Statewide Update

Message from the Regent
David K. McClure, PhD, FACHE
Winter 2009

Introduction

Old man winter has reared his ugly head this past month. Between the snow, the ice and the frigid temperatures, we experienced bouts of relief, albeit too short to make a difference.

I hope all of you had a pleasant holiday season. It is always a hectic time, but also a time to spend with family and friends, catch up with old acquaintances and be thankful that another year has passed us by.

The holidays have come and gone and most of us are starting to reflect on what was a tumultuous 2008. The majority of the controversy struck the financial sector, but we in healthcare were not spared from the fall out. Whether it affected your investments, your building projects or your bottom line for lack of insured patients, we all felt the pinch. Let’s all hope 2009 brings a better and more stable outlook for all of us.

Early Careerist Award

On October 30 at the annual RAC/Chapter meeting, I recognized Derrick Billups, FACHE as the Early Careerist for 2008. Derrick is the Value Analysis Manager for Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC), a Six Sigma Black Belt and a member of CAMC’s leadership team. He started his healthcare career in 1991 after graduating from Marshall University with a B.A. in Sports Medicine. Derrick quickly rose from Athletic Trainer to management positions in both sports and rehab medicine. He completed his MSM/HCA graduate degree in 1997 and continued his management progression to his present position in 2004.

Derrick continues to be very involved in sports medicine, community service and tries to spend as much time with his family and church as possible. It was an honor to recognize Derrick at the annual meeting with friends and colleagues in attendance. I wish to thank Michael King, FACHE for speaking on behalf of Derrick, reviewing his career highlights, personal accomplishments and the impact Derrick has made on the Charleston community.

Regents Advisory Council (RAC) Updates

The RAC met on October 30 for our annual meeting in conjunction with the WV Chapter. We were fortunate enough to have a guest, Dan Hager, a Marshall University Healthcare Administration student, join us. He has been instrumental in working with his professors to complete the paperwork to recognize Marshall University as a Higher Education Network (HEN) site. Hopefully, everything will be in place and I will be able to visit the university this spring. I also want to thank Tamara Fuller, FACHE for her tireless efforts to bring Marshall University to the HEN and connecting us with Dan.

The RAC will continue as a strong entity and supporter of the WV Chapter through this spring. We will convene prior to March to discuss the future of the RAC, as the ACHE Chapter model evolves.

West Virginia Chapter Update

The WV Chapter continues to work hard to support all of us. The Fall Symposium and annual Chapter meeting were a success. Louise Reese, FACHE had secured Robert Reece as the guest presenter. The educational program followed an informative annual meeting with officer elections and a spirited panel discussion about the proposed WV CON changes.

During the business portion of the annual Chapter meeting officers were elected and board members were affirmed. Those individuals are listed below.

Board Officer Elections for Chapter year 2009:

Louise H. Reese, FACHE (President)
Doug E. Bentz (President-Elect)
Benjamin T. Vincent, FACHE (Secretary)
James A. Kranz (Treasurer)

Board members affirmed for the Chapter year 2009:

Michael A. King, FACHE
Derrick B. Billups, FACHE
David K. McClure, PhD, FACHE (Regent)

Doug Bentz, Chapter President recognized three Chapter/Board members for their service to ACHE and the Chapter. Michael King, FACHE, Louise Reese, FACHE and David McClure, FACHE received certificates and ACHE pins.

The Chapter will begin planning 2009 events in January and everyone should be on the look out for more information. The Chapter is always looking for volunteers. Please do not hesitate to contact any of us if you would like to provide support for future programs and Chapter events.

Conclusion

I wish to thank Doug Bentz, WV Chapter President for his leadership and support this past year. With the growth of the Chapter, the addition of isolated Virginia ACHE members to the Chapter and a successful educational program, Doug has been at the helm guiding the Board at each turn and decision. I am sure Doug would agree that neither of us could do our job without the ongoing strong support of both the RAC and the Chapter Board. A big thank you to the RAC and Board for their support through out the year.

This is my last formal Regent Newsletter. In the Spring of 2009, the WV Chapter newsletter will take center stage. I will continue to provide a national update, but the vast majority of the information in the Chapter Newsletter will be events and information specific and relevant to WV Chapter members. You will be able to find the newsletter at http://wv.ache.org.

Don’t forget about the ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership in Chicago on March 23-26, 2009. This meeting is an ideal opportunity to gain continuing education and network with fellow healthcare leaders. You can find more information online at www.ache.org. Lastly, I have a tuition waiver available for anyone who would like to attend Congress, but is either financially unable and or in between employment opportunities. Please call or e-mail me for details.

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Message from the Virginia Regent

Bill Caldwell

Winter 2009

 

Tuition Waivers

 

ACHE provides Regents with two tuition waivers for ACHE sponsored educational events. Currently I have one waiver left. A waiver may be used for the registration fees associated with any ACHE educational program, including Congress. These waivers are typically used for Members or Fellows that may be undergoing a career transition and therefore may not have access to employer sponsored educational funding. Please contact me if you know of a Member or Fellow that could benefit from the use of the one remaining waiver.

 

Change of Address

 

I recently transitioned to a new role. Here is my new contact information.

 

William E. Caldwell, FACHE

VP, Physician Practice Management

HCA Southwest Virginia Market

Lewis-Gale MOB-East

Building C - 4th Floor

1802 Braeburn Drive

Salem, VA 24153

 

Office: (540) 772-5997

Fax: (866) 509-5112

 

The email address remains unchanged … william.caldwell@HCAHealthcare.com.

Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you.

 

Political Advocacy 
 

With so much going on from a governmental perspective at both the State (Medicaid cuts) and Federal levels, the need for voice is as important as ever. As healthcare leaders all of us have the responsibility to speak up and have our voice heard. We owe this to our community, our patients, and the organizations we work for. Take the time … it is part of our collective responsibility as healthcare leaders.