Can you hear that whistle blowing? TAFP's 54th Annual Session and Scientific Assembly is right around the bend, and it promises to be a trip you'll not soon forget. With its cosmopolitan atmosphere and quick pace, Dallas is the destination for Texas' family physicians on July 24-27. Everything will take place in the heart of the city at the Hyatt Regency at Reunion.

To open the conference, TAFP is proud to present family physician and Academy member, Texas Commissioner of Health, Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., who will again this year be delivering the opening keynote address. Sanchez manages a staff of 5,000 and an annual budget of $1.5 billion as the head of the Texas Department of Health. The academy is honored to have Dr. Sanchez open the conference as he discusses the state of health care in Texas.

The academy is also very proud to have on the schedule the current president of the AAFP, Texas' own James C. Martin, M.D. Martin will preside over the induction of TAFP's new officers, and he will also serve as the conference closing keynote speaker.

If CME is what you're looking for, this is the conference for you. Attendees to this year's conference will be able to receive up to 28 hours of accredited CME as they attend events featuring nationally-renowned speakers presenting the latest information on topics of interest to primary care physicians. Some of these include a hands-on presentation on office skin procedures and electrosurgery, a lecture on new advancements in the treatment of ADHD, and a discussion about the Women's Health Initiative. Other lectures will include “The Wave of the Future: New Technologies in Imaging,” “Thrombosis: A New Approach to Oral Anti-coagulation," "HIV in 2003,” “Ethics: Medicine and Spirituality,” and much more.

If helping to chart the course for the future of family medicine is what interests you, don't miss this opportunity to join inspired physicians from across the state who share in that desire. All TAFP committee and commission meetings are open to anyone except for meetings of the Executive and Nominating committees. Academy leadership welcomes new faces and fresh ideas.

As always, the Annual Session and Scientific Assembly will allow plenty of time for fun, fellowship and good food. The traditional kickoff for ASSA, the Opening Celebration, will set the scene. This is the grand opening of the exhibit hall, where more than a hundred companies will display the latest and the greatest of products in the medical field. Come explore the exhibits while you enjoy some festive entertainment.

This year, the Foundation invites you to its Second Annual TAFP Foundation Chocolate Extravaganza. Save some room for dessert. Then there's the Physician of the Year Reception, the Happy Hour Networking Reception, the Guest Get-together and the Second Annual John Peter Smith Alumni Reunion.

Saturday evening is the night of the most anticipated event of the conference, the President's Gala. The scene will be Chicago circa 1920 as the new officers of TAFP are inducted into office in the historic hall of Dallas' Union Station. Early in the 20th century, this was the seat of activity as the nexus of several train lines. In the late 1920s, as many as 100 arrivals and departures would occur. What a perfect location for TAFP to celebrate its diverse and thriving membership. After an elegant dinner and the installation ceremony, everyone will hit the dance floor. A live band will play music everyone can enjoy, so bring your dancing shoes.

While you're in Dallas, don't miss the myriad attractions the Metroplex has to offer. No matter where you are in Big D, something exciting awaits. There are the shops and restaurants of the West End Historic District, the museums and performance centers of the Dallas Arts District, the history of Old City Park and Dealey Plaza and the tranquility of Thanksgiving Square and Pioneer Plaza. And Dallas is a town known for its shopping opportunities.

Just east of downtown is Fair Park, home of the annual State Fair of Texas and the year-round site of the region's largest group of museums: the Hall of State, Science Place, the TI Founders IMAX Theatre, the African American Museum, the Women's Museum and more. See an exhibit about the ferocious dinosaurs that once roamed the Big Bend region at the Natural History Museum, or take a tour through the Dallas Aquarium and see more than 6,000 aquatic animals, including a 135-pound alligator snapping turtle. Nature lovers will enjoy Texas Discovery Gardens, a 7.5-acre park with butterfly gardens, tropical and botanical gardens.

While out at Fair Park, you won't want to miss the Age of Steam Railroad Museum. Here you can live out your daydreams of riding the rails as you stroll down the center of a Pullman sleeping car or stand next to the wheels of a Union Pacific “Big Boy.” The impressive collection includes lounge and sleeping cars, a dining car, the state's oldest depot building, plus steam, diesel and electric locomotives all from the golden age of rail.

Again this year, TAFP has cut conference registration fees to less than $200 for members and less than $300 for non-member physicians. You can visit the TAFP Web site at www.tafp.org to learn more about the conference and to register.

Don't miss this chance to attend the premier family practice conference in the state of Texas. Climb aboard and enjoy the ride.

Hotel Information

The Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion

A warm and spacious lobby complete with natural lighting, elegant furnishings and lush foliage creates an impressive welcome to 1,122 elegantly appointed guest rooms including 41 suites. All guest rooms are spacious and comfortable with city views, stylish furnishings and modern amenities including voice mail, video messaging and dataports. Variety abounds at Hyatt Regency Dallas' four restaurants and two lounges. Reserve a table at Antares, the revolving gourmet restaurant atop Reunion Tower. 

Located in the historic district adjacent to the exciting West End, this cosmopolitan hotel, the adjoining historic Union Station and the 50-story Reunion Tower soar above the downtown boutiques and restaurants to create a stunning focal point in the Dallas skyline. Walk to nearby shopping, business and cultural districts. Connected by underground concourse to historic Union Station, this impressive 28-story hotel also offers convenient access to various parts of Dallas via the light and commuter rail systems.

Room Rates and Reservations

The TAFP has negotiated a special group rate of $135 single/double per night. The room block is available until July 1, 2003 or until all rooms are reserved, whichever comes first. For reservations contact the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion located at 300 Reunion Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75207, (800) 233-1234 or (214) 651-1234. Be sure to mention that you are with the Texas Academy of Family Physicians to receive this special group rate.