“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
Exciting things are happening at ASHRM, as we move into the second quarter of 2024.
The Advisory Board convened in Charleston, South Carolina, in January for our first meeting of the year. There was much discussion around the progress on the 2022-2024 strategic plan. The group started preparing for our June meeting where we will work on developing and enhancing our plan for 2025 and beyond.
As we continue to explore ways to advance risk professionals, we discussed the qualities that make a good leader and when we identified those qualities, we didn’t have to look far for inspiration as our ASHRM Past Presidents emulate those qualities every day! They have given so much to the organization and tend to be an untapped resource when their terms are completed.
We want to find more ways to engage new members, individuals who are new to risk management and those who are now ready to dedicate more time to volunteering or sharing their expertise. To bring these groups together, I’ve asked Barbara McCarthy, ASHRM’s 2022 President, to serve as a liaison between the Advisory Board and our esteemed past presidents, and to help us in mentorship and member engagement.
Our past presidents can serve as a resource if you have considered presenting at the annual conference, auditioning to be a faculty member for one of ASHRM’s training programs or serving on an ASHRM committee, but did not know where to start or what would be involved. As seasoned speakers, authors, mentors and advisors, they are willing and able to assist others who are interested in becoming more active in the profession and ASHRM. The Advisory Board and I would like to extend our gratitude to this valuable group of subject matter experts and leaders who continue to show their support to the ASHRM community.
We’ve seen so much engagement just in the first quarter!
- Members
of the Annual Conference Committee gathered to review more than 230 abstract submissions
for the 2024 conference – nearly double from last year! This meant that less
than 20% of the proposals could be selected. Committee members objectively
reviewed and scored submissions and engaged in a thoughtful discussion to plan
for another exciting conference. Thank you, Sarah Bush, 2024 committee chair,
for facilitating this meeting along with Katie Carlson and Guy
Whittall-Scherfee from the ASHRM team.
- Our
Patient Safety Committee successfully launched our celebration of Patient
Safety Awareness Week – thank you to committee members for your in-depth
knowledge and for creating valuable resources for our members.
- ASHRM Academy in Phoenix, AZ begins the week of April 15. I am looking forward to spending time with the members who will be attending and learning more about how ASHRM can best support you and your success in the profession.
With over 89 individuals appointed to committees and the outpouring of excellent abstract submissions, we’re so impressed with your willingness to contribute. If your proposal hasn’t been selected or you weren’t appointed to a committee, don’t be discouraged. There are more important ways to engage. The ASHRM Forum is always seeking new contributors. If you have an idea, follow this link to learn more. If you have more ideas and would like to share, please do not hesitate to contact me or an Advisory Board member. We are here to represent your best interests and your feedback is vital and needed for us to accomplish that.
The quote I shared from Hellen Keller reminds us that when many hands come together, the work feels much lighter. Great things are being achieved at ASHRM because of the collaborative efforts of our members.
Thank you!
Tatum O’Sullivan, RN, BSN, MHSA, CPHRM, DFASHRM, CPPS
