From Dr. Amy Baruch
It’s hard to believe not a full seven years have passed since a group of seven female physicians gathered in my living room for our first official SWIM meeting. We took notes on lined paper and typed minutes after the meeting which we placed in an otherwise empty three-ring binder, a binder that is now full of memorabilia reflecting the growth of our organization, including thank you notes from organizations and individuals we have helped along the way. SWIM is now 47 dues-paying members strong, with over one hundred subscribing to our e-mail list, and has garnered the attention and recognition of our state medical society. I continue to be amazed and awed by the diversity and talents of the female physicians in our community. Our membership represents specialties ranging from primary care to orthopedic surgery, nephrology, and radiology, and the age of our membership ranges from newbies right of training to seasoned veterans. In addition to their day jobs, our members make the time to pursue their passions – from “dancing star’ (Amy Curtis) to expert kayaker (Melissa Peters) to world-traveler (Shanna Barnes Taylor), and of course multi-talented musician (Melinda Moretz); we can all be proud to count them among our friends and colleagues.
Examples of SWIM physicians in leadership roles abound - from Helen Stockinger serving as the South Carolina Medical Association Speaker of the House and Robin Garrell serving as the Spartanburg Medical Center Chief of Staff, to Caroline Daly and Michelle Carney serving as Radiology Department Chair and Head of Infection Prevention Council at SRHS respectively. And of course, I would be remiss not to mention Carla Gentry – who not only serves on the SCMS board but is also President-elect of the South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians.
As Thanksgiving nears, let us take the time to thank those who take the time to serve in these roles and all the women who have influenced us. Whether it be a phone call or a quick thank you note, expressions of gratitude benefit both the giver and the receiver. In fact, expressing gratitude is a well-described tactic in combating burnout. I am extremely grateful for all the hard work Susan Hilsman has put into her leadership of SWIM this past year, as well as her willingness to cook for and host our annual dinner that has now become one of our signature events. I am equally grateful to Rosanna Lapham for all the time and effort she has put into SWIM behind the scenes since its inception - she is responsible for our logo, our MailChimp e-mails, our SWIM “swag’, our accounting, and so much more.
Looking forward, we have some wonderful events in the works, including an aerial yoga class on October 25, the SCMS annual Christmas party, and Susan Hilsman’s annual dinner in her newly renovated kitchen in early 2018. We have also started working on an initiative with the Bearden Josey Breast Center and Lynn Hawkins from SAFE Homes Rape Crisis Coalition to increase awareness around intimate partner violence and provide more women with information and avenues to get help. And finally, Susan Hilsman has piloted a mentoring program for female VCOM students. Stay tuned for more details!
Thank you to all our members, new and old, for continuing to support SWIM, and please continue to spread the word - all female physicians in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties are welcome to join. Your membership dues to the Spartanburg County Medical Society pay for the continued great work and events hosted by both the SCMS and SWIM.
With much gratitude,
Amy Baruch