Longboat Key 2015

AMTA and Update Find Great Synergy on the Beaches of Longboat Key

October 31 – November 4, 2015

       Spectacular sunsets, silky white sand and abundant wildlife define the lovely Florida barrier island of Longboat Key, where the AMTA recently joined forces with another CME/tennis organization with a long, successful history – Update in Internal Medicine.  The combined group, 60+ strong, discovered much in common as they shared a varied CME lecture lineup and a well-orchestrated tennis event in weather conditions more summer-like than autumnal.  An opening banquet brought everyone together for good food and laughter as physicians shared a little-known fact about their spouses.  Who knew Elvis Presley’s last girlfriend, an acquaintance of Dustin Hoffman, a female pilot and a former single digit golfer were among the tennis players in the contingent.  But that wasn’t all.  Other highlights included the following…

• The victorious return of Rick and Milly Back and former AMTA President Jan and Melinda Voda.  Three of the four stood in the winners circle at the end;
• The academic contribution of a trio of Sarasota physicians:  Joe and Caroline Chebli and STMS member Chris Sforzo.  Joe tackled bariatric surgery, Caroline addressed shoulder and elbow injuries in tennis players and Chris (son-in-law of Dick Vitale) had helpful insights into the impact of tennis racket grip size, string type and string tension on wrist injuries;
• An inadvertent wet-t-shirt contest prompted by record-breaking steamy, humid temperatures – and won by Charlie Alden;

• The tournament’s only double winner, AMTA President Bruce Dalkin, who teamed with Ginger Alden to win the 8.0+ mixed doubles, and with John Kirkpatrick to win the 8.0+ men’s doubles;
• The pair of lectures given by rheumatologist Jim Freeman, who clearly showed his expertise with concise, informative talks on vasculitis and later gout;
• The cleverly titled “Foot Faults” talk by Craig Kimmelon plantar fasciitis;
• The still impressively smooth collegiate swimming strokes of Seattle ob-gyn Steve Waszak;

• The amicable helping hand of co-host George Jones, whose years of hard work organizing the Update group were evident and appreciated;
• The men’s “Battle of the Unbeatens” singles match between perennial winner Hugh Burris and a determined Amorn Salyapongse, won yet again by Hugh;
• The ageless wonder, Frank Sladkovic, who won what might have been his 100^th AMTA doubles title, this time with new partner Jila Waikhom;

• The friendly enthusiasm and grace always exhibited by Martha Neumann, who refused to let a tender knee slow her down;
• The multiple oh-so-close third set tie-breakers that slipped away from stalwart pair Kurt Neumann andRandy Eckert;
• The trio of close third set tiebreaker victories that gave“The Ricks” (Davis and Reed) the gold medal in their division;

• The determined return of Paly Palaganas after recovery from significant eye issues – his line calls were totally accurate, even through a residual blind spot;
• The steady tennis of octagenarians Mimi and Bob Combs.  Equally impressive was Bob’s recent achievement in “shooting his age” (81) on his home golf course in Montgomery, AL.;
• The friendly ease of Update players Joe Wojcik and Jim Freeman, whose tennis skills fit right in with the long-time AMTA-ers;

• The BIG serve of young Douglas Bell, attending his first meeting.  We hope he’ll come back and bring his friends!
• The ability of Seattle lawyer Jan Waszak to manage her law practice from poolside at LBK;
• The all-out battles in 8.0+ women’s doubles betweenMillie Back/Carol Burris, Dawn Eckert/Helen Bryanand Ginger Alden/Cori Kirkpatrick – with Millie and Carol coming out on top;

• The lovely farewell party for the Update group hosted by Sarasota residents and Update regulars Leonard and Gloria Biberman, while AMTA members enjoyed a lavish Italian buffet on the patio of the Tennis Garden;
• Randy Eckert’s excellent “Pharmacogenomics” lecture about the increasing relevance of genetic testing to the everyday practice of medicine sparked numerous questions;

Three cheers to Marie Henselder Kimmel and her husband, Craig Kimmel, for their couldn’t-have-done-it-without-you contributions!  Although Marie had recently undergone knee surgery that prevented her from playing, she nevertheless put her considerable organizational talents into the rigors of running the tennis tournament — and was much appreciated by all.  Husband Craig gave two talks, reached the final in the 8.0+ men’s doubles with Update partner, Jim Freeman and celebrated his 59^th birthday on the last night of the meeting.  The Kimmels, together with Jane and Mike Dawson, were the friendly bridge between the two organizations, having attended meetings of both groups in the past – and without their energetic help the meeting would not have been nearly as successful!   

Tournament Winners

MEN’S SINGLES
Flight 1   Hugh Burris
Flight 2   Jan Voda

MEN’S DOUBLES
Flight 1   Bruce Dalkin and John Kirkpatrick
Flight 2   Rick Davis and Rick Reed

WOMEN’S DOUBLES
Flight 1   Milly Back and Carol Burris
Flight 2   Melinda Voda and Mimi Combs

MIXED DOUBLES
Flight 1   Bruce Dalkin and Ginger Alden
Flight 2   John Walter and Judith Pierce