What We Build Together Endures

It is hard to believe that this is my final President's Letter. What an amazing year it has been. Although it has not been without challenges, I have never been more optimistic about the future of ACOI.

These are difficult times for membership organizations, and ACOI is no exception. Yet through thoughtful planning, hard work, and exceptional execution by our staff and volunteer leaders, our organization is well positioned for continued success. I would like to share a few highlights from the past year.

The Bylaws

At last year's Meeting of Members in Marco Island, the membership approved updated bylaws, a significant achievement considering they had not undergone a comprehensive revision in more than 20 years. These updates align the bylaws with the College's current business practices, promote consistency and compliance throughout the organization, and right-size the Board of Directors for an association of our size.

A special thank you goes to Susan Enright, DO, MACOI, Karen Caruth, our CEO, and Tim McNichol, our COO, for the extraordinary work they invested in this effort.

The Gillum Society of Master Fellows

The Board approved and adopted an objective process for conferring the degree of Master Fellow. This system helps ensure that the distinction is awarded to individuals who embody the principles of the Gillum Society and have made outstanding contributions to both the College and the specialty of osteopathic internal medicine at the local, regional, or national level.

Membership

As I mentioned earlier, professional membership organizations across our profession continue to face significant challenges. Recognizing these trends five years ago, ACOI acted proactively. As part of our strategic plan, we developed programs to recruit student and resident members and support them throughout their early careers.

The results have exceeded expectations. Today, ACOI has more than 15,000 members, and this year new paid membership increased for the first time since the implementation of single accreditation.

A special shoutout to Robert Good, DO, MACOI, Tim McNichol, JD, Kara Kerns, and the entire staff for their dedication and success in executing our plans for membership growth.

Finance

It's never about the money, but it's always about the money.

The ACOI has faced some challenging financial years. We closed fiscal year 2025 with a substantial budget deficit. In response, the Board approved a plan calling for a 25 percent annual deficit reduction, with the goal of achieving a balanced budget within four years.

Our CEO accepted that challenge and exceeded expectations. Karen and the staff achieved greater than a 30 percent reduction in the deficit in FY26 and are projecting a balanced budget for FY27.

Much of this progress can be attributed to Karen's innovative leadership and strategic vision. She recognized that we could no longer rely primarily on membership dues as our major source of revenue. To diversify our revenue streams, she recruited Jessica Dearing as Senior Director of Business Development. In less than a year, Jessica has secured nearly $200,000 in grants and sponsorships, opening new opportunities for ACOI that did not previously exist.  

Thank you, Jessica.  

Enough of That. It's Time to Get Sentimental.

I want to look at ACOI through my osteopathic-colored glasses.

One of the foundational principles of osteopathic medicine is that structure and function are reciprocally interrelated. The committees, educational programs, conventions, mentorship opportunities, and student initiatives that our members build together are the structure. The thriving future of ACOI is the function that results.

Small actions, taken consistently over time, create something lasting. Recruiting a student member, mentoring a resident, serving on a committee, presenting a poster, or simply attending a meeting may seem modest in isolation. Collectively, however, these acts build the professional home that is ACOI.

Organizations endure because people find a place where they are valued, challenged, and connected. ACOI's greatest strength is not its bylaws, finances, or organizational structure. Its greatest strength is its people.

I believe that because I have seen it firsthand during my year as President.

To everyone who served on a committee this year, thank you. Your time, expertise, and commitment are the reason this College continues to thrive. I hope you will continue to contribute in the years ahead.

I also cannot thank our remarkable staff enough. Their dedication, professionalism, creativity, and hard work make everything we accomplish possible. When you see them in Palm Springs, please take a moment to thank them for all they do for the organization we love.

A special personal thank you to Karen Caruth. She is a gifted leader, a trusted partner, and a tireless advocate for ACOI. We are fortunate to have her.  I think I am going to miss our weekly Zoom meetings.

To our Board members, thank you for your service, your wisdom, and the countless hours you have dedicated to the College. Your contributions often happen behind the scenes, but they are deeply appreciated and have made ACOI stronger.

What an honor and privilege it has been to serve as your President.

As I reflect on this year, I am reminded that what endures is rarely the work of one individual. It is the collective effort of people who believe in something larger than themselves and who choose, day after day, to invest in its future.

Together, we have built something meaningful. Together, we have strengthened this College. And together, we have laid a foundation that will support future generations of osteopathic internal medicine physicians.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

Finally, let me be the first to congratulate our new incoming President C. Clark Milton, DO, FACOI. Good luck Clark and best wishes.  Dr. Milton will be an outstanding President.

I look forward to seeing you in Palm Springs. And when you do, please come say hello.

Signing off,

Damon

Damon L. Baker, DO, MACOI