The PULSE
Osteopathic Emergency Medicine Quarterly VOLUME XXX NO. 2
APRIL 2005
Presidential Viewpoints
Paula Willoughby DeJesus, D.O., FACOEP We have set out on a path of change. That, in and of itself, stirs a sense of anxiety, uncertainty, anticipation, and excitement. This change of path is not for the sake of change, nor is it without purpose. We are an organization that has grown in size and complexity. Our initial needs of establishing our identity, an educational structure, and organizational framework have significantly evolved. Defining future educational standards, continuous re-certification, national inter-agency presence and position, establishing the emergency medicine agenda and advocating for patients in demanding circumstances, are what face us today as a physicians and an organization. In our practice of Osteopathic Emergency Medicine we are charged to practice evidence based medicine. As a College, we must build an organization that demonstrates competency and is responsive to its members. Its Board, Committees, and processes must be directed by evidence that validates its mission and behavior to its members. There must be an environment of handson leadership at all levels throughout our College that is responsible, accountable, and measurable. The structure needs to be dynamic to allow for all levels of governance to change, but has safeguards that preserve institutional memory. There
should be steps of leadership progression that takes the entry-level leader, provides structured learning experiences, and mentors the development of the individual as their leadership competencies evolve. It must continue to draw on the veteran leaders. It should be mindful that as leaders we are but stewards of the College on behalf of each member. It should establish an environment that nurtures creativity and boldness as it shapes our future. You begin any new project from the top. The first realization we must make is where the top is located. We will develop an organizational chart and reporting structure that positions the member at the top! This is our purpose and the basis for all decisions: what is in the best interest of our members. The organizational chart must allow for increasing levels of responsibility and accountability but not create structural lines that add burden to the members. Leadership roles will be defined and have delineated job descriptions. Our College documents will be revised to reflect these changes. Formal orientation processes will be established for Committee and College leadership. Committees will be entirely chaired by members. These roles should not be static. They should change to include all willing members to provide mechanisms of participation, cultivation of new leaders with previous members as their mentors. Members and leaders will participate in setting College priorities, objectives and action plans through the committee structure. Membership, Committee, and Board of
The PULSE APRIL 2005
Directors meetings will be retooled to reflect these priorities. The currency of this College will be the member, lead by member driven committees that are tended to by a member elected Board. The success of this vision lies within us, the members. We have begun to put this process in motion. All Committee Chairs and ViceChairs are from the membership at large. The Executive Committee of the Board selected the Chairs and Vice-Chairs in a group process. Board members will not chair committees with the exception of the Executive and Finance Committees. Board members will serve as liaisons to the Committees. Each Committee now has a specifically assigned Board liaison and staff member for support. The Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs were given the responsibility to establish the composition Committee members. The first orientation program will kick off with our spring meeting in Scottsdale. Part of their first charge will be to revise each of their respective Committee goals and objectives. From there, they will take these goals and objectives to the next step by developing action plan with assigned tasks and time lines. It will be a process to engage all Committee members in the accomplishment and implementation of these goals as they are fulfilled. The Board and Membership Meetings will have totally new agendas and formats. They have been changed to Continued on page 4
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