Speakers’ Letter
2024 SCMA Annual Meeting and House of Delegates
Hyatt Regency Greenville
April 25-28, 2024

SCMA Members:

This letter is intended to help in your preparations for the South Carolina Medical Association Annual Meeting in Greenville. I will continue offering updates on key topics leading up to the Annual Meeting and House of Delegates but want to begin by asking you to mark your calendars for April 25 through April 28, 2024. We had a wonderful event in Myrtle Beach, SC for the 174^th annual meeting, and we are excited for continued growth in attendance.

House of Delegates Schedule

The House of Delegates is the policy-forming body of the membership and informs the Board of Trustees on important issues affecting the practice of medicine in our state. The 2024 House of Delegates will meet on Friday, April 26^th and Sunday April 28^th.  Although the business is conducted by the delegates, all SCMA members may attend the House of Delegates meeting on either day to hear SCMA updates, election results, and other items of interest (including our keynote speaker).

The events will kick off on Friday with a delegates’ luncheon in the Exhibitor Hall, immediately followed by the opening of the House of Delegates. The business meeting will run for approximately two hours.

Following the business portion of the meeting, the House of Delegates will adjourn to the Reference Committees at 3 p.m.:

Reference Committee A, B, G, H
A. Credentials
B. Reports of Trustees and Officers
G. Miscellaneous Business
H. Constitution and Bylaws

Reference Committee C, E, F
C. Public and Occupational Health
E. Medical Education and Hospitals
F. Medical Services and Insurance

Reference Committee D
D. Legislative Activities and Public Relations

Following the reference committees, we hope you will join us for a reception honoring the SCMA delegates, members, and our sponsors.

The House of Delegates will reconvene on Sunday to discuss the suggested changes from the reference committees. Although healthy discussion is always welcomed, most of the debate will be held during the reference committees on Friday. Sunday will complete the process with a vote on the floor to create new SCMA Policy.

CMEs
Thursday through Saturday will be filled with various CME topics, including the President's session on Social Determinants of Health. Required controlled substance training will also be available. 

MSS/RFS Poster Competition
The SCMA Resident and Fellow Section and Medical Student Section will participate in the Annual Scientific Research Poster competition. Cash awards will be given during the gala on Saturday night. Applications can be found on the SCMA annual meeting website page. More information will be sent later in the year, but please reach out if you would like to donate to the prize for the poster session or would like to serve as a judge (and earn CME!).

Inauguration and Gala
Saturday evening will see the induction of Dr. M. Mayes DuBose as the 163^rd President of the South Carolina Medical Association. Following the induction ceremony, attendees will be invited to a gala held in honor of Dr. DuBose and the new SCMA Alliance President, Mr. Kirk Kilgore.

Registration
Please be on the lookout for registration information in January 2024. We expect rooms to fill up and would encourage you to register and book your rooms early!

County Delegation
If you desire to serve as a delegate for your district, we ask that you reach out to your Trustee or County Medical Society. Delegates must be active SCMA members, and you are also encouraged to be active members of your local society, if available.  If you do not know who represents your region, please reach out to Diana Fernandez (dianaf@scmedical.org).

Meeting Attire

• Annual Meeting: Business casual
• House of Delegates: Business / Business casual
• Inauguration and Gala: Business / Cocktail / Black Tie Optional

Code of Conduct
The South Carolina Medical Association has a code of conduct for SCMA-sponsored meetings to ensure a professional and ethical environment for attendees. Attendees should feel safe and able to participate without fear of unwelcome conduct. There is an expectation that attendees will conduct themselves in a manner that is concordant with the ideals of our profession.

Reference Committee Volunteers
If you would like to serve on a reference committee, please reach out to Diana Fernandez (dianaf@scmedical.org).  We are always seeking ways for attendees to serve in active roles with the SCMA and the House of Delegates.

We look forward to an exciting year and your continued involvement in the policy making process for the SCMA.  Please continue to follow the SCMA Physician Alerts and SCMedNews, as well as our website at scmedical.org for updated information.

Yours in service,

Jeff Cashman, DO, Speaker
Stefanie M. Putnam, MD, Vice-Speaker