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F rom the President<br />
On behalf of the Polish-American Medical Society (<strong>PAMS</strong>) in Chicago,<br />
I would like to welcome you to this celebration. We are very proud that this<br />
year marks the 70th anniversary of <strong>PAMS</strong>. Throughout its history, <strong>PAMS</strong><br />
has become one of the most respected professional organizations in the<br />
Chicagoland area. We are an influential Polonia organization, a member of<br />
the Polish-American Congress, and an affiliate of the Chicago Medical<br />
Society. With over 450 medical professional members, representing a wide<br />
array of specialties, we are the largest Polish émigré medical organization<br />
in the world.<br />
Since its establishment in 1946, <strong>PAMS</strong> has aimed to support medical professionals and trainees in<br />
Chicago through mentorship, promoting scholarship, and philanthropy. Over the past 20 years, in<br />
conjunction with the Kosciuszko Foundation, we have awarded over $150,000 in support of 18 Polish<br />
physician and medical scientists who have engaged in educational and research initiatives at US academic<br />
centers. Over the past 10 years, we have also awarded scholarships to over 100 Polonia students in the<br />
health sciences for a total of over $200,000. These generous donations have been made possible by our<br />
Annual Physicians’ Balls, which have also supported other Polish-American organizations including the<br />
Polish Museum of America, the Bishop Abramowicz Seminary Program, Polonia Ensemble, the Polish<br />
Film Festival in America, the Polish Arts Club of Chicago, Amber Coalition, Gift from the Heart Foundation,<br />
Polish Scouting Organization of Illinois, and the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra.<br />
We are privileged to have expanded our organization to include 22 honorary members who now<br />
represent our organization at preeminent medical centers throughout the US and worldwide. As an<br />
affiliate of the Federation of Polish Medical Societies Abroad, <strong>PAMS</strong> has continued to cultivate its role in<br />
the global arena. We have also aimed to actively integrate young medical professionals, trainees, and<br />
students into our organization. In addition to providing scholarships to students, <strong>PAMS</strong> has expanded<br />
mentoring opportunities through events such as the evening at the Polish Museum of America held on<br />
Friday prior to the Annual Physicians’ Ball and by holding informational sessions on applying and<br />
succeeding in the health sciences.<br />
As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of <strong>PAMS</strong>, I would like to express my gratitude to the<br />
<strong>PAMS</strong> Board of Directors, organization members, and <strong>PAMS</strong> supporters, without whom our organization<br />
could not be possible. It is also with great sadness that we mourn the passing of our friend and longtime<br />
<strong>PAMS</strong> Board of Directors member, Dr. Eva Kiljanska-Buch, and the passing of <strong>PAMS</strong> honorary member<br />
Dr. Krzysztof Krawczynski and his wife, Elzbieta, whose contributions to our organization will not be<br />
forgotten.<br />
Looking to the future, <strong>PAMS</strong> looks forward to many more years of serving and supporting the<br />
Polish-American community.<br />
Kornelia Król, M.D.<br />
President of <strong>PAMS</strong> in Chicago<br />
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