OPENING SESSION GUEST SPEAKER Mid-morning Thomas Trawick, Jr., MD introduced Steve Udvarhelyi, MD with BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana (BCBSLA). Dr. Udvarhelyi gave members an overview of the proposed partnership with Elevance Health. He explained that there would be no immediate changes to the operations of BCBSLA. He stated that access to the current contacts which are being utilized would not change. He also expressed that one of the benefits of the transaction would include increased technology and a monetary payment made to eligible policyholders.
INSTALLATION LUNCHEON OF THE PRESIDENT The meeting was recessed at 11:55AM to direct the delegates next door for the installation luncheon. The Presidential Oath of Office was administered to President-Elect Richard Paddock., MD by John Noble, Jr., MD, President. Dr. Noble presented the Presidential Medallion and President’s Lapel Pin to Dr. Paddock. Dr. Paddock also signed the official presidential ledger. Afterwards, Dr. Paddock gave an inaugural address, included below, which outlines the focus for his term.
To read the approved resolutions in their entirety and to view the attendee list, visit https://lsms.org/page/HODGeneral ■
Read Dr. Richard Paddock, MD inaugural address on page 4
LSMS ALLIANCE Dr. Paddock took a moment to recognize the newly installed LSMSA President, Rose Kuplesky. In years past, Rose was a very active member of the LSMS Council of Legislation as the Alliance
Member. She is excited to get reconnected with colleagues and friends within the LSMS. ■
22 J LA MED SOC | VOL 175 | FALL 2023
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