Greetings esteemed colleagues and members of the Florida State Oriental Medical Association.

It is with great humility and immense gratitude that I speak before you today as your newly elected president. This is a position I do not take lightly, and I am both excited and deeply committed to the work we will do together in the coming years. We are about to embark on a journey—one rooted in the profound traditions of Oriental medicine, yet propelled forward by a spirit of innovation, unity, and purpose.

As I begin this new chapter of leadership, I want to speak from the heart about what I believe will guide us toward success: the power of our convictions, the strength of servant-leadership, and the transformative power of vision, delegation, creativity, focus, and hope.

The Power of Convictions

First, we must lead with our convictions. Oriental medicine is not just a profession; it is a calling. It is a commitment to healing, to balance, to wellness, and to the timeless principles that have been passed down through generations. In this world of rapid change and complexity, we must hold firmly to what we know is true: our patients, their health, and our collective commitment to their well-being are what matter most.  We do not practice health care, we practice patient care. 

Our convictions will anchor us when challenges arise. They will guide us through uncertainty and give us the strength to stay true to our path. When we act with integrity, when we stand by the principles that have long guided this profession, we not only elevate ourselves, we elevate everyone around us.

Servant Leadership

Second, let us embrace servant-leadership. The best leaders are not those who wield power, but those who empower others. Leadership is not about personal accolades, it’s about lifting up those around us, nurturing their growth, and fostering an environment where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued. We are here to serve: to serve our profession, our community, and each other.

A servant leader listens more than they speak, and they act with humility and grace. My promise to you is that I will serve with you, not above you. I will work beside each and every one of you, supporting your efforts and empowering you to bring your best selves to this association and to your practices. Together, we will create an environment where each member has the resources, the opportunities, and the encouragement to thrive.

Vision

Third, I believe that every successful endeavor begins with a clear and compelling vision. As we look to the future, let us do so with a vision that is expansive and inclusive—a vision of a world where Oriental medicine is not only recognized but revered for its ability to heal, restore, and prevent.

We must inspire not only those within our profession but also the broader community to understand the immense value of what we do. We will work to raise awareness, to share our knowledge, and to build partnerships that enable us to make a lasting impact on healthcare in Florida and beyond.

Delegation and Letting Go

As we look to grow and innovate, we must also embrace the power of delegation—the wisdom of knowing that we cannot do it all ourselves. We are stronger when we lean on the unique abilities and talents of each member of our community. Together, we can accomplish far more than any one individual could ever hope to achieve alone.

Let go of the idea that we must control every detail. Let go of the burden of perfection. Instead, trust in each other’s expertise, wisdom, and creativity. The most effective leaders are those who are willing to step back, to trust in the strengths of their team, and to create space for others to shine.

Unique Abilities and Creativity

Speaking of creativity, I encourage each of you to bring your unique abilities to the table. Our strength lies in our diversity—not just in the methods we use to heal, but in the ways we think, the experiences we bring, and the passions that drive us. Together, we represent a rich tapestry of perspectives, and this diversity is not only a gift—it is a wellspring of innovation.

Let us encourage one another to think outside the box, to embrace new ideas, and to be bold in exploring how we can elevate our practices. Creativity is not just for artists—it is for all of us. It is what allows us to adapt, to improve, and to make an even greater impact on the lives of those we serve.

Focus

In a world filled with distractions, it is more important than ever to maintain our focus. We must stay focused on our mission: improving the health and well-being of our patients and advancing the principles of Oriental medicine. Let us not be swayed by the noise or deterred by the challenges. Let us remain resolute in our purpose.

As your president, I will do everything in my power to ensure that we stay focused on our collective goals, and that every action we take, every decision we make, is aligned with our higher mission. 

Hope

Finally, let us never lose sight of the power of hope. Hope is what drives us when the road is long and the work is difficult. Hope is what sustains us through moments of doubt and uncertainty. And it is hope that we, as leaders, must nurture in our members, in our patients, and in the communities we serve.

When we lead with hope, we are not simply offering a vision of what could be; we are offering the belief that together, we can make it happen. Hope is a gift we can give to others, and it is a gift that will return to us tenfold as we build a future where Oriental medicine flourishes and continues to heal for generations to come.

In Closing

My fellow members, the journey ahead will not always be easy. There will be obstacles to overcome, challenges to face, and moments that test our resolve. But with our convictions as our guide, with servant-leadership as our compass, with vision to lead us, and with focus and hope to sustain us, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Together, we will make this a transformative time for Oriental medicine in Florida. Let us embrace the power of what we know, the strength of who we are, and the boundless possibilities of where we are going.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to the work we do. Let’s get to work.

FSOMA President