We have changed so much since the society's beginning. I wonder
if the changes mean our profession simply is part of the natural
growth cycle.
With each passing year our association has become stronger
while our positions and responsibilities also have grown.
The annual conference is a time to learn from others' successes,
open our minds and accept changes.
It is also a time to apply what we learn at our own hospitals
to decrease costs or maximize our resources.
We need to maximize our professional value by examining the
future and incorporating changes into operations.
This year's conference will be the best yet. There will be
great educational sessions, some of which will be repeated to
accommodate busy schedules.
A variety of hot topics will keep you informed of pressing
issues that could have an impact on your operations.
We anticipate a great trade show that includes educational
sessions on the exhibit floor as well as new product and program
introductions. And don't forget the annual charity golf tournament,
a fund raiser for the Project Perfect World Foundation.
Our membership grows and becomes more diverse every year--this
year we have passed the 3,000-member mark. Military membership
continues to increase and their involvement with the association
continues to deepen.
It is great to have new members and to learn from them and
with them. I hope to see our largest attendance ever at this year's
conference so networking can be even more productive.
Remember, this conference features the best of the best, and
the benefits from the education and networking far outweigh the
cost of attendance.
See you in San Antonio!
Al Cook
Chief Resource Officer
St. Francis Medical Center
Monroe, La.
(318) 327-4991
[email protected]
Expanding on conference improvements
After the 2001 annual conference, evaluations were analyzed.
That information, coupled with insight from the education committee
and the board of directors, instigated important changes that
have been made to this year's conference program.
In 2002 you will see more breakout sessions with the number
increasing from 24 last year to 42 this year. There will be case
studies and how-to sessions to provide information on processes
you can implement in your facility.
A professional development track has been added to the existing
six tracks: purchasing, distribution, information systems, finance,
strategic planning and support services. The new track will provide
an opportunity to learn valuable, new career skills that are not
necessarily specific to materials management.
The preconference workshop, Materials Management 101, was such
a huge success in 2001 that 201- and 301-level workshops will
be offered in August. The 101-level workshop covers the basics
of health care resource and materials management for those new
to the field or those looking for a refresher course. It is an
excellent preparatory course to take before attending other conference
sessions.
Materials Management 201 is geared toward the individual who
has transitioned into the role of manager or director, or who
has experience and is working toward a promotion. This session
will involve a more advanced approach to the original six topics
covered by the session tracks.
Some topics will include how to understand and prepare return-on-investment
worksheets, Excel spreadsheets and realization schedules. The
presenters also will give tips on developing leadership skills
and managing people.
Materials Management 301 is structured for the seasoned materials
management professional in a single hospital or IDN with more
than 10 years' business experience. This session will challenge
participants to evaluate whether their programs are truly state
of the art. What makes them the best? What are the personal skills
of a leader? How does a leader interact with his senior leadership
team? Does that individual have the necessary business skills?
These are some of the questions that will be discussed at this
interactive session.
For more information call the AHRMM office or visit the Web
site, where you also can register online.
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