As my presidency of CALTCM comes to an end in just a few weeks, I look back on the past two years with tremendous gratitude. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as President of an organization and a community that means so much to me.

These two years have given me the opportunity to work alongside extraordinary colleagues, learn from our members, and deepen my understanding of the challenges we all face in post-acute and long-term care. Together, we have navigated many ups and downs, but CALTCM has remained strong — continuing to educate, advocate, collaborate, and, above all, support our patients and the professionals who care for them.

These two years asked more of me personally than I ever expected when I said yes to this role. My presidency began when my son was just 10 months old, and only a month before that, my wife had started pharmacy school. Between a new baby, a household adjusting to her demanding schedule, and the responsibilities of this presidency, there were nights I wondered how we would make it all work. And yet, looking back, that season of stretching myself in every direction taught me more about leadership, patience, and gratitude than I could have learned any other way.

Then last year, I lost my father — a retired university professor and practicing dentist, and one of the most genuinely sweet and supportive men I have ever known. I spent two months abroad by his side during that time, and while I wasn’t able to attend our organization’s meetings during that stretch, I was able to keep going because of the support I received from my CALTCM family. It was one of the hardest chapters of my life, and it changed how I see the time we have, and the people we have it with. If there is one thing that experience reinforced for me, it’s that the relationships we build — in our families and in communities like this one — are what carry us through.

I am deeply grateful to our Board, executive director, committees, partners, and every CALTCM member who has shared their time, expertise, ideas, and passion. Whatever we have accomplished during my presidency has been possible because of your commitment.

As my term comes to a close, I have one request: please stay involved, and encourage your colleagues and others in this space to join our organization. Get involved with a committee, serve on a task force, participate in our educational programs, or simply share your ideas and expertise. If you’re interested but unsure where you can contribute, reach out to CALTCM — there will always be a place for your voice and your talents.

Although my presidency is ending, my commitment to CALTCM is not. I look forward to continuing this journey alongside all of you.

Thank you for your trust, friendship, and support, and for the privilege of serving as your President. Together, we can continue to elevate post-acute and long-term care for the patients we serve today and for generations to come.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ashkan Javaheri, MD, CMD