SMCMA Annual Gala Goes Virtual December 11, 2020 Areas of interest(s): annual gala, smcma For the first time in its 115 year history, the San Mateo County Medical Association held it’s Annual Gala online this year. On December 3, 2020, the Board of Directors, physician members, and members from the community came together virtually to celebrate 115-years of service and honor those who have improved care and the profession of practicing medicine. The featured speaker this year was County Health Officer, Scott Morrow, MD, MPH. Dr. Morrow spoke about the pandemic and his role in county regulations to mitigate the spread. “Certainly transmission can occur in any indoor setting…I just don’t think that’s the driver,” noted Dr. Morrow. “The driver of the pandemic is truly people’s behavior.” He went on to state that if people followed the current protocols for mask-wearing, hand washing, and gathering in small groups, “we wouldn’t have a problem.” The gala was also a time to recognize those who have contributed to the success of the organization over the past year. 30 and 40-year members and those whom we’ve lost over the past year were honored, as well as the outgoing Board of Directors. Dr. Richard Moore formally handed over the Presidential Gavel to incoming President, Dr. Uli K. Chetipally, who will serve for the next year. Dr. Chettipally outlined three themes his presidency will focus on over the course of the next year – the fallout from the current COVID-19 pandemic, the epidemic of physician burnout, and the disruption of technology. He also took the opportunity to thank all of the front-line physicians, who have risked their own health to fight the deadly pandemic. To watch video of the online event, please click here 2020-2021 Board of Directors Officers Uli Chettipally, MD - President Barbara Weissman, MD - President-Elect Aditi Patel, DO - Secretary-Treasurer Richard Moore, MD - Immediate-Past President At-Large Members Brajesh Agrawal, MD Kendall Allred, MD Beverly Joyce, MD Jiaochen Ke, MD Connor Lundy, MD Gurpreet Padam, MD Jacob Pletcher, MD Timothy Puri, MD Aaron Roland, MD Ex-Officio Members Dirk Baumann, MD - AMA Alternate Delegate Scott Morrow, MD - Health Officer, County of San Mateo
