Eyeworld Daily News

MAY 16, 2020 | EYEWORLD DAILY NEWS | 3 DAILY NEWS ASCRS VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING family, his ASCRS family, Coach K, his friends and associates in industry and ophthalmic orga- nizations, and colleagues. To conclude, Dr. Kim shared a note about his father, who passed away a few weeks ago from COVID-19. "I am especially sad that he's no lon- ger around to give me advice as he did when he steered me toward the field of ophthalmol- ogy and academics," Dr. Kim said, adding that his father was a retired physician and knew the importance of medical societies like ASCRS. "He was so proud to see me take on the role of president for this great and historic society in oph- thalmology," Dr. Kim said. "He knew how much ASCRS has meant to me, and I'm deeply saddened that he is not here to see me give this address." Dr. Kim said he was recent- ly surprised and touched when his mother made a donation to the ASCRS Foundation in his father's name, "letting me know that what my father had wanted was for me and ASCRS to prosper together as we face this unprecedented crisis." "In closing, I want to say that I have high hopes for our future, and together we will move forward to an even greater future with new op- portunities as we proceed to overcome our current new challenges," Dr. Kim said. "As ASCRS president, I've been asked to lead our organization during a very difficult time, and I am fully committed to confront this challenge. I assure you that ASCRS will be here to help you overcome every obstacle and not only survive but thrive as we all ad- just to this 'new normal.'" meeting focused on practice management and clinical topics related to returning to patient care post-COVID-19," Dr. Kim said. Dr. Kim made it clear that the primary goal during his presidential term is to focus on the COVID recovery. "It is ex- tremely important that ASCRS direct all its efforts to helping our members recover from this historic pandemic as we reopen our practices and transition to a new practice environment, which will require different solutions for each practice, as we must provide a safe and secure environment for our patients and staff," he said. He noted many provid- ers and their staff may feel anxious, frustrated, or even depressed at this time. "I think now is the time for all of us to coalesce together as a pro- fession, and I can't think of a more important time than now for an organization like ASCRS to help lead us through this crisis." Because of the current situation, the decline in med- ical visits has hit surgical and procedural specialties hard, Dr. Kim said. Though many U.S. ophthalmologists may be optimistic about opening this month or next, many are still very concerned about the financial state of their practice. "In these challenging times of social distancing, I'm ac- tually seeing this crisis bring people together like I've never seen," Dr. Kim said, adding that ASCRS is partnering closely with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) to make sure COVID recovery information is getting out to its members. "We also know there's a bipartisan push in government right now to get physicians away from fee-for- service and toward alternative payment models that are based on quality outcomes and cost," he said, adding that ASCRS is working with the AAO on projects designed to proactive- ly support the value surgeons deliver to patients. Dr. Kim praised Nancey McCann, ASCRS director of government relations, and the Government Relations Com- mittee who have been working hard with the government, the AMA, and surgical coalitions on immediate and long-term relief initiatives for physician practices, which include the CARES Act, Advance Payment Program, provider relief funds, paycheck protection programs, and telemedicine education, as well as addressing E/M pay- ment changes for 2021 in an attempt to help recover what was lost in the cataract code reductions earlier this year. "It's a tremendous honor and privilege to serve as the 35th ASCRS president," Dr. Kim said, adding that he's had a chance to speak to ASCRS members all over the country, representing different demo- graphics, different practices settings, and different stages of their career. Based on this feedback, Dr. Kim said education will contin- ue to remain a top priority of ASCRS, and "how we educate our members will be important as we transition to this new learning environment." These initiatives include ASCRS' newly enhanced web portal, a transition to more virtual CME programs and webinars, and the evolution of hybrid virtual annual meetings and summer symposia. ASCRS is current- ly planning for an in-person annual meeting in April 2021 in San Francisco. "We will also be working closely with our industry partners to help improve access to providers and practices due to continued social distancing policies and backlogs with clinic visits and surgical cases," Dr. Kim said. He stressed a goal of focusing on collaboration and connection. "I want to expand and strengthen the collabora- tion we've already established with other anterior segment societies around the world and other subspecialty societ- ies here in the U.S.," he said. Continuing these efforts will only make our organization stronger and strengthen the field of ophthalmology, he said. In terms of promoting connec- tion, Dr. Kim said he also wants to ensure that "we're doing all we can to stay connected to our members, relate to the changing demographics of our membership, and understand the dynamic needs they have." Dr. Kim shared how he got involved with ASCRS, attending his first meeting as a resident, and why he thinks others should get involved as well. Education is one of the biggest draws. "I was so im- pressed with the high quality of the incredible presenta- tions, access to all educational programs, and the networking opportunities," he said. Since then, Dr. Kim has encouraged many residents, fellows, and young ophthalmologists to get involved with ASCRS, wanting them to have the same positive experience he did. Dr. Kim offered a message of collegiality to encourage all ASCRS members to "do what you can to support ASCRS and your colleagues with your time and resources." Dr. Kim expressed sincere gratitude to all the doctors, fel- lows, and residents who have risked their health to make patients' eyecare a priority. He also thanked his personal continued from page 1

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