In 1999 there were four of us with an idea to start this Academy. Dr Scott Hitt took the lead, Dr Boswell in Boston and Dr Cade in Las Vegas and I in Florida, got the ball rolling. For the Florida Chapter, Dr Mike Saag allowed us to meet at the OpMan conference in Ft Lauderdale in March of 1999. It was clear that there was a lot of interest and passion in getting an organization started. Unfortunately I closed my practice and joined Industry which wouldn't allow me to participate. I am so grateful to all who stepped up and moved this organization forward.