It is often said the more things change, the more they stay the same. There is much to celebrate as we continue to deliver positive changes in family medicine certification. Yet, change can often happen unexpectedly, like a diagnosis bringing the weight of a “mountain” onto a family or that of a rapidly developing global pandemic. At our recent board meeting, outgoing public member Melissa Thomason gifted ABFM with a message of support for the sacred work that family physicians do each day.  “A Tribute Poem for Physicians: As Mountains Call” reminds us of the challenges of the past 15 months, and a look at the meaning in our work over a lifetime, as seen through the eyes of a grateful patient. Melissa’s input as a patient, a patient advocate, and a public member of our board for the last six years has been invaluable and a constant reminder of our motto: Quality Healthcare, Public Trust…Setting the Standards in Family Medicine. I invite you to watch Melissa read her poem that she delivered during the spring 2021 Board meeting. Her heartfelt account of her illness and medical care are sure to inspire.

As we move forward together, let us heed Melissa’s sage words, “But if together we rise to the call, then together we can build lives full of living.”