Nancy Kyler, member of Rockingham County Medical Alliance, installed as AMA Alliance President

13 July 2009

Virginia has always been famous for its Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.

Nancy Kyler, 2002-2003 MSVA President, joined this list of notables as the first Virginia Alliance member to take the oath of office as President of the AMA Alliance on June 15, 2009 in Chicago at the Chicago Marriott Downtown. Her husband, Dr. Robert Kyler, was at her side holding the family bible on which she placed her hand as she was installed by Dr. Rebecca J. Patchin, Chair of the Board of Trustess of the American Medical Association.

To celebrate this momentous event the MSVA planned and hosted an inaugural reception for Nancy held immediately after the installation. From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. over 100 people from across the country gathered in the 7th floor foyer to congratulate Nancy and celebrate her achievement. We dined on Virginia foods with a menu that included King’s Tavern Peanut Soup, Country Ham with Heavy Cream Biscuits, a cheese display with crackers, Chocolate Covered Peanut Squares, George Washington Bars, Hubs Roasted Peanuts and Forbes Salt Water Taffy brought in from Virginia Beach. Rockingham graciously provided the favors: lovely tins congratulating Nancy with Virginia state chocolates inside. The Virginia Bureau of Tourism donated 4 beautiful posters of the Virginia countryside, 75 Virginia Travel Guide 2009 magazines, and Virginia is for Lovers bumper stickers.

We were honored to have the entire MSV delegation join us in support of, and congratulations for, Nancy. The MSVA delegation included Natalie Rude and Gail Arthur (Co-Presidents), Sharon Moffatt and Debbie Trainer (immediate Past- Presidents), Krista Crawford-Mathis (President-elect), Ellen Morgan, Liesl Delisio, Stacy Castro, and Clara Cerniglia. The MSVA Gavel Club was well represented by Caramine Kellam, Nicki Bazaco, Mary Ann Nirschl, Carol Lougheed, Karen Jamison, Connie Vermillion, Candy Krop, and Kathy Koch (who serves the AMAA as the Chair of the AMA Foundation committee).

Without a doubt, the highlight of the evening was the piano playing of Tom Krop, MD, who entertained our guests, non-stop, for the entire party. Before the evening was out, he had his own “groupies” around the piano singing their hearts out to his varied music, which ran the gamut from classical to rock to show tunes. Eileen Thomason contacted the Governor’s Office. As a result of her efforts, Governor Kaine wrote a letter of congratulations, which was framed and presented to Nancy during the reception.

The Reception Committee consisted of Kathy Koch and Candy Krop, Co-chairs, Karen Jamison, Sharon Moffatt, Debbie Trainer, Dawn Kern, Liesl Delisio, Eileen Thomason, Natalie Rude, and Gail Arthur. Jennifer Karlen of Roanoke created a cookbook, the proceeds of which went towards the party. These cookbooks are still available for purchase. For further information, contact Jennifer at karlenfamily@cox.net.

Thank you to everyone who helped create a wonderful celebration with a warm, downhome Virginia flavor.

Click here to view photos from the annual meeting.