As the ACPA approaches 8 years since its creation, this is a time to reflect on how this journey started, where we are now, and what the future holds.
Seven years ago, we came together with great enthusiasm and ambition.
We imagined an organization with endless possibilities for the Cameroonian diaspora in the USA and our fellow citizens back in Cameroon. We imagined an organization that would provide a space for mentoring, networking, and professional growth. We imagined an organization that would provide the levers on which we would lean to create a positive impact on the healthcare landscape in Cameroon.
We anticipated the challenges of building a cohesive organization in a society and profession where time is premium. We anticipated the challenges of forging impactful partnerships with our peers and the administration in Cameroon. However, we did not anticipate that a few months after the creation of the ACPA, Cameroon will be embroiled in a major conflict and war that has upended the lives of millions. We did not anticipate a pandemic that disrupted all aspects of human life, taking a major toll on our personal and professional lives.
Thankfully, the leadership of the ACPA and its members have stayed true to the values of our noble profession with a deep sense of purpose. The ACPA has stayed together through these multiple challenges.
As we emerge from a hugely successful annual meeting held at the Bethesdan Hotel in Maryland – USA, I am pleased that the ACPA is now working together with all its members and partners to fulfill its vision to “Create a Stronger Cameroonian Healthcare Community in North America and Foster Improved Healthcare in Cameroon”.
As President of the ACPA for the next year, I look forward to working with a wonderful group of ACPA officers in service of our organization, our USA diaspora community, our host nation – the USA, and our brothers and sisters in Cameroon.
Christian Bime MD, MSc
President ACPA
