In last month’s blog, I noted that challenges and celebrations were the themes of the month as we were experiencing both. This month, I believe these themes are challenges and opportunities. We have achieved, albeit perhaps not easily, working and living in our new normal.
As you all know, responding well to COVID-19 has been and is our main challenge. COVID-19 was first detected in China in November 2019, and, by 13 April 2020, over 1.7 million persons have been diagnosed with the illness and over 100,000 have died (who.int). In the U.S., the CDC reported that over 554,000 persons have the virus while close to 22,000 have died (cdc.gov). There is no cure, vaccine, or medicine specifically designed to prevent or treat the illness. Subsequently, we have been responding to the challenge by connecting virtually and working and teaching effectively with one another while maintaining social distance.
This month I have participated in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx meetings, and found that they can work well. We can accomplish tasks remotely; we can network, discuss issues, solve programs, and even celebrate seeing each other. . . all virtually from our homes with a working Internet connection. And, at my College, we have weekly virtual coffee hours to provide a space for faculty and staff to gather, just to socialize.
And AUPHA is one of the leading organizations that made decisions timely that are responsible, accountable, and demonstrated the importance of our prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of our members. And, this is where I saw opportunity created.
For example, staff have responded to member needs by creating the COVID-19 open forum. Click on the link https://network.aupha.org/communities/community-home?CommunityKey=a5cb65b1-60af-446b-936b-17de9e4cbb27 to find discussions about waiving the GRE requirement as a response to COVID-19 and the sharing of case studies among members. Also, Dan Gentry, with assistance from Chris Sanyer, has created the COVID-19 page (click on the link https://www.aupha.org/faculty/covid19). This page holds resources that members provided that include a recommended reading list to help us make virtual more human. Also included are resources from our partners (ACHE AHA and MGMA) that focus on COVID-19 and healthcare delivery, and resources from federal agencies that provide up-to-date information about the virus and the US federal response.
Moreover, Tracy Farnsworth, chair of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee (AMPC) and its members, along with Jaime Stephens, Jason Walker, and Dan Gentry, are preparing the agenda for the virtual delivery of the Annual Meeting (that was to be held in Salt Lake City). They have responded quickly to develop ways for us to connect with each other. Their plans will allow us ample opportunity to learn from one another and take the time to be focused on advancing our teaching skills and scholarship in healthcare management and health policy. Stay tuned for more information forthcoming in May about how they have turned the crisis of our not meeting in person to our meeting several times virtually to learn, network, and enjoy being together.
COVID-19 has changed our working lives, but there is also opportunity for us to respond by submitting an article to the Journal of Health Administration Education’s special issue with guest editors, Drs. Stephen F. Gambescia, Anne M. Hewitt, and Joan M. Kiel:
Managing the COVID-19 Disruption: Online Learning Innovations, Leadership Models, and Teachable Moments for Health Administration Education. To read more about the issue, see Editor Leonard Friedman’s call for papers
https://network.aupha.org/communities/community-home/digestviewer/viewthread?MessageKey=8c5a4449-7afc-4679-858b-84d6330a3116&CommunityKey=657dab69-7128-4157-995e-1a3c49285678&tab=digestviewer#bm8c5a4449-7afc-4679-858b-84d6330a3116.
So, while we have stressful times with COVID-19, we have created opportunity to address (to use Dr. Friedman’s words from the call for JHAE papers), “the environmental jolt caused by COVID-19.”
AUPHA has responded well to the challenges—the environmental jolt--that COVID-19 has brought us; I am very pleased to be associated with such smart, generous, innovative and thoughtful members. I am humbled by your exceptional service that has created opportunity in a crisis. COVID-19 could have affected our organization negatively —it is a serious pandemic. However, you all have risen to the challenge.
If you are looking for a way to add great value to future healthcare leaders, please consider contributing to The Glandon Family Scholarship for the Advancement of Healthcare Management Education. This scholarship is for future educational leaders and will provide them recognition and financial support at an early stage of their career. The first Glandon Family Scholarship will be awarded to Dr. Joanna Veazey Brooks, PhD, MBE, Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas Medical School’s Department of Population Health during our virtual AUPHA Annual Meeting. If you are so inclined, please click on this link to make a donation.
If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to virtually seeing you soon.
Best,
Leigh