Dear Members and Friends of the Polish American Medical Society,

I hope you are all enjoying the beauty of summer. Whether you are traveling, spending time with loved ones, or simply savoring the long, sunny days, I wish you a season filled with relaxation, joy, and meaningful moments. Summer is a time of renewal and togetherness, and I am delighted to share with you the latest news, upcoming events, and inspiring achievements from our PAMS community.

Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars!

• 2025 Annual PAMS Family Picnic

Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 1:00 PM
Jack and Lidia’s Resort, Lake Villa, IL

We are thrilled to invite you and your families to our annual summer picnic—a cherished tradition that brings our community together in a relaxed, joyful setting. Enjoy a delicious spread of Polish and American dishes, decadent desserts, refreshing drinks, lively music, and the famous pig roast! There will be games and activities for all ages, making it a perfect afternoon to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. We encourage you to bring your children, parents, and friends—everyone is welcome! Let’s celebrate the spirit of summer and the bonds that unite us.

• 71st Annual PAMS Charitable Physicians’ Ball

Friday, September 26, 2025 | 6:00–11:00 PM
Union League Club of Chicago

Our signature gala returns this fall! Join us for an elegant evening of dining, dancing, and camaraderie in one of Chicago’s most beautiful venues. The Physicians’ Ball is not only a wonderful social event, but also a vital fundraiser supporting our scholarships, mentorship programs, and charitable initiatives. It’s a night to honor the achievements of our members, recognize our community’s impact, and enjoy the company of colleagues and friends. Tickets, sponsorships, and advertising opportunities are available now: PAMS Physicians’ Ball. Your participation and support truly make a difference.

• Polish American Youth Academic Summit

Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 12:00 PM
Polish Museum of America, Chicago

We invite you to join us for this inspiring summit, where young Polish American scholars and medical professionals will share their latest research and academic achievements. This event is a wonderful opportunity to support the next generation, foster mentorship, and celebrate the bright future of our medical community. Come network, learn, and be inspired by the innovative work of our youth!

Member Spotlight: Celebrating the PAMS Community

We are incredibly proud of the remarkable accomplishments of our members. Over the past months, our Member Spotlight has featured Dr. Maria Siemionow and Dr. Ewa Radwanska, both of whom have made significant contributions to medicine and our community. Their stories are a testament to the talent and dedication within PAMS. If you or a fellow member have recently received a promotion, award, grant, published a noteworthy article, or reached another important milestone, please let us know! We would be honored to highlight your achievements on our website and social media platforms. 

Recent Highlights

• Polish Constitution Day Parade

On May 3rd, our members proudly marched in downtown Chicago, joining thousands in celebration of Polish heritage and unity. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Polish Americans, showcase our vibrant culture, and demonstrate the strength of our community. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event. Please enjoy the photos below, capturing the energy and pride of the day!

• 2025 PAMS Scholarship Award Ceremony

On June 8th, we gathered to honor 11 outstanding medical students who have excelled academically and made meaningful contributions to the Polish American community. These scholarships are a testament to our commitment to supporting the next generation of medical professionals. We are deeply grateful to our donors and supporters who make these opportunities possible. Congratulations to all recipients—you are the future of our profession!

• Dr. Josephine Dlugopolski-Gach Receives ‘Outstanding Pole’ Award

We are thrilled to announce that our very own Dr. Josephine Dlugopolski-Gach has been honored with the prestigious “Wybitny Polak” (“Outstanding Pole”) award in the Science category by the Teraz Polska Foundation. Dr. Dlugopolski-Gach’s dedication as a physician, educator, and community leader is an inspiration to us all. Her commitment to compassionate, culturally informed care, her leadership at Loyola Medicine, and her ongoing support for students through scholarships and mentorship exemplify the values we hold dear. Read more about her inspiring story in Dziennik Zwiazkowy and watch her interview linked below. Congratulations, Dr. Dlugopolski-Gach—you make us all proud!
dr Josephine Długopolski – Gach – Wybitny Polak 2025 – YouTube
Wybitna Polka z góralską duszą – dr Josephine Długopolski-Gach wyróżniona tytułem „Wybitny Polak”

Community Outreach Events

PNC Sponsored Event at Halas Hall:
PAMS was honored to participate in a community networking event at the Chicago Bears’ Halas Hall. This was a fantastic opportunity to connect with other organizations, learn from one another, and enjoy a special tour of the facility, including a live interview with DJ Moore and Jeff Joniak. See photos below for highlights from this memorable day!

Polish Heritage Night at Chicago White Sox Rate Field:
On June 25, PAMS members joined other Polish American organizations to celebrate Polish Heritage Night at the ballpark. The evening featured dance performances by Wesoly Lud, a parade of Polish organizations, delicious Polish food, and even Southpaw the White Sox mascot dressed in Highlander attire. It was a joyful celebration of culture and community spirit, and we hope to make this an annual event and invite PAMS members and friends to participate.

PAMS Merchandise: Coming Soon!

We are excited to announce that PAMS-branded t-shirts and magnetic pins will soon be available for purchase at our events. Wearing our merchandise is a wonderful way to show your pride, promote unity, and increase the visibility of our organization. Stay tuned for more details!

Membership Renewals: Stay Connected

Your membership is the foundation of our society’s strength and impact. We invite you to renew your membership—either in person at the picnic with a board member, or conveniently online at Become a Member. For added convenience, you can now submit your annual dues via Zelle to pams@zlpchicago.org. Your continued involvement helps us offer scholarships, mentorship, professional development, and so much more.

Thank You & Happy Fourth of July!

As we approach Independence Day, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful Fourth of July—may your holiday be filled with laughter, togetherness, and a sparkle of fireworks. As we celebrate, let’s honor the freedoms we cherish and remember those who made them possible. Enjoy a safe and happy Independence Day!

I’m grateful to be part of this wonderful community. Thank you for being such an essential, valued part of PAMS. Your energy, generosity, and commitment are what make our community truly special.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events and celebrating all that we accomplish—together.

With warmest regards and deepest appreciation,
Josephine Dlugopolski-Gach, MD
President
Polish American Medical Society