APRIL 2012 VOLUME XXXVIII NO. 5
Presidential Viewpoints Gregory M. Christiansen, D.O., M.Ed., FACOEP
Doctor, Do You Have a Moment?
It is an incredible experience to be associated with so many great people who make up our profession. ACOEP is an extraordinary organization with very talented people who get it. They are willing to get involved and selflessly perform exceptionally well. I had the chance to work with some of these folks as they attempted to identify and meet the challenges we face as an organization. These volunteers are willing to step up to lead our lot in these dynamic times. They lead out of necessity. They have been called to action because they have the vision of what needs to be done. The vision of our plan is not unlike a menu that presents a myriad of issues. We have pared down the variety to create a priority list which has become our agenda. The strategic plan is the result of a conference designed to set the priorities for progress for the coming years. The strategic plan outlines our mission statement and action plans for success, and will be available for you review on the ACOEP website. So how can we - the members of ACOEP meet the challenges before us? Do you have
a moment to reflect on this question? I am sure you can be creative to think of even the simplest ways to support your College. Remember way back when you were a student or resident. Would it not have been more helpful to have someone who has ‘been there’ to help guide you through your questions? Alternatively, have you ever asked a friend review your performance and ask, ‘how can I do better?’ Patient satisfaction surveys can’t offer that kind of direct and supportive feedback. A mentor can. I believe there is something you can do for ACOEP and indirectly also help yourself. You can join the ACOEP Mentor Program, and help guide and support those who follow a similar trail. They would benefit from your wisdom. When you engage and use your talents, you create opportunity for meaningful change. This promotes members who can then better navigate the development of their own trail. Simply put, you are important to the success of your fellow members. We would like the ACOEP to be the vehicle for your efforts. We are facing an unprecedented array of challenges with multiple external entities attempting to diminish or restrict our ability to meet our mission. The future is uncertain and unpredictable. It has been said that nothing creates opportunity better than a crisis. Crisis creates controversy leading to struggle and conflict in search for solutions. Just open any newspaper and you can find a crisis in our field. The irony of our situation is our relatively small size can often aid us in making a big
The PULSE APRIL 2012
impact. The college’s nimble size gives us the opportunity to be at the forefront when issues demand our attention. Remarkably, we are growing more robust every year. We have marshaled resources to improve our communication and networking capabilities. We now have the ability to quickly reach our membership through our committee systems to address concerns. Addressing those concerns takes personal commitment and determination and it absolutely takes a focused membership to be successful. Some of the issues before us are challenging our organization for even more solutions. On a national level we are struggling with a collective health system that ironically can’t afford to collectively care for those it mandates coverage. How are we to position ourselves in the face of the Affordable Care Act? Fortunately, we have an excellent support system in the AOA who informed the Patient Advocacy and Professional Affairs (PAPA) committee about the opportunity to engage in the conversation. Some members stepped up and made the effort but we need more members to participate. It’s our future at stake. The AOA held a town hall meeting featuring fellow college member, the Honorable Congressman Joe Heck. He addressed our concerns on many issues including the SGR fix, EHR regulations, ICD 10 coding systems, drug shortages and residency training caps. He also addressed the Department of Defense recent attempt to limit our practice opportunities. To continued on page 4
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