Post Convention Report
NPMA Annual Conference, Miami, Florida
April 22-25, 2004

The NPMA held its 32nd Annual Educational Conference, at the beautiful Biscayne Bay Sheraton Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. The backdrop of the hotel was a spectacular view of the Miami Bay and South Beach was just minutes away across the bridge from the hotel.

The Conference Scientific Chairperson, Dr. Sherrell Wilkerson, along with Dr. Carlos Smith, National Scientific Chairperson, coordinated an excellent series of lectures with emphasis on Sports Medicine. Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine provided many of the speakers. Some of the topics discussed are listed: Athletic Wounds, Ankle Sprains, Achilles Tendon Rupture, Diagnostic Imaging of Soft Tissue Injuries, Overuse Injuries of the Lower Extremity, etc. Osteomed Medical Company sponsored a workshop on 1st and lesser metatarsal osteotomies for the students and residents. Also, by request NPMA has incorporated into our seminars lectures on office and business management. Some of those topics included were Office Manual/Office Policy, Ownership vs Leadership, and Stress Management. Thanks to Dr. Sherrell Wilkerson for an excellent educational seminar.

After being in seminars all day, the doctors and guests were ready to enjoy the sunny beaches of Miami, especially South Beach. On Thursday night, there was a "Dine Around". This included a bus tour of the South Beach main attractions. The first stop was a reception hosted by the Royal Palm/Crown Plaza Hotel, the only black-owned resort in the United States. This beach-front hotel was absolutely beautiful, possibly a future site for the NPMA Conference. Next stop was "Mango's Tropical Café", a hot South Beach restaurant and club. The food was great with a Caribbean cuisine. Some of the doctors got a chance to dance and unwind. But the evening was not over yet! The last attraction was a hot night club on Miami Beach called "The Millennium Movers" where we danced the night away. Thanks to Barbara Howard for an evening to remember.

On Friday night "Warm Spirits" hosted a Pamper Night and converted one of the suites into a "Spa" type of setting with soft music, scented candles and chilled wine to add to the ambience. Not only was this thoroughly enjoyed by the women but the men, too. Thanks to "Warm Spirits" for the total relaxation!

The Annual Awards Banquet culminated the conference on Saturday night. We were entertained by "Kurt Green and the Green Thing". The vocalist could really sing and everyone enjoyed this dynamic band. The speaker of the evening was Rev. His speech was spiritual and very inspiring. The winners of this year's NPMA Student Scholarships were: Melissa Marshall, Shanka Hill and Michelle Koo, winning the Raymond Lee, Teddy Clark and Herbert Jackson awards respectively. Awards were also given to Dr. Sherrell Wilkerson, Scientific Chairperson and Life Members: Dr. Regina Flippin and Dr. Victor Horseley.

New officers were installed: Dr. Morris Stribling, President, San Antonio, Texas; Dr. Kirk Geter, Vice-President, Washington, DC; Dr. David Friedie, Secretary, Edinburg, Texas; and Dr. Jondelle Jenkins, Treasurer, Chicago, Il. New Board members elected: Dr. John Codwell, Houston, Texas; Dr. Yacarra Tabb, New Orleans, La., and Dr. Laverne Andre-Hayes, Columbia, Maryland. New Officers of SNPMA were also installed. Afterwards, everyone continued to dance and enjoy the music by Kurt Green and the Green Thang."

Thanks again to Dr. Sherrell Wilkerson and the Barry School of Podiatric Medicine. Also, thanks to Barbara Howard and Associates for the Dine Around.

Editor,
Dr. Eveleigh E. Williams