What is the Academy of Medicine?
As an advocacy organization, the Academy speaks out for physicians on legislative and reimbursement issues affecting the practice of medicine. Members are kept informed of issues and activities through it's print newsletter and e-newsletter, News Briefs.
- The Academy also sponsors programs and continuing medical education activities for physicians and others in the health care community, as well as special events for members and their guests.
- The Academy assists physicians in the management of their busy practices by offering a variety of services and benefits including alliances with local businesses to provide special discounts and savings to members.
Additionally the Academy works to connect member physicians with patients and the community at large. The Academy offers an online physician referral service for community members looking for a physician in the area. Along with the referral service, patients are served through the Academy of Medicine’s involvement in a variety of health care related associations in the area, e.g., the Doctor’s Foundation.
President's Message
Message from President Joseph S. Cheng, MD 
Fellow Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati members:
When I joined the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati, I quickly learned the value of working with colleagues from varying specialties in our region. Through the Academy, I have been involved in physician safety initiatives such as ending the publication of personal information by our Medical Board which allowed targeting of physicians not only by marketers, but disgruntled patients, phishing scammers, and others who you may want to maintain your privacy. I have been involved in advocacy efforts in ensuring access to care for our patients in the region, not only with our work in conjunction with OSMA, but also nationally with CMS payment policies. Through my work on the Council, I’ve gained a great appreciation for the unique value that a society dedicated to all specialties in our Cincinnati region can provide to its members and our field.
The Academy of Medicine is a unique group of diverse primary and specialty physicians united by a shared commitment to improve the lives of patients in our Cincinnati community. This mission has remained steadfast, even as we’ve adapted to the post-pandemic “new normal”. As I step into the role of President, I aim to ensure the Academy continues to evolve and grow while maintaining the high standards established during our long history.
Your membership will help the Academy make greater impact and continue our spirit of physician camaraderie in 2025 through various gatherings including our 168th Annual Awards Gala, Pickleball Fundraiser Tournament, and networking gatherings throughout the year. In tandem with these opportunities for physician connections will be educational programs and panel sessions designed to advance physician practices and the future of healthcare for our community.
I invite you to join me in supporting this important work. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to do so is by renewing your membership for 2025. Membership dues are one of the primary ways the Academy of Medicine supports our educational and health advocacy work, so your membership truly makes a difference. Please use this link (AOMC | Join/Renew) or the one below to renew today.
I wish you a very Happy New Year and look forward to working with our community of physicians and our Academy of Medicine in the coming year. I am thankful for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Joseph S. Cheng, MD, MS
President, Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati
Frank H. Mayfield Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Executive Director's Message
Message from the Executive Director
Strengthening Cincinnati's Medical Community -- Together
At the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati, our mission since 1857 has been to serve as the unified voice and advocate for physicians in our region. That mission is more vital today than ever.
As our healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so do the challenges facing physicians—from administrative burden and burnout to the complexities of reimbursement, policy shifts, and work-life balance. At the Academy, we are committed to supporting physicians in every setting—whether independent, employed, academic, or in training.
Over the past year, we’ve seen an inspiring resurgence in physician engagement. More members are stepping forward to collaborate, share their voices, and help shape the future of medicine in Greater Cincinnati. They recognize the power of community and collective advocacy—and they know that now is the time to act.
In 2025, the Academy is focused on four key pillars:
- Physician Wellness: We are advancing system-wide efforts to address mental health and reduce burnout, including hosting community-wide conversations like Dr. Paprzycki’s recent spotlight with WKRC and the Lindner Center of HOPE.
- Education & Leadership: Through CME events, career development programs, and cross-specialty networking, we are building pathways for physicians at every stage of their career.
- Advocacy & Representation: From local policies to statewide coalitions, we are amplifying the physician voice on issues that matter—from scope of practice to administrative burdens.
- Connection & Community: Whether it’s our growing Young Physicians section or the return of our signature Pickleball Tournament, we believe strong medicine begins with strong relationships.
We’ve also made it easier than ever to connect with us through our redesigned website, which includes resources, events, member benefits, and news. Whether you’re looking to renew, get involved, or learn how to lead change, www.academyofmedicine.org is your starting point.
If you’re a current member, I encourage you to deepen your involvement—join a workgroup, attend an event, or reach out with your ideas. If you’re not yet a member, there’s never been a more important time to join your local medical society. Together, we can elevate the profession and restore the prominence of the physician voice in our community.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out. My door is always open.
Warmly,
Jessica Sellar
Executive Director, Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati
jsellar@academyofmedicine.org
(513) 421-7010
