November 2, 2020

To Our Members:

We at Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland (MSMP) are extremely proud of our long and rich history dating back to 1884. Over the last 136 years, MSMP has influenced the lives and practices of physicians throughout the Portland Metropolitan area; bringing physicians together to discuss important medical issues while encouraging a spirit of collegiality and camaraderie as members shared their personal and professional experiences and learned from one another through our informed publications and annual events. Our purpose has been to add value to both members’ professional and non-professional lives and to make the Medical Society an invaluable resource and social focal point for members.

With the onset of COVID-19, the most unprecedented pandemic of the last century, we have seen a transformation of the healthcare system and medical care across the country. This devastating epidemic along with a continual decline in membership has significantly impacted our organization both administratively and financially. The challenges brought on by COVID-19 also hindered MSMP from meeting all obligations of our members and the Society itself. We have spent countless hours exploring ways to revitalize the organization and secure a future for our members and staff. As a result of a decrease in business and revenue precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, our Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to close the Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland which will occur by December 15, 2020.

We recognize there are vital programs currently being utilized by our members and medical professionals throughout the state of Oregon. Below you will find information on the future for these programs.

• Metropolitan Medical Foundation of Oregon (MMFO)  MSMP will distribute any remaining assets to its charitable 501(c)(3) foundation, Metropolitan Medical Foundation of Oregon (MMFO). MMFO is an independent organization that supports activities which improve health education and the delivery of health care to the community, offering small grants in support of this mission. MMFO will remain operational and continue with their grant-making activities. 

You can learn more about MMFO programs and find their new contact information at www.MMFO.org.

• Physician Wellness Program  Our most notable program, the Physician Wellness Program, has provided free, confidential counseling to over 200 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners totaling over 1,000 appointments. Because our Wellness Program has been a key participant in the State-wide Oregon Wellness Program, our health care provider community will continue to have access to services under the same procedures we have previously used. The Oregon Wellness Program is committed to private sessions that respect the dignity and training of each clinician.

To schedule an appointment, call (541) 242-2805 or visit www.OregonWellnessProgram.org where you can also find detailed profiles for each mental healthcare provider.

• Senior Physician Group  The Senior Physician Group was formed as part of MSMP’s emphasis on encouraging doctors’ well-being and to allow senior physicians the opportunity for fellowship, conversation and information sharing. Dr. Mary McCarthy is collaborating with the Oregon Medical Association to continue the group and notice of future meetings will be sent out before the end of the year.
  
  
• The Scribe  MSMP's celebrated publication, The Scribe, has connected and informed the area's medical community for nearly four decades. December will feature a robust history of MSMP as we close this remarkable chapter.

For the last 136 years, Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland has brought physicians together in community. We have delighted in holding events that allowed us to shake the hand of a colleague, embrace an old friend and share a bottle of wine during dinner. And we are saddened that, due to the pandemic, we cannot host a final farewell dinner for our extraordinary members and community partners.

There are no words to adequately express our gratitude to our members for your many years of support and dedication to the Medical Society. We appreciate you and are grateful for your service and dedication to the health and welfare of our community.

Thank you for sharing this experience and being part of our amazing journey.

MEDICAL SOCIETY OF METROPOLITAN PORTLAND

msmpdx@yahoo.com