118 Leadership in ACOFP and did much to advance student chapters and bridge the chasms that existed between student and clinician. 1990–1991 HAROLD THOMAS, DO, FACOFP Euclid, Ohio Born in Miklos, Syria, in 1936, Dr. Thomas would typify the American dream by becoming the first foreign-born citizen to hold the office of ACOFP President. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1958, then entered the U.S. Army, serving his adopted country until 1961. After discharge, his path led to the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he received a DO degree in 1965. He interned at Richmond Heights General Hospital in Ohio, entering practice in 1966. A strong advocate of osteopathic postgraduate education, Dr. Thomas established and participated in many training programs in Ohio and throughout the profession. He was an advocate for residents and supported the total practice of family medicine. Dr. Thomas became certified in 1975 and a fellow in 1981. He served as ACOFP secretary before assuming the role of president. Under his leadership, ACOFP established two new Certificates of Added Qualifications in Adolescent Medicine and Sports Medicine. He also began work on the Geriatrics Certificate of Added Qualification. It would seem fitting for a man who realized the blessings of this great land to preside over the dedication of a debt-free $1.4 million headquarters building in July 1990. During the building’s construction, ACOFP grew from 4,000 members to 6,000 members. It would also be the first year that both the spring and fall conventions had more than 1,000 attendees. The building would be a tribute to the membership’s growth and tenacity. Dr. Thomas and his wife were responsible for founding the Auxiliary to the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. He was instrumental in upgrading the residency training standards so that they were equal with ACGME standards. He also secured a $750,000 grant from the pharmaceutical industry for the Preceptorship Program. Dr. Thomas advocated communication among the states and other societies. His advice at the close of his tenure still holds today: “Let us put all past politics aside. Let us open the lines of communication and education. Let’s start speaking politically with one voice.” He did speak with that voice, and for his effort he became the first ACOFP President to receive a service award from the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. 1991–1992 MICHAEL F. AVALLONE, DO, FACOFP dist. Elkins Park, Pennsylvania Born: 1934; Died: June 17, 2005; Education: PCOM; Graduated: 1955. Following his osteopathic medical internship at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Avallone moved back to Philadelphia where he continued to practice. Dr. Avallone served on most of the ACOFP
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