The phrase that captured the spirit of 19th century America has been attributed both to Horace Greeley in his book, Hints toward Reform (1850), and to John Babson Lane Soule in an 1851 editorial for the Terre Haute Express newspaper. The Soule editorial supposedly proclaims, “Go West, young man, and grow up with the country.” Supposedly, because the sleuthing of Thomas Fuller (research editor) and Fred R. Shapiro (author/editor) of The Yale Book of Quotations, found no evidence to support either claim. But, there is evidence that Horace Greeley did write in the August 25, 1838 issue of the New Yorker newspaper the following: “If any young man is about to commence the world, we say to him, publicly and privately, Go to the West.”
So why should you care? The AUPHA annual meeting from June 3 – June 6 in Portland, Oregon promises to be a myth buster for healthcare management education. We have an exciting meeting schedule that includes Henry Mintzberg as a keynote speaker – on managing the myths of healthcare – as well as multiple sessions on evidence-based health management education, best practices in healthcare management, and lessons learned from the practice of healthcare management. And, the Faculty Network Sessions should help you renew and share in the energy of your colleagues as you address the teaching issues facing each of us.
Many 19th century Americans viewed the West as a manifest destiny, a haven for renewal, growth, and well-being. While the myths of the West continue to permeate the 21st century, rapid technological advances, increased global interdependence, and changing social mores have transformed the Western psyche. Similarly, AUPHA has undergone substantial changes since its inception, guided most recently by the strategic plans developed 5 years ago by the Board of Directors. In the face of recent economic, political, and policy changes, the Board has decided to review and rethink AUPHA’s strategy and future direction and will be engaged in strategic planning sessions in late September. Your concerns about the future of AUPHA need to be heard, and I urge you to share your ideas with members of the Board of Directors. Please take advantage of the annual meeting and the AUPHA Network to engage in face-to-face and virtual communications about the ways AUPHA can add value to you and other members.