
Arnold with her Viste Young Physician Leadership Award, 2016
The Wisconsin Medical Society (Society) is pleased to welcome Alicia Arnold, MD, of Eau Claire, as president-elect. Society members elected Doctor Arnold president-elect during the Society’s House of Delegates on Saturday, August 22. Dr. Arnold is a board-certified radiologist, with additional training in women’s imaging. Dr. Arnold joined the Society’s Board in 2016 and has participated in the Executive Committee for the last two years. Dr. Arnold shared her background of involvement in the Society and her community and what she hopes to achieve as president.
Why were you interested in pursuing the role of President of the Wisconsin Medical Society?
I’ve been involved in organized medicine since medical school and view it as an essential channel for physician advocacy. As health care delivery evolves in our country, we must ensure that physician voices are heard and valued. I consider it an honor to help support the physicians of Wisconsin. I believe in the mission of the Society and am proud to collaborate with physicians across the state as we work towards our common goals.
What are some of the roles you have held in the Society?
I began my involvement at the local level as the Secretary and subsequently the President of the Tri-County Medical Society. At the House of Delegates, I have served on Reference Committee and emceed the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation dinner. It was also a great honor to receive the Kenneth M. Viste Jr., MD, Young Physician Leadership Award in 2016. I have served several terms on the Board of Directors and have been a member of the Executive Committee of the Board the past two years. Additionally, I have served as a reviewer for the Wisconsin Medical Journal.
Tell us a little about your community involvement.
I serve as an officer on the Board of Directors for our local free clinic. I’m on an advisory committee to the School Board and serve as a mentor for first generation college students. Public speaking is another passion of mine. I worked as a medical correspondent for a number of years and still give talks to community and professional groups.
What do you hope to achieve as Society President?
I think we can all agree that this year has been completely unprecedented. It has also been a good reminder that the practice of medicine changes at an incredible pace. As President, I hope to help support a dynamic and nimble Wisconsin Medical Society meet the current needs of our physician community. In addition, I would like to increase our efforts to make medicine more inclusive for all of the physicians and patients in Wisconsin. Racism continues to be a vitally important issue that we must devote time and energy to addressing. Sexism in medicine is another area where we need to look for ways to do better.
Do you have advice for future physician leaders?
Let’s work together! The time is now to embrace the governance modernization efforts by the Society and make your opinions known. Please weigh in on your priorities so the Society can better advocate for you. Also, I mentioned “colleague care” in my virtual speech at the HOD. Let’s prioritize kindness and collaboration with our physician colleagues.
And what are a couple fun facts about you?
Between college and medical school at the University of Michigan, I worked pulling pints at a pub in Galway, Ireland. During my residency in Boston, Matt Damon’s father was my landlord.
Reach out to Dr. Arnold on WisMed Community to congratulate her!
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