FCMS Conference 2024

FCMS Newsletter October 2024

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FCMS Mission Statement

TO PROMOTE THE COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION OF MEDICAL SOCIETIES IN NORTH AMERICA IN ORDER,

TO ADVOCATE FOR THE COMMON GOAL OF ENHANCING THE MEDICAL CARE OF CHINESE IN NORTH AMERICA AND

FACILITATE THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHINESE AMERICAN AND CHINESE CANADIAN PHYSICIANS

Chairperson’s Corner

Vanessa Chan, MD

This is the 30th Anniversary of the Federation! It is my honor to be the Chair at this moment in our history, and to reflect on the many wonderful persons who founded and have led the Federation to this point. Our main event is the Biennial Scientific Conference, and I extend my congratulations to the host society CAMS and their Program Committee for putting together an outstanding program and international panel of speakers. These conferences illustrate the potential of the Federation to bring people together and focus on how to share knowledge and advance the health of Chinese in North America. There is much to do, and the Federation looks forward to welcoming new members and future activities.

White House Conference on Asian American Mental Health

Victor Chang, MD

On July 20, 2023, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hosted an in-person summit focused on improving equity and access to behavioral health care for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA, NH, and PI) communities.

Dr. Vanessa Chan and Dr. Kenneth Fung represented FCMS. The focus of the meeting was on mental health needs as seen by front line providers. The proceedings have been summarized in the format of a thought exchange, and a report issued in September 2023. Across the Sessions, two prominent themes arose: 1) Provide Funding and Resources and 2) Building the Workforce.

Next steps are:

• Ensure there is a workforce with many culturally responsive and trauma-informed practitioners ready to serve the community.
• Direct funds specifically to the AA, NH, and PI community that allow community-based organizations to operate and provide services that will lead to healing.
• Develop and scale community outreach, education, and awareness campaigns to share experiences and promote interconnectedness.
• Create a more accessible public database with resources specific to the community.
• Review and refine policies to ensure AA, NH, and PI communities are intentionally included, consulted, and protected.