Initiatives for 2006 Part 2
Greetings!
Thank goodness – winter is slowing coming to an end and spring is not far away. Not to sound too corny, but as everyone knows, spring is a time of rebirth and growth, and this same analogy can be applied to Insight.
In January, the InSight Board met for the first time this year.. We have four completely new board members, which is somewhat unusual, as often times board members will run for re-election or are elected to another position on the board. I am happy to report that the “rookie” board members, and the “veteran” board members have combined to create a board that is enthusiastic, energetic, and committed to making this year, the best ever for InSight. I am really excited about this year and what we are going to be able to accomplish for you, our members.
As a reminder, the 2006 InSight Annual Conference is in September again this year, and is only seven months away. The Conference Planning Committee (make sure this is the correct name) is working hard to make this conference the most comprehensive educational and informative conference possible. To do this, we need experts (like YOU) to present at the 2006 InSight Annual Conference. I encourage you to submit an abstract today outlining your potential presentation topic. We look for a diverse group of presenters that can show real world solutions, tips and tricks or lessons learned to our attendees. Remember, no one knows how to make the system work better than the users that use the system every day. The Call for Abstracts is open until the end of March. There is plenty of time for you to prepare to become a presenter at the 2006 InSight Annual Conference, or encourage one of your co-workers to do this.
Many hospitals are now working on budgets for the next year. Don’t forget to budget for the Insight Annual Conference!! This year’s conference is in Nashville, which is a very cost effective location.
As mentioned in the previous month, the strategic partnership between InSight and McKesson will remain of utmost importance this year. To highlight this, InSight will be visible in the McKesson booth at this year’s HIMSS conference. The HIMSS conference is taking place from February 12-16 in San Diego. InSight is very excited to be able to participate in this conference and inform people of how our organization can add value to their professional lives.
The 2006 “Recruit-a-Member” campaign is well underway. As a new incentive this year, for every member you recruit, you are entered in a Grand Prize Drawing. Grand prizes include a free conference registration and hotel room for one winner, and a free conference registration for two other winners. All it takes is filling out the online form and sending in the dues. I’d love to see how many new members you can bring becomes a point of pride amongst our membership. Because when you’re bringing new people – with new ideas and experiences – to the organization, everyone wins!
Something you will be hearing a lot about in the coming year are the Discussion Forums. These allow you to network with over 7,500 McKesson customers. You will have the capability to discuss product enhancements, offer expertise and address and usability concerns you have. Both members and non-members are able to participate. This is a tremendous way to add value to your organization and expand your personal and professional network.
I hope you have an outstanding month, and I look forward to addressing you next month.
John Meharg
InSight President
Director, Information Technology Services, Norman Regional Hospital