“Individually, We Are One Drop, but Together We Are an Ocean.”

United We Must Be, Especially in These Tumultuous Times

Note: This speech was delivered by Dr. Kaweski at her installation as SDCMS president for 2010–2011 at our inaugural “White Coat Gala” on Saturday, June 5, 2010.

I am truly and humbly honored to represent the physicians of San Diego County as your president. Tonight is our White Coat Gala. White coats remind me of the excitement of our medical school days, of the privilege of serving others through being a physician, of the value of being kind, caring, and compassionate, and of the importance of professional growth and reflection.

Sometimes my white coat feels tattered, its fabric torn by the death of a loved patient. Some days it’s wrinkled, exhausted by long hours and emotional drain. Sometimes it’s my energy source that keeps me going. Sometimes it’s my protective shield from disease. And sometimes it’s a comforter warmed by the generous hugs of my patients.

Our white coat is viewed as the “cloak of compassion,” and a symbol of the caring and hope that patients expect to receive from us, their physicians. Even when we are not wearing it, our patients see it on us. It is our badge of honor and pride, and unites us as a profession.

And united we must be, especially in these tumultuous times. We will only prevail in our efforts to expand access to healthcare, stop the incursion of insurance companies into the doctor-patient relationship, and improve the public health if we are unified. Integrated advocacy is critical to our success. We must work together to a common good. Contributing to our PAC is important because it represents the model of what we must do to meet our objectives.

This inaugural marks our 140th year as the San Diego County Medical Society. It all began on July 19, 1870, with 10 members who elected Dr. David Bennett Hoffman, a graduate of Toland Medical College in San Francisco, as their president.

In order to qualify for membership, a physician had to have a good primary education, a diploma from a medical school of good repute, and good professional and moral standing in the community. Not much has changed!

Today the San Diego County Medical Society touts 2,444 members and represents 30 specialty societies. We are only 76 members behind Los Angeles County in membership because we have demonstrated the first-rate value of our membership. Our organization makes sure our doctors have information, opportunities, educational resources, and discounts.

Advocacy skills are provided to help our legislative, legal, membership, and communications agendas. But physicians have to participate in order for it to work. Remember, “Individually, we are one drop, but together we are an ocean.”

So wear your white coat with distinction and professionalism, and be proud to be a member of our organization.