View from Stone Mountain

Welcome to a "View from Stone Mountain!" I will be using this column to update you on secretariat issues relating to the membership of the Society.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you attending CISTM-8 in New York and who came by to visit me at the ISTM booth. It is always a delight to see everyone and catch up on two years worth of news. I only wish we could have the opportunity to visit with one another more often. For those of you who were unable to attend - you were definitely missed, and I hope to see you in Lisbon in 2005.

Just a reminder that if you have not paid your 2003 membership dues you will soon be missing very important society benefits: your Journal of Travel Medicine has been cancelled (this happens in March of each year), your travel clinic listing on the web site will be removed, your ability to participate in the ListServe will be interrupted and your name will not appear in the 2003 membership directory. It is not too late to renew for 2003, so get those renewal dues in today!

Don’t forget to spread the word about ISTM and all we have to offer. I keep a stock of membership brochures, conference announcements, exam announcements, and now, the Responsible Traveler "yellow bookmarks" in my office for distribution at meetings you attend. If you are interested in receiving these - just drop me a note at: istm@istm.org and I will be happy to send a supply.

Please do not hesitate to either e-mail or phone me (+1-770-736-7060) if you have any questions regarding your membership status or need to make changes to your listing.

Lastly, it is hard for me to believe that this July marks my 10th year with ISTM. I have seen so many changes over the years (all for the better, of course!), but more importantly, I have been honored to meet so many people from every area of the globe, people that I now count as friends. So if you are ever in the Atlanta area, be sure to call and I will gladly show you the real view from the top of Stone Mountain!

Until next time, please keep yourselves safe and be sure to find something to smile about everyday!

Brenda Bagwell