This is my last note as chair of the AUPHA Board of Directors. For those of you who have been following my notes, it should come as no surprise that I immediately thought of Heraclitus’s statement that it is impossible to step “twice” into the same river. Of course, that started me wondering if that was really what he had written.
As best I can surmise, he also said, “Upon those who step into the same rivers, different and again different waters flow.” From this statement at least two philosophical strands emerge: 1) change as a constant–what Heraclitus, rightly or wrongly said, is probably best known as advocating; and 2) reality as a changing permanence–an interpretation that scholars such as Leonardo Taran would have us consider.
So what’s the connection to you? Like a river, AUPHA is an institution that is constantly renewing and flowing. Yes, it has changed since I began my board service in 2005:
- New ways of communicating, connecting, and learning through the AUPHA Network;
- Tens of new member programs and individual members;
- Different venues for meetings, including Portland (2010) and Charleston (2011); and
- Strategic initiatives for adding value for members, such as HAMPCAS and the partnership with HIMSS and CAHME to advance health information management education.
What’s stayed the same is the interest and passion that the board members, the faculty of the member programs, as well as the individual members, share for healthcare management education. You and the staff – both old and new – renew AUPHA by sustaining and following its mission.
As chair for the past 18 months, AUPHA has been a constant care and concern for me. It has also changed and helped me change. I’ve gotten to know AUPHA in a way that makes me want to remain a member as long as I can. I feel this way knowing that AUPHA is in good hands with Peter Fitzpatrick taking over as chair of the board in January, and Lydia Middleton remaining as CEO and President. Their leadership will ensure that AUPHA continues to be renewed and sustained.