Like many people, I find comfort in stability, consistency and predictability. However, the thrill of new things and different ways to solve problems is exciting to me.

Local physicians are definitely in for some exciting changes as the year rolls on.

At the Orange County Medical Association, Michele Revelle has taken over as executive director. There will be a new face and a new approach at the OCMA: Change is in the air.

Revelle spent several years with the OCMA as director of communications. She spearheaded the Measure H campaign, working tirelessly to coordinate the efforts that resulted in victory.

At that time, Joe Dunn, a state senator representing Santa Ana, became instrumental in Measure H's passage. Noticing Revelle's success, Dunn invited her to join his political team. The OCMA lost Revelle's direct service, but remained in close contact.

Fortunately for us, term limits enabled the OCMA and the California Medical Association to acquire both of their special talents this year.

Dunn has arrived as the CEO of the CMA: Change is in the air. Reaction to his background as a politician and a trial lawyer was mixed. How could the CMA align itself with a trial lawyer? But Dunn's bright wit, humor and intelligence convinced the skeptics that the board of trustees chose wisely.

Focused on process and detail, Dunn can deliver. He demands that we look deeply into our purpose. He demands that we shift the focus from ourselves to the group we serve--our patients. He demands that in all discussions and actions our patients come first.

At the CMA Council on Legislation in January, Dunn asked us to develop the tenacity that Lech Walesa used to guide the Solidarity labor movement in Poland. Dunn demanded that we stop whining and fix the system for who matters most--our patients. He introduced us to realpolitik, which means pursuing not what we might dream about, but what we can realistically achieve.

On April 13-15 in Monterey, the CMA will host its 10th Annual California Health Care Leadership Academy. Join in the effort to transform healthcare in our state. Make your mark in history: Change is in the air.

Lytton W. Smith, MD, editor for the OCMA, is a physician practicing family medicine with the St. Jude Heritage Medical Group in Yorba Linda. Dr. Smith welcomes feedback on his articles and can be reached at editor@socalphys.com.