News from VOSH-Illinois President Andrew Kohn, OD, January 2022

Hello Everyone! I hope the new year finds you all happy and healthy. I always like to provide a brief review of anything notable from VOSH Illinois’ previous year. Obviously, the pandemic has continued to affect our ability to travel, plan and conduct clinics. That being said, we are always hopeful moving forward and committed to our efforts in helping those in need.

Right off the bat, I have to congratulate VOSH Illinois’ very own Dr. Michael Ciszek on his new role as President of VOSH/International. We are incredibly proud of him and are thrilled to have another of our members take such a prominent role on such a large stage. I know he will continue to do great things!

On a more local note, we are fortunate to have some phenomenal people coming into new leadership roles. Dr. Andrew Neukirch has assumed the mantle of Vice President of VOSH-Illinois, taking over for Dr. Abigail Gonsalves. We thank Dr. Gonsalves for her dedication and hard work and know Dr. Neukirch will do a wonderful job.

And after many years of work as the Treasurer of VOSH-Illinois, Dieter Ruerhmund will be stepping down at the end of 2022. Dieter has devoted an incredible amount of time, effort and energy over decades with VOSH Illinois and I don’t have enough words to thank him for all he has given. Dennis Evashenk has kindly offered to step into the role of Treasurer and we know he will do a fantastic job as well.

Another new development has been Natalie Venezia’s brilliant idea to highlight some of our members through brief snapshot interviews. You can find them posted on our Facebook page or on our website https://voshllinois.wpenginepowered.com/chapter-news/

We know many of you continue to be eager to participate in local and international volunteer clinics. So many things continue to change rapidly, particularly with regard to international travel. I promise we will keep you posted as soon as any opportunities come available. Thank you all so much for your continued patience and understanding.

Please see the options below for payment of your 2022 membership dues. The membership form attached to this email has the amounts listed but it’s $40/individual and $60/family.

1. QuickPay/Zelle – Pay using info@vosh-illinois.org

2. Website – Go to www.vosh-illinois.org, Click on the “Donate” button on the upper right side and enter the amount you wish to pay. There, you will also find the membership form to print if you’d like to pay your dues through the US mail. 

As usual, dues for any students and first year graduates will be waived. In addition, if you are currently experiencing financial hardship, please reach out and know that we understand that times are tough. We can always work something out, particularly with regard to membership dues.

Thank you all for your continued commitment to our chapter and this organization. The support you provide means a tremendous amount and I appreciate you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Andrew Kohn, O.D.

President, VOSH-Illinois