Dear ISMA Members and Fellow Medical Assistants,

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As I come to the close of my term as President of the Illinois Society of Medical Assistants, I find myself reflecting on the past two years with deep gratitude. It has truly been an honor to serve each of you and to support our profession in any way I could.

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It’s a bit ironic—when I first began my journey into medical assisting school, I didn’t fully know what the role entailed. However, during my very first clinical experience, I quickly realized that this was exactly where I was meant to be. Since then, this profession has enriched my life in countless ways. It has shaped who I am, both personally and professionally, and I can only hope that along the way, I have made a positive impact on others as well.

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Serving as your president has been an incredible experience filled with growth, learning, and meaningful connections. I have truly enjoyed every opportunity to work alongside such dedicated, compassionate, and hardworking individuals.

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While I may be stepping away from this role, I am not saying goodbye. Instead, I leave you with a call to action. Our state society needs you—your ideas, your energy, and your involvement. For us to continue to grow and thrive, we must welcome new voices and encourage active participation. Medical assistants are vital to healthcare—we are, without question, at the heart of it.

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I also want to emphasize the importance of maintaining your membership. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to renew your dues through the AAMA national website. It is through membership and advocacy that we strengthen our profession and ensure our voices are heard.

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I encourage each of you to become involved at both the state and local levels. If you are unsure of your local chapter, you can find that information on your membership card or reach out, and we will gladly assist you.

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As a final reminder, our annual state conference will be held at the end of April, and it is not too late to register. You can visit the ISMA website to sign up and join us for a time of networking, education, and fellowship. A heartfelt thank you goes to Conference Chair Becky Cruse, her committee, and the ISMA Executive Board for their tireless work in planning what promises to be a wonderful event. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Executive Board for their unwavering support, guidance, and assistance throughout my presidency—it truly made this journey meaningful and successful.

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Looking ahead, I am confident in the leadership of your incoming president, Sharon Strutzenberg. She brings a wealth of experience and has served in this role before, and I know she will continue to guide ISMA with strength and dedication.

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Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve as your president. Though my term is ending, my commitment to this profession and to ISMA remains strong. I look forward to continuing alongside you in new ways.

 

With sincere appreciation,

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Katherine Schoonhoven, CMA (AAMA)®, AAS
President, Illinois Society of Medical Assistants

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