WHY WOULDN'T I JOIN IMS?.

in January, I had the pleasure of speaking at the annual meeting of the Scott County Medical Society (SMCS), my home county and local medical society. It was great to see colleagues and friends I've known for many years, but equally nice was meeting new physicians and their spouses. Several physicians, including one of my partners, were honored for 25 consecutive years of commitment and service to SCMS. In another time, a continuous 25 year commitment to organized medicine was common; not only was membership a way to stay connected and involved in the medical community, it was a privilege of our profession. Times have changed and many physicians no longer feel that sense of professional responsibility to organized medicine. I can't help but ponder the impact on our medical society - both at the state and county levels - the cost to our profession, and the reasons behind the apathy.