Stacie Wenk, DO, RPh, FACP, was sworn in as ISMA’s 169th president at the 2018 convention. She is a former chief clinical integration officer for the St. Vincent Southwest Region and is board certified in internal medicine and geriatrics.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Wenk recounted the successes of recent presidents, and reviewed the four pillars of ISMA. She noted the importance of the ISMA Future Directions Task Force, which “identified areas of opportunity to revise the current structure and led to conversations on additional opportunities to make our organization more valuable.”

Dr. Wenk said she plans to meet with county medical societies in the coming year to “share ideas and ultimately ‘blur’ our county lines.” She added that she welcomes additional ideas and assistance from members and asked anyone interested to contact her. 

“Over the next year, I would ask that each of us takes time to refocus on our mission and goals,” Dr. Wenk said. “Next year offers an opportunity to center ourselves, to come together to work collaboratively to reach mutual outcomes and satisfaction."

Dr. Wenk’s complete speech:

House of Delegates, guests and ISMA staff. I’d like to begin by sharing some words from Theodore Roosevelt. “It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena, those whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” As I begin my year as the 169th president of the Indiana State Medical Association, I stand before you this morning excited and humble. This is because the ISMA is made up of the doers and the strong. I have not only the honor of belonging to the ISMA, but the responsibility of leading this organization. An organization that is known for its commitment to supporting the physicians of Indiana at a state, local and personal level (also partnering with the AMA to address national health care issues). I wasn’t sure what to include in my speech this year, so I asked for copies of speeches from a few of our previous presidents. As I read them, it became clear what I wanted, and needed, to say. I’d like to take a moment to summarize their work. Dr. Heidi Dunniway led efforts to start a review of our current structure, to identify opportunities to adjust it to meet current-day needs. Our current structure was developed by our predecessors in 1849. A few things have changed since that time (like the internet ... and cars). Dr. Rhonda Sharp made a commitment to promote and preserve the mission of the ISMA. She led the project that made our Physician Assistance Program financially self-sustaining. Dr. Tom Whiteman focused on the growth of the ISMA and continues to lead efforts as historian to allow us to build on our rich history. Dr. John McGoff worked collaboratively with the chair of the Board, Dr. Lisa Hatcher, to bring the Board together to develop a formally defined mission and establish the four pillars of goals and objectives for the ISMA. Dr. McGoff led efforts to develop a formal talking piece that he’s used this past year to show the value of this organization. I’ve also shared this work locally, and I am grateful to have this talking piece. Dr. McGoff shared the four pillars with you, but I want to repeat them, as they have become the foundation for our organization. Targeted, clear communication. Attract and engage members. Physician leadership and satisfaction. Industry impact. As you can see, much work has been done over the past few years. We have had successes, and we have had non-successes. I believe one non-success is that the Board and staff have been a bit too humble in sharing accomplishments, while serving our members. If you take a moment and re-read the reports in your handbook, you will see that there was a concerted effort to show these accomplishments and provide transparent summaries from this past year. The reality is that this organization is strong and continues to grow stronger. The leadership and staff do not hesitate to roll up their sleeves and work on issues that are both difficult and ever-changing. However, as with all worthwhile endeavors, there is more to do. My goal for this year is to build upon the work of my great predecessors (and mentors). I plan to continue work on the restructuring of our organization. I listened to conversations over the past year, and throughout this weekend. There have been many great comments....I feel the establishment of the Task Force was a brilliant initiative. It identified areas of opportunity to revise the current structure and led to conversations on additional opportunities to make our organization more valuable. I plan on reaching out to our strong county societies to schedule regular meetings to share ideas and ultimately “blur” our county lines. Please know that I will reach out for your help with this. I welcome additional ideas and encourage you to share them with me. I would also ask for anybody who would be interested in working on this to let me know. I would echo a comment made by our current AMA president, Dr. Barbara McEneny. (This is paraphrased.) Every member has a voice. ALL ideas are important. We will discuss these ideas and identify those that our members support pursuing. Throughout my speech, you’ve heard me speak about the work of our leadership and staff. Through this partnership, we will continue to move our strategic plan objectives forward and continue to promote, grow and strengthen the ISMA. Our Board is elected by our members to represent all physicians. There is great talent on the Board. It is comprised of physicians from different practice arenas: employed, governmental, solo practice, and group practices. This variety allows conversation that is inclusive as decisions are made. Over the next year, I would ask that each of us takes time to refocus on our mission and goals. Next year offers an opportunity to center ourselves, to come together to work collaboratively to reach mutual outcomes and satisfaction. In closing, I want to thank all of you for allowing me to represent you this year. I know I will stumble, but I promise that I will proceed valiantly, with great devotion and enthusiasm. Thank you.

Dr. Wenk, of Evansville, earned her medical degree from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, N.Y., and completed her residency at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y. She also holds a bachelor's in chemistry from Miami University of Ohio and a bachelor's in pharmacy from Ohio Northern University. She is a volunteer assistant clinical professor at Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville and a former president of the Fort Wayne Medical Society and has served on the Vanderburgh County Medical Society board.