Ukrainian Medical Association's Illinois Branch elects new officers (02/13/05)

Ukrainian Medical Association's Illinois Branch elects new officers

by George Hrycelak

CHICAGO - The Illinois Branch of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA) celebrated its traditional annual "Yalynka" and general meeting with election of officers on January 9 at the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago.

This yearly assembly attracted over 80 members of UMANA-Illinois with their families. The Ukrainian Cultural Center in Chicago catered a delicious warm traditional brunch that helped satisfy appetites while enhancing meetings with friends and colleagues.

The participants had the opportunity to view the museum's ongoing photographic exhibition "The New Tone of Democracy: Ukraine's Orange Revolution" by Adrienne Kovalsky. This young local photographer not only served as an election observer, but also found time to document glimpses into the lives of the Ukrainian people who powered this movement.

The annual business meeting took place in the museum library's boardroom. Bohdan Charkewycz, M.D., outgoing president, delivered a summary of his four-year term in office, and thanked his supporting administration. After brief discussion, a unanimous vote ushered in the nominated slate of candidates for the next two years. Elected were: George Kuritza, M.D., president; Roman Saldan, M.D., vice-president; Theresa Kuritza, M.D., secretary; George Charuk, D.O., treasurer; and Maria Hrycelak, M.D., national office liaison.

Dr. Kuritza thanked his colleagues for their trust. The immediate plans of the Illinois Branch include sponsoring the annual banquet and ball with presentation of debutantes on January 29; the Spring Scientific Conference and Ski Outing at Crested Butte, Colo., March 26-April 2; and a medical presentation on "The Poisoning of Viktor Yushchenko - Dermatopathology and Toxicology of Dioxin" by Danylo Hryhorczuk, M.D. and Sophie Worobec, M.D. (date to be announced).

Finally, Dr. Kuritza urged members and their families to make plans to attend the upcoming 38th Scientific Conference and 31st Assembly of Delegates at the Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Center in Edmonton, on June 29-July 3. This conference is shaping up to be the largest in recent history, with many members from across the U.S. and Canada participating.

The president concluded the day's activities by wishing all present a healthy, happy New Year and pleasant holidays. For event details, readers may visit the UMANA website at www.umana.org.

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