Delegate’s Report

Once again, I was privileged to attend the annual AMT Business Meeting and Educational Seminar as a delegate for OKSSAMT.  I have been able to attend the last several national meetings but I must say this one was the best yet.

The meeting took place in Providence, Rhode Island which was exciting to me because I had never been on the east coast so I didn’t really know what to expect.  What I found was a beautiful area full of very charming and considerate people. 

The educational classes and keynote addresses were exceptional.  I was truly impressed.  We had speakers ranging from a noted author and television personality, Dr. Keith Ablow, to the editor of Advance Magazine, Matthew Patton.  There were classes available for every discipline and something of interest for everyone. 

Also, I served on the Convention Committee, answered questions at the Mentor’s table, and attended the Editor’s Workshop again this year.  Peggy Oiler, chairman of the convention committee does a terrific job and was given the Dusty Rhoades Award this year.  It’s an honor to serve with her.  She is also the keeper of the Book of Memories. 

The Publishing Committee has a new chair this year – Tommie Williams.  I was able to learn several things that will help with future issues of the Sooner Scope.  Again, electronic publications were a main topic of discussion.  Totally electronic publications are still in the future but we can begin to start sending out them along with the paper ones as early as the next issue according to Tommie.  Electronic publications will save the state societies much in the way of costs for printing and mailing. 

Now, I would like to say a little about the banquets, get-togethers, and awards ceremony.  Wow!  I was invited to attend the Order of the Golden Microscope dinner.  Everyone dressed for the occasion and the menu was outstanding.  We were served Maine Bisque Lobster Soup and Prime Rib among other delicacies.  The get acquainted party was fun – we had a DJ that played and everyone danced to the Oldies.  At the get acquainted party, the state baskets were given out to the lucky winners.  Carole Miller won Oklahoma’s basket.  At the Award’s Banquet and Ceremony, the AMT home office staff did a fantastic job of decorating.  We entered the room thru a giant life preserver with AHOY AMT written across the top.  Inside, there were paper gulls floating all over the room, and the tables were decorated with light houses, netting, shells, and spongy lobsters.  Again, the menu was superb from the main course to the individual Boston Crème Pie dessert.  Oklahoma was recognized as one of the State Honor Roll Society states and our very own Mary Burden won the Med Tech of the Year award.

Following the days of classes and meetings, the business portion of the meeting was held on Friday.  The committee reports were given and much business was discussed.  During the afternoon session, elections were held.  I’m proud to announce that Roxanne Clifton was re-elected to the board and will now serve as vice president of AMT.

Of course, I had to play tourist some, too.  Again, the wonderful folks at the home office had arranged a special event for those that wished to participate.  We went on a dinner cruise from Providence to Newport in the Narragansett Bay.  Oh, it was beautiful.  The dinner was good (prime rib and fixin’s) and the dance band they had was terrific.  

I was also able to take some trolley rides and explore the different sections of Providence.  They have a section called Little Italy that was especially interesting.  During one bus ride to Newport, I met some very nice natives and plan on keeping in touch with them via email.  As mentioned, everyone was so friendly and helpful there.  The Convention Center even put up a booth with brochures and handouts along with a representative to help visitors right in the lobby by our meeting rooms.

I would like to close my delegate’s report with a mention of next years meeting.  It will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota – about 5 minutes away from the Mall of America for all you dedicated shoppers out there.  Also, at the back of the hotel, there is a game preserve with walking trails and other amenities.  Besides getting our continuing education credits, we will be able to shop to our hearts contents and have lots of fun in the process, not to mention meeting new and old friends.  Hope to see you there. 

Thank you again for allowing me to be your delegate to the 70^th Annual AMT Business Meeting and Educational Seminar. 

Respectfully,

Lia Kaye Spears, MT (AMT)

OKSSAMT - Editor

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