................... 6ACPA Committees ..................... 8

WWW.ACPA-CMR.ORG

[email protected]

Getting StartedBy Denis Foretia, MD, MPH, MBA

Editorial

Over the years we have become too accustomed to seeing our Cameroonian brothers and sisters pass away from seemingly easily preventable causes. Cases such as the untimely death of our sister Monique Koumate gave a face to the hundreds and thousands of Cameroonians who have suffered a similar fate without any hope of reasonable improvements. These issues and many others have reminded us that we, as fellow Cameroonians and physicians, have a duty to ourselves to contribute our ideas, knowledge and networks for collective betterment.

Our hard work over the last couple of months has shown our commitment to becoming an organization that seeks opportuni-ties to empower its membership, bridge communities and help in improving healthcare delivery in Cameroon.

The launching of ACPA Pulse, our newsletter, is a critical first step as we seek to accomplish our mission. We encourage all of you to contribute articles, commentary, policy briefs and more as we build. We are confident that together we will continue to grow stronger. Let's do this together.

Denis Foretia, MD, MPH, MBA Interim [email protected]

The Publications and IT committee of the Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the Americas (ACPA) is pleased to present this inaugural issue of the ACPA Pulse. In this issue, Dr. Denis Foretia - President, ACPA Interim Executive, welcomes all Cameroonian Physicians in North America to join the ACPA. Dr. Bertrand Fote – Secretary, ACPA Interim Executive, presents a summary of the vision and mission of the ACPA as well as a summary of the inaugural ACPA meeting held in Atlanta, GA on November 5th, 2016. We are pleased to present a complete list of current ACPA members, along with the various membership categories available to potential members and committee details for current members.

The ACPA Pulse will be a monthly news-letter that highlights important events and achievements by the organization and its members. The ACPA pulse welco-mes submissions from the Cameroonian medical community at large. Each issue will be released at the beginning of the month. Contact me directly at [email protected].

Special thanks to the members of the Publications and IT committee: Dr. Bertrand Fote, Dr. Christian Bime, Dr. Bekong Daniel, Dr. Alan Tita, Dr. Clifford Akateh and Dr. Dione Mbame

Dear Colleagues,A few months ago we embarked on a very ambitious project, one borne out of the many frustrations and concerns of physi-cians of Cameroon origin currently resi-ding in continental USA. These frustra-tions echoed personal and professional challenges that face not just attending physicians but medical students, residents and fellows alike. It also reflected the current realities with regards to the state of healthcare delivery in our beloved Cameroon.

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Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the AmericasMonthly Newsletter

ACPA Inaugural Meeting November 5, 2016 Atlanta, GA

special thank

MembershipMembership benefits...

Founder’s Club

The Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the Americas (ACPA) held its inaugural meeting in Atlanta, GA on November 5th, 2016. After an unfortunate public health disaster in Came-roon, the need for a voice for Cameroonian physicians in North America was once again apparent. Two previous failed attempts at getting Cameroonian physicians together did not stop Drs. Foretia, Fote and Fobi from embarking on their vision, in the summer of 2016, to create this association. After several conference calls, recruitment of other physicians who shared their vision, and lots of behind the scenes legwork, ACPA was born.

Founders’ Club membership shall be open to Full and Associate members who are pioneer members of the Association from the time of its creation until the first full year of its legal existence. Founder’s Club members receive a membership certificate, Founder’s Club membership cards, and special recognition at organization meetings and events. Founders’ Club members are required to make a minimum one-time donation of $1000 to receive the distinction.

Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the America’s (ACPA) is a non-profit membership organization with a vision for a stronger Cameroonian healthcare commu-nity in North America and improved health-care in Cameroon.Members shall enjoy the following benefits through different activities and programs of the Association. * Professional Development: CME programs, mentoring, professional presenta-tions and discussions, committee participa-tion, leadership opportunities. * Professional Networking: Local and national networking with other members, local and national galas, meetings, job opportunities. * Practice referrals: Your practice and contact information in our membership registry, searchable by prospective patients.• Access to members-only documents and online resources.* Family Benefits: Family networking, children engagement * Improving healthcare in Cameroon: Medical missions, involvement in policy initiatives, involvement with healthcare leadership in Cameroon, partnering with other sister associations * Platform for Volunteering: Partner with local charities, medical missions, health fairs and other community activities, mentoring.

The Heart that gives, gathers.The ACPA would like to extend a thank you to Dr. Bonaventure Ngu for sponsoring the develop-ment of the ACPA website.

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Dr.’s Ata Atogho, Ronny Tchokonte, Bertrand Fote & Susan Egbe-TanyiPlease see Inaugural Meeting on page 4

ACPA – On a mission to realize a clear vision

The Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the Americas (ACPA) seeks to enhance the lives of Cameroonians both in the US and in Cameroon, its membership included. This goal is reflected in its vision: - A stronger Cameroonian healthcare community in North America fostering improved healthcare in Cameroon. In order to realize this vision, ACPA has embarked on a dual strategy mission which will (a) cater to the personal and professional needs of its membership here in the Americas and (b) enhance healthcare of Cameroonians in the Americas and back home in Cameroon, while impacting health policy in Cameroon. Delegates at the inaugural mee-ting in Atlanta, GA on November 5th, 2016 mapped out a path with specific action goals that will ensure delivery of this ambitious mission.

In a nutshell, ACPA’s strategic action plan will help it achieve the following mission:

• To foster personal and professional growth of physicians of Came-roonian origin in North America through networking and collabora-tion

• To promote scholarship and facilitate integration of physicians of Cameroonian origin in North America in the healthcare industry in North America

• To provide a forum for involvement in healthcare delivery and policy in Cameroon through communication and collaboration with Came-roon health authorities

• To play a significant role in all matters affecting the health of Came-roonians and provide the forum for debating evolving health issues

• To encourage the development of practical solutions to Cameroonian healthcare problems through training and other strategic activities inside Cameroon

This strategy of focusing on specific, delive-rable action areas to target different aspects of its mission is already showing positive outcomes. For example, Dr. Shirley Ayuk-Takem, a Critical Care fellow was connected with a potential job as an internist through Dr. Leke-Tambo, a network made possible by the ACPA. In addition, Dr. Clifford Akateh, a surgery resident credits a major career decision regarding research to his meeting with Dr. Denis Foretia through the ACPA platform. These are exciting times for the Cameroonian physician community in the Americas and for healthcare in Came-roon. Together, we can deliver on this mission of realizing the vision of ACPA.


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Dr.’s Ata Atogho and Ronny Tchokonte

Dr. Emmanuel Enohmbi

Dr. CassandraNdiforchu

Inaugural Meeting from page 3wellness, financial and practice advice at annual meetings and other activities. Recruitment strategies such as soft/warm market recruiting for membership and pursuing fundraising efforts such as grants, corporate sponsorships and strategic partnerships highlighted the focus on growing ACPA’s financial base. Collaboration with health authorities and institutions in Cameroon in areas of training and education, as well as direct involvement in healthcare delivery through advocacy campaigns, mission trips and telemedicine highlighted the focus on involvement in healthcare delivery and policy in Cameroon. Community health screenings and health fairs highlighted the focus on matters affecting health of Cameroonians here in the US and in Came-roon.

focus on growing ACPA’s financial base. Collaboration with health authorities and institutions in Cameroon in areas of training and education, as well as direct involvement in healthcare delivery through advocacy campaigns, mission trips and telemedicine highlighted the focus on involvement in healthcare delivery and policy in Cameroon. Community health screenings and health fairs highlighted the focus on matters affecting health of Cameroonians here in the US and in Came-roon. By lunchtime, it was clear that a lot of ground had been covered. The delegates were not satisfied. Committee breakout meetings were held after lunch to further breakdown the action points developed in the breakout sessions and provide a detailed roadmap to success. The Programs committee laid out a detailed plan for the April 2017 general assembly in Houston. The Education and Scientific Research com-mittee laid out an 18-month plan for ACPA’s scholarly and community education strategy. The Publications and IT committee laid out an ambitious plan for ACPA’s communication and PR strategy. By the time the meeting adjourned in the evening, delegates were ready for some lighter moments to grace a well-spent day.The emcee (MC), Dr. Bertrand Fote – lit up the gala with jokes and political satire, as delegates enjoyed a delicious dinner. The dinner was highlighted by words of wisdom from Dr. MAL Fobi who gave a deeply insightful keynote address, and Dr. FombeNdiforchu who gave equally

This birth was long overdue! After a welco-me soiree hosted by Dr. Eric Fogam on Friday Nov 4th in his residence, some over 30 ACPA delegates got down to business on Saturday morning. The level of engagement at the inaugural meeting was electrifying. Dr. MAL Fobi eloquently provided an autopsy of the reasons for the previous failed attempts. That spurred a discussion on lessons learned and steps to prevent recur-rence of previous mistakes. The delegates resolved on concrete proposals to ensure an operational structure that will enable ACPA achieve its primary dual objectives of catering to the personal and professional growth of its membership, and playing a role in enhancing healthcare of Cameroonians in the USA and Cameroon while also affecting healthcare policy in Cameroon. The dele-gates breezed through procedural issues such as ratifying the by-laws, signing the charter, and honing down the April rendezvous for the first annual scientific/general assembly in Houston. The delegates showed their unani-mous approval of the interim executive team’s job (President – Dr. Denis Foretia, Treasurer – Dr. MAL Fobi, Secretary – Dr. Bertrand Fote) by resisting all attempts by the executive to discuss an elections road-map, and voting them in place until 2018.

The real brainstorming work to lay the foun-dation of ACPA then followed, in breakout sessions. Panelists addressed key elements of ACPA’s mission and vision in the working sessions. Specific action points were deve-loped in each session. There was a focus on helping students; residents and foreign medi-cal graduates integrate into the US system through dedicated sessions at annual mee-tings, mentorship programs and other activi-ties. There was a focus on professional growth of attending physicians through crea-ting a database for networking and a referral program, as well as dedicated sessions on


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Dr’sAchuMofor, Paul Achu, Bi Tadzong-Fomundam, EfuaLeke, Clement Tabe, Jean Jacques NyaNgatchou and Sylvia Egbe.

Inaugural Meeting from page 5

inspiring closing remarks. By the end of the evening, the verdict was clear – ACPA is here to stay and the inaugural meeting was a resoun-ding success. Delegates were fired up and ready to walk the walk and talk the talk that will take ACPA to great heights.


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Dr.’s Dione Mbame, Nina Lum, Jeffrey Cheyni, Alan Tita

Dr.’s Fombe Ndiforchu & MAL Fobi

Dr.’s Bonaventure Ngu& Clement TabeSpecial Thanks

to Dr. Eric Fogam, Host of the Welcome ReceptionAtlanta, GA

JOIN THE ACPA!MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES:Current ACPA Membership

Full/Regular Members - Regular Membership in the Association shall be open to all physicians of Cameroonian heritage, physicians married to Cameroonians, physicians who are naturalized citizens of Cameroon, practicing, teaching or otherwise engaged in the medical profession in the United States of America and Canada. All Regular Members must have completed residency and/or fellowship and are Board Certified by their respective specialty boards in the United States or Canada. They should have an active license to practice medicine in their state/country of residence.Qualified/licensed physicians with M.D., Doctor of Medicine Degree; M.B. and B.S., Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery Degree; D.O., Doctor of Osteopathy Degree are eligible Associate / Resident Members - Associate Membership in the Associa-tion shall be open to all physicians of Cameroonian heritage, physicians married to Cameroonians, physicians who are naturalized citizens of Cameroon who are who are currently undergoing training as interns, residents, and fellows in the United States or Canada.This category is also open to attending physicians who have completed training and are board eligible but not yet board certified in their specialty. It is also open to physicians who have completed medical school and are yet to start residency.Associate members shall have all the rights of full members except the right to hold elective office.Student Members - Student Membership in the Association shall be open to all persons of Cameroonian heritage, married to Cameroonians, or naturalized citizens of Cameroon who are medical students in Accre-dited Medical Schools in the United States, Canada or Affiliate US Medi-cal Schools in the Caribbean. Student members shall have an observatory status in the association. They shall not have a right to make motions, vote, or hold elective office.Affiliate Members - Affiliate Membership shall be open, at the discre-tion of the General Assembly, to individuals of Cameroonian heritage, married to Cameroonians, or naturalized citizens of Cameroon who are in other medical or allied health professions in the United States or Canada and who do not otherwise qualify for Full, Associate or Student membership. An affiliate member shall have all the rights of full members except the right to make motions, vote or hold an elective office. International Members (Regular, Associate or Students) - Internatio-nal membership shall be open to otherwise regular, associate and affiliate members who reside in any country or territory outside of the United States of America and Canada. International membership status will be granted.

Full International Membershipin the Association shall be open to all other wise regular, associate and student members physicians of Cameroonian heritage or naturalized citizens of Cameroon who are practicing, teaching or otherwise engaged in the medical profession in any country or territory outside of the United States of America and Canada.

Continued On Page 9

Jude Akly, M.D.OmerineAseh, M.D., Founders ClubAta Atogho, M.D., Founders Club

Benedict Awo, M.D.Daisy Ayim, M.D., Founders Club

Shirley Ayuk-Takem, M.D., Founders ClubChristian Bime, M.D., Founders ClubJeffrey Chenyi, M.D., Founders Club

Constantine Chienku, M.D.Susan Egbe - Tanyi, M.D., Founders Club

Emmanuel Enohmbi, M.D., Founders ClubArnold Etame, M.D., Founders Club

Mathias A. L. Fobi, M.D., Founders ClubAchuFongongMofor, M.D., Founders Club

Denis Foretia, M.D., Founders ClubBarnabas Fote, M.D., Founders ClubBertrand Fote, M.D., Founders Club

GwendolineMenga-Fote, M.D., Founders ClubPascal Kingah, M.D., Founders Club

CorentineKwendeAko, M.D., Founders ClubEfuaLeke, M.D., Founders Club

AwungnjiaLeke-Tambo, M.D., Founders ClubNina Lum, M.D., Founders Club

Dione Mbame, M.D., Founders ClubFri Mofor-Eta, M.D.

LuegeniaNdi, M.D., Founders ClubFombe Ndiforchu, M.D., Founders Club

Cassandra Ndiforchu, M.D., Founders ClubBonaventure Ngu, M.D., Founders Club

Amy-Jo Nkemnkia, M.D.Jean Jacques NyaNgatchou, M.D.

Emilie Nyeck, StudentEmmanuel Ozimba, M.D.

ElnaSaah, M.D.Edwin Shadzeka, M.D., Founders Club

Clement Tabe, M.D.Ronny Tchokonte, M.D., Founders Club

Martha Teke, StudentDanielle D Tientcheu, M.D., Founders Club

Alan Tita, M.D., Founders ClubFoto Walter, M.D.

EnakaYembe, M.D., Founders Club

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Committees of the Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the America’s represent various aspects of the organization. We invite you to explore the committee and then lend your talents to the deve-lopment of these committees.

Standing Committee’sAudit and Finance Committee. - The Audit and Finance Committee will manage, monitor, and supervise all financial affairs of the Asso-ciation.

Membership and Credentials Committee - The Membership & Credentials Committee shall accept and review membership appli-cations and make recommendations to the Board for election of new Members and for other changes of membership status.

Nominating Committee - The Nominating Committee shall conduct and supervise elections of Members of the Board and the Advisory Council.

Program Committee - The Program Committee shall be responsible for the preparation of the scientific program for the Annual Meeting and for any special scientific sessions sponsored and authorized by the Board.

Constitution and Bylaws Committee - The Constitution and Bylaws Committee function is to consider amendments to the constitution and bylaws; to review and draft rules for the conduct of council and membership meetings; to review and draft rules for the preparation of resolutions, memorials, and tributes; and to make recommenda-tions to the association.

Publications & IT Committee - The function of the Publications and IT Committee is the writing, editing and publishing all printed mate-rial issued by the Association and to provide the assurance that all of these publications conform to the goals of ACPA. The Committee shall also oversee content management for the Association's website and social media outlets

Education and Scientific Research Committee.

AD-HOC Committees:Ethics and Judiciary Committee - The Ethics and Judiciary Committees function shall be to review issues of medical ethics from time to time. It shall also act, if called upon, as a Board of Censors for the purpose of deliberating and ruling on the suspension or expulsion of a Member.

Clinical Advisory Committee - The Clinical Adviso-ry Committee provides clinical expertise to enhance the quality of ACPA’S educational activities, support ACPA’s members on specific programs, and develop recommendations to the board of directors for long-term educational strategies that enhance ACPA’s mission to improve the quality of health care in clinical settings in the states and abroad.

Awards Committee - The Awards Committee shall oversee the granting of awards established by the Association as selected by various Association committees. The Awards Committee shall publicize award opportunities and coordinate the presentation of awards to recipients for the awards established by the Association. ACPA committees will select one or more recipients every year for each award, or no recipient if none of the nominees are deemed sufficiently qualified.

Members in Transition and Training Committee - The Committee for Members in Transition and Training ensures an effective representation of the views of Student/Resident members in the Society’s affairs. The committee advises the Executive Com-mittee, Board of Directors, Assemblies, and other committees regarding the special needs of members early in careers and new ACPA services that can assist them in achieving their career goals. It will also develop strategies for recruiting into membership early career scientists and clinicians for the diverse disciplines involved in the ACPA.Public Policy and Government Relations Committee - The Public Policy and Government Relations Committee serves to represent, promote, and advocate the information policy interests of the Association regarding policies, laws, regulations and other developments that may affect the Associa-tion.

Medical Missions Committee. The Medical Missions Committee is the humanita-rian committee of the ACPA. The committee to assist in coordinating member participation in NGO community service projects abroad. Missions Com-mittee and their goal is to assist those who suffer from inadequate medical, dental and general health support in Cameroon. The Medical Missions Com-mittee also identifies collaborates with similar organizations outside of ACPA to maximize impact.

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MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES CONTINUED

Associate International Membership in the Association shall be open to all physicians of Cameroonian heritage or naturalized citizens of Cameroon who are currently undergoing training as interns, residents, and fellows in any country or territory outside of the United States and Canada.

International Student Membership in the Association shall be open to all individuals of Cameroonian heritage or naturalized citizens of Cameroon who are medical students currently enrolled in a Medical School in any country or territory outside of the United States, Canada or Affiliate US Medical Schools in the Caribbean.

An International membership shall be maintained by regular payment of annual membership dues.Other individuals residing outside of the United States or Canada who desire membership may be granted International membership status at the discretion of the Board of Directors. They shall have the same citizenship requirements as full members.An International member shall have all the rights of a regular member except the right to make motions, vote or hold elective office.There would be a special membership fee for members residing in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs).Any member in good standing in the Association who relocates to another country outside of the US or Canada may retain his or her membership by regular payment of the annual membership dues.

Honorary Members - The Executive Council may elect as honorary members (Physicians or non physicians on the basis of position of honor or eminence in the community) persons who are not members of the medical profession or who are physicians but do not otherwise qualify for membership in the Association.Honorary members shall have such privileges, as the Board of Direc-tors shall determine.Honorary members shall have all the rights of regular members except the right to make motions, vote, or hold elective office.

ACPA Headquarters6557 Satilla Road

Blackshear, GA [email protected]

Denis Foretia, MD, PresidentBertrand Fote, MD, Secretary

MAL Fobi, MD, TreasurerNgwebifor Fobi, Executive Director

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Obituary: Dr. Roland Iboni

The Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the Americas (ACPA) and the Iboni family regret to announce the death of their beloved son, father, brother, husband and colleague, Dr. Roland Iboni. He was called to the Lord on November 11th,, 2016 at UT Southwestern in Dallas, TX, after suffering a brief stroke.

Dr. Iboni was an emergency physician, a great caregiver, an active member of the Cameroon Com-munity in Dallas. He was a SOBAN who was very active both with his local chapter and nationally. Dr. Iboni will be remembered for his ever present smile and his philanthropy. Dr. Iboni had not yet joined ACPA but was planning to join the association after having had initial conversations with the ACPA interim secretary.

He is survived by his 3 children, wife (Florence Iboni), sister (Florence Ayinda), friends and family members both in Cameroon and abroad. He will be laid to rest in Dallas, TX on Saturday December 3rd, 2016. Please keep his family in your prayers during this tragic time.

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