AHRMM09 - Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Day 4: Yes, it was worth the humidity, the exercise running back and forth and all the words exchanged with vendors, cultivating new friendships and renewing relationships put on hold by distance and business. The highlight of the Buccaneer Bash was definitely the people and the dancing – I think we have an opportunity on the gastronomic side :)

This morning I made new acquaintances while doing my final presentation of the conference. Thanks to all who attended for the comments and insights; it’s nice to know there are others having similar challenges. My final Learning Lab was on the Zen Commute; I saw several many folks I knew including at least five AHRMM Board members listening how to become more mindful and more aware of our paying attention in our daily lives.

AfterBurn – what a great choice for a Closing Session; it was high energy, had concepts that could be readily incorporated into any culture and sent off on our way.

Thank you to all the folks that came up and addressed themselves to me, thank you to new friends, apologies to friends I couldn’t spend more time with but that’s what conferences are all about. Missions accomplished – networking, education, fun and laughter….see you next year in Denver.

AHRMM09 - Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Day 3:
Whew, such a whirlwind for a newbie Board member. I thank all the current Board and new friends for their support. We started with Leadership Breakfast where 32 chapters and at least 8 committees were honored for their hardwork and dedication. The diverse efforts of all these individuals truly makes our professional associations stand out..

I attended the Physician panel and was gratified to hear the thoughtful questions by AHRMM attendees and sincere responses by the Physician Panel. Nick Sears did a great job as a moderator. It was also interesting to listen to the input from our Member from the United Kingdom. It was truly gratifying to circulate through the vendor fair. “The vendors were appreciative of all attendees visits and most vowed to return to Denver during the first week of August for AHRMM #48. Then I was off to make my presentation on “You’re the Proud Owner of a Brand New or Slightly Used…. Clinic, Service Line, Physician Practice” followed up by Dave Kaczmarek’s presentation challenging us to be Supply Chain Executives by next year. You’re On Dave….

Now I am off to the pool for some sun and then to the Buccaneer Bash. See you there, Kathi

AHRMM09 - Monday, July 20, 2009

Day 2 had us up early for a AHRMM Board photo shoot with our illustrious President winning the JJ Award for being in place last! Our keynote speaker, Ross Shafer, of pet store and news anchor fame, was engaging and amusing. Great Thoughts and illustrations to muse on.

I then attended a Learning Lab – Finance and Materials Management Working Together which provided some new avenues for collaboration with our Patient Charge experts. Then it was off to the Vendor Fair; we are so blessed to have vendor partners to support this Conference. A round table interactive session was my final stop. Here AHRMM affiliates and chapter leaders shared ideas on how to become more successful in a sustainable manner. The new Chapter Leader Resource materials were shared and all participants took away new ideas to enable their chapters to better meet their member needs. Please see the Members section of the http://www.ahrmm.org/.

Then we were off to a host of vendor receptions; thanks for the introductions, great company and snacks. See you all in the am!

AHRMM09 - Sunday, July 19, 2009

Day 1:Not sure where to start since my first blog got lost in the ozone. It has been a whirlwind here as a “ newbie” Board member. Day 1, Board mentor and friend, Liz V, and I got to play golf at the AHRMM golf tournament. All proceeds from the tournament go towards Project Perfect World and their missions to South America – most recently two spine surgeries and approximately 30 orthopedic surgeries. Very inspiring not to mention a little damp as a thunder and lightening storm passed us by. The tournament was well attended by corporate and individual groups of golfers. Hope to see you next year.

Talk about inspiring; it was very reassuring to meet future AHRMM members and attendees at the New Member Reception. All the AHRMM region representatives sounded off and welcomed new attendees. Jay Kirkpatrick averred that the 47th AHRMM conference being held on the 40th Anniversary of the moon landing was going to be exceptional.

The Main reception followed with attendees bustling around sampling hors d’oevres and introducing themselves to new and more recently met friends. In all too short a time, friends and I hustled off to the President’s Reception where key leaders and vendors socialized. This is one of the perks of volunteerism!

It was a busy first day, only a hint of the next day to follow.

Introducing Kathi Pressley

Hello, this is Kathi Pressley, Director of Materials Management for Olympic Medical Center; we are a medium sized rural facility. Our patient based is 70% for both outpatient activity, significantly contributed to by several outpatient clinics, and government payees. I have worked in the healthcare community for 22 years, uniting paramedic training, business acumen, and growing experience in the healthcare field. I believe in enhancing day to day learning moments and volunteer contributions to our profession. That is why I wanted to “blog”.

I am attending AHRMM09 as a freshman AHRMM Board member, Representing Region 9, essentially the West Coast. I have had great mentors ever since I applied for a scholarship to my first AHRMM meeting almost ten years ago. I want to encourage new members to ARHMM to become more involved; there are many opportunities as members of affiliate professional groups, speakers or simply introducing speakers.

AHRMM09 is a great opportunity to see beyond the demanding focus of your facility to the myriad of changes within our field and meet peers with diversified perspectives.