The call for nominations is now open

Don't miss your opportunity to nominate worthy candidates online for 18 recognition awards available from NAMS this year. The deadline to submit nominations is June 1, 2009.

NAMS Annual Meeting offers many benefits
Here's another reason to attend this year's Annual Meeting, convening in San Diego on September 30-October 3. The Scientific Program Committee has included a "Hot Issues" session scheduled for Friday, October 2. "During this session you'll learn more about hot topics such as the bioidentical hormone therapy controversy, long-term vs short-term hormone therapy, and nonhormonal treatment for hot flashes," said Dr. Leon Speroff, Committee Chair. Check out the other exciting topics by reviewing the online Preliminary Program found on the NAMS Web site. Registration materials will be available soon.

Late-breaking abstract submissions encouraged
Although the abstract deadline for oral presentation has passed, there's still an opportunity to be considered for poster presentation. Up to four Poster Prizes will be awarded, with $1,000 as the top prize. Plus, all accepted abstracts will be published in Menopause and thus cited in databases. Submit your research by July 31.

Series of Utian tribute events planned
Dr. Wulf Utian, NAMS Founder and Executive Director, will retire from NAMS at year's end. A series of tribute events are planned to achieve a wide range of goals, such as to commemorate his vision and leadership within NAMS and the NAMS Foundation and his contribution to menopause management worldwide. All the details can be found on the NAMS Web site.

Dr. Utian to be honored at special events in San Diego
All Annual Meeting registrants are invited to give tribute to Dr. Utian during the NAMS Annual Meeting in San Diego. Join us on September 30 for the afternoon educational session -- "20 Years of Progress in Menopausal Medicine: The Utian Years" -- and an evening reception with the theme of "Celebrating Wulf Utian." And here's your opportunity to place a personal tribute message in the educational session's Program.

Have you earned your NCMP credential?
Those who have successfully passed the NAMS competency exam now may use the credential "NCMP" (NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner) every time you feature your name and other credentials (eg, MD, NP, etc.).

Interested in knowing what it takes to earn the credential? The next exam will take place on September 30, just before the NAMS Annual Meeting in San Diego.

Already have the NCMP credential? Let us know what having the NCMP credential has meant to you, your practice, and your patients. Contact Mary Nance, NAMS Outreach & Communications Manager. We may use your comments on future promotional materials.

Let NAMS help you help your patients
When your patients need additional menopause information, you can reinforce your counseling by sending her to Menopause Flashes,
NAMS monthly e-newsletter that's free of charge. It includes the latest menopause information, plus bylined reviews of resources available at the local bookstore. Check out the archive of issues in the Consumer Community.

Volunteers for committee service appreciated
A recent solicitation has revealed that dozens of you want to contribute to the work of NAMS through service on one or more of our committees. Almost all those who volunteered have been invited to serve for a one-year term, with most committees' terms beginning at the 2009 Annual Meeting. Thanks for getting involved -- NAMS can't accomplish all it does without you!

Support our work with your gifts
"I feel very proud that NAMS has come so far in 20 years and is helping so many," said Dr. Wulf Utian. "How can you feel as good as I do? One way is to support the NAMS Foundation Annual Fund. Your tax-deductible gift will allow us to continue to enhance our services to women in search of unbiased information. Empowered with good information, they can make informed healthcare decisions around the time of menopause that will affect their health and quality of life now and for years to come."

NAMS will recognize Annual Fund donors of $500 or more at a Donor Recognition Reception in San Diego on October 2. Please join the NAMS Board for this special event.

Meet our donors
It is our pleasure to introduce Ms. Lynn Sobel from Dobbs Ferry, NY, the next donor in our series to be spotlighted on the NAMS Giving Center Web page. Learn why she supports the NAMS Mission through her gifts.

NAMS Spotlight on New Therapies
By popular request, NAMS provides ongoing
information regarding new therapeutic options in menopause management. Note, however, that this
mention does not imply endorsement.