Greetings!
The summer months are approaching and that means many of us will be taking long weekends, vacations with friends or family, and perhaps enjoying longer lunch breaks as we soak in the warm weather. This is great, considering many reside in areas of the country where the window of sunny days is open for a minimal amount of time throughout the year. Given that our careers are demanding and fast paced, it can be nearly impossible to find an opportunity to get away. However, taking a step back and relaxing without the stresses the office can bring can be the healthiest thing to do. Sometimes you just have to shut down the email and not check your voice mail in order to center your mind and come back to the office refreshed.
And yet, the behind the scenes preparation that goes into the 2006 InSight Annual Conference never seems to go on vacation. I want to let all those that work tirelessly to prepare for this major annual event know I truly appreciate their efforts. When we all gather from September 13-16 in Nashville the results of all that hard work will be on display. The conference might still be months away (the early registration deadline is 07.07.06 though!) but I know firsthand from my regular discussions with those involved that each day is dedicated to evaluating how to maximize the value of attending for everyone.
I’d like to use this message to thank all those that have been working behind the scenes the first half of the year, and can never receive enough credit. Here are the Council Chairs that help make our education such an attraction for conference attendees:
- Tamara Korbel- Clinical Management Council Chair- District One Hospital Faribault, MN- Information Systems Specialist
- Pam Rodriguez- Revenue Cycle Council Chair- Methodist Medical Center of Illinois Peoria, IL - Information Technology Analyst
- Dean Hamilton- Infrastructure Council Chair- Robinson Memorial Hospital Ravenna, OH - Programmer Analyst
- Bernie Porter- Resource Management Council Chair- Baptist Healthcare System Louisville, KY- Director of Decision Support
- Diane Kent- International Council Chair- Southlake Regional Hospital
- Neil Aaronson – McKesson Provider Technologies
And above all, I want to say thanks to the two InSight Board members that have direct responsibility for the conference. Nancy Goessler, the Vice President for Education and Amy Thorpe, the Director of Education, are the ones on the really hot “hot seats”.
I would also like to recognize the efforts of the over 50 SIG Chairs, Vice Chairs, Secretaries, McKesson Liaisons and Headquarters Staff. In future messages I’ll be certain to recognize more individuals for their dedication.
Please enjoy the coming summer months and the great weather that comes with them. Have fun with your friends and family, and please be safe.
And of course, I look forward to meeting you in Nashville!
John Meharg
InSight President
Director, Information Technology Services, Norman Regional Hospital