Board Meeting Minutes

American Academy of Emergency Medicine
Minutes of Board of Directors Conference Call
April 1, 2004

In Attendance: A. Antoine Kazzi, MD; Joseph Wood, MD, JD; Tom Scaletta, MD; William Durkin, Jr.; Robert McNamara, MD; Anthony DeMond, MD; Ghazala Sharieff, MD; Richard Shih, MD; Larry Weiss, MD, JD. Absent: Howard Blumstein, MD; Tracy Boykin, MD; James Li, MD; Raymond Roberge, MD; Jesse Pines, MD. Guest: Randal Brotherhood. Staff: Kay Whalen and Beth Wilson.

Team Health Settlement Update

Dr. Kazzi welcomed everyone to the call and asked Mr. Brotherhood to give the Board an update regarding the Team Health lawsuit. Mr. Brotherhood reported that the suit was very close to being put to rest. The dismissals to be filed had been executed by both parties. He noted that David Millstein would soon release documentation from Team Health. Mr. Brotherhood then reminded the Board members that when asked about the lawsuit, to refer to the joint statement that was issued.

Approval of February 13 and February 19, 2004 Board Meeting Minutes

The Board reviewed the drafts of the February 13 and 19 Board meeting minutes. Dr. McNamara moved and Dr. Durkin seconded that the minutes from February 13 and 19, 2004 be approved. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. (Dr. Weiss abstained from voting since he was traveling and did not receive his packet.)

President's Report

Dr. Kazzi reported to the Board that he had a successful meeting in France with EuSEM. The leadership of both associations had looked at the Congress Center in Nice and felt that it was better suited to the Congress than Cannes . More concrete dates would be discussed, but the Third Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress will be held in September, 2005 in the South of France.

Dr. Kazzi also reported that the French Societies agreed to be hosts and co-organizers, but did not agree to take any profit or any risk.

Dr. Kazzi then brought the idea of a Congress Foundation before the Board. The foundation would be jointly set up between AAEM and EuSEM to run the Congress. Those on the call felt that the profit received by AAEM thus far should not be given to EuSEM or the proposed Foundation, but that profits from the next meeting could be split with EuSEM going forward.

Treasurer's Report

Dr. Durkin reminded the Board that until the final audit for 2003 is completed, the updated Treasurer's report will be delayed.

Membership Report

Ms. Whalen reminded the Board that this is the time of year when Board members usually agree to call members who have not renewed their membership. Members of the Board agreed to take portions of the list of renewals to call. Board members who wish to be reimbursed for these calls should submit their telephone bills for reimbursement. Those making calls should send staff the appropriate information to follow-up with these members.

Antitrust Review

Dr. Weiss agreed to chair a taskforce examining AAEM's Mission and Vision Statements, policy and position statements for antitrust issues. The Board discussed approaching an antitrust firm in Washington , DC , but will not do this until or when there are specific questions or issues that the taskforce recommends for review. Drs. Weiss and McNamara will make up the taskforce which will bring its initial recommendation to the Executive Committee.

501(c)(3) Incorporation

Ms. Whalen reported that the paperwork for the incorporation has been filed. The IRS paperwork for tax exempt status will soon be filed.

May Board Meeting

The Board discussed possible facilitators for the May 15 strategic planning session. A ½ day Board meeting will also be held on Sunday, May 16, 2004.

Schedule of 2004 Conference Calls

Dr. Kazzi informed the Board that a schedule for the remaining 2004 conference calls would be available within the month.

New Business

AAEM Logo

Dr. Sharieff moved and Dr. DeMond seconded that there be a contest in Common Sense soliciting new ideas for an AAEM logo. MOTION PASSED 7-2-1.

There being no further business, the conference call meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Beth Wilson
Associate Executive Director