California, here we come! This year’s Annual Meeting in Monterey promises to be fantastic! If you have not yet registered-- and booked your hotel—please do so soon!
I always look forward to the AUPHA Annual Meeting, knowing that I will laugh with friends, meet health administration faculty who are doing the most innovative and cool things in their courses, and hear from inspiring nationally-known speakers. I return to Columbus feeling renewed and grateful that I am in this field and eager to put what I learned into practice. There is simply no other professional meeting that brings such immediate value to me as a faculty! I hope you feel the same.
It is hard for me to believe that I am writing my last blog as Chair of the AUPHA Board of Directors. And what a year it’s been! Clearly, the biggest surprise of the year has been Lydia’s resignation. Finding a successor for Lydia is currently on the top of the Board’s agenda. Lydia has been instrumental to AUPHA’s growth and success. We have benefitted greatly from Lydia’s energy, talent, and strategic vision. AUPHA members will have an opportunity on Wednesday, June 19th during the Annual Meeting to pay tribute to Lydia and wish her all the best.
This past year reinforced for me the breadth of AUPHA’s realm of activities, as well as the strong relationships that AUPHA enjoys with members and partners. Here are just a few highlights:
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Our Undergraduate Certification process is fortunate to be able to rely upon highly dedicated member-volunteers who put in countless hours for this peer review process! Keith Benson (Winthrop University) is spectacular in the role of UPC Committee Chair, providing patient and helpful guidance to program directors and certification volunteers.
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AUPHA has amazing staff who, under Lydia’s leadership, work so hard for our members. I hope you get to meet these talented individuals in Monterey.
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AUPHA enjoys a unique and productive relationship with the Winston Fellowship organization. The Winston Fellowship supports the nation’s premier health policy post-graduate fellowship, as well as health policy scholarships and symposia for faculty. At this time of significant health policy change, AUPHA’s connection with the Winston Fellowship organization in Washington, DC is a source of strength for AUPHA.
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AUPHA continues to benefit from business partnerships with organizations such as the Baxter International Foundation, Health Administration Press, and Studer Group. These partnerships expand our reach and the value we bring to members.
I close this letter with a request that you let board members know how we are doing. AUPHA regularly seeks member evaluations via surveys. This past winter, we held telephone focus groups with program directors. These methods are good, but they are not enough. Whether you choose to talk with a board member at Annual Meeting, pick up the phone, or send an email, we want to hear from you so that we can better meet your needs and those of your program.
I hope to see you in Monterey!
Sharon