Thank Yous...

A few words of appreciation to some very special people - including brother Doug.

AS WE START THE NEW YEAR, I want to extend some special thank yous to some very special people.

First of all, to Dr. Pat Samuelson, our immediate Past President. She has done an outstanding job. Of all the presidents who have served in my last 13 years, Pat takes the cake as one of the busiest and most capable. She also serves on Sutter and Mercy's medical staff Executive Committees, the CMA Council on Legislation, Shots-for-Tots, and a host of other duties related to her specialty society. Her broad experience and knowledge of the issues facing medicine and patients have come through many times, especially when she has been asked to testify before committees of the legislature or to answer questions from the news media. As if that were not enough, she is-as far as our historical experts know - the first President to give birth during her term.

To Dr. Jack Ostrich we must also express our appreciation. He has served as Editor of this publication for two years and is stepping down to Vice Chair of the Editorial Committee. Jack is now editing a publication for The Permanente Medical Group. Dr. Ed Rudin, an active member of the Editorial Committee and Vice Chair for many years assumes the role of Editor. Next to the President, our Editors contribute more volunteer time than just about any other position in the Society. Both individuals, following in the footsteps of Dr. Del Meyer and the entire Editorial Committee, deserve recognition for their leadership and their dedication to the Society and Sacramento Medicine.

As you can see, Sacramento Medicine has undergone a significant makeover with this issue. Thank you for this goes to the Editorial Committee; our print broker, Joe Zaniker of Graphic Focus; our graphic design firm, Flint Graphics, led by Andy Solari and Kelly Davis; and managing editor Ted Fourkas. But we also have a special thank you to NORCAL Mutual Insurance Co. and my brother, Doug Sandberg.

A little nepotism between brothers resulted in Doug's pro bono production of six 4 X 5" transparencies featuring themes and artifacts from our collection here at SEDMS or on loan to us from members. Doug is a professional photographer in San Francisco specializing in tabletop photography. Each of the cover photos you will enjoy throughout the year took approximately 4 hours and multiple test Polaroid exposures. The process used overhead lighting and the special lighting of "Hose Master" fiber optic technology, with multiple exposures on the same film. NORCAL agreed to go full color with its on back cover ad, making our use of color much more affordable.

bsandberg@ssvms.org