Oh My! How We Have Grown!

Abstract

All medical societies grow through three basic stages: First is the “Collegial Gathering” of those with similar interests that wish to share ideas and increase their knowledge. The second stage is “The Good O'l Boy's Club,” when a few senior members of a society hold the control and direction of the society. The final stage is the “Professional Organization.” During this phase, the society develops formalized planning and implements long-range goals. The year 2010 is a transition year for the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), as we simultaneously wind up with one three-year strategic plan while setting the stage for the next one. I want to take this opportunity to provide you with a status report on the 2008–2010 Strategic Plan, as well as our plans for the next three-year cycle. The AAPM developed a strategic plan in 2007 to promote the specialty of Pain Medicine and our academy as a leader in the field. The Strategic Planning Committee established priorities, developed goals, and put our organization on a path toward achieving those goals for the following three years. The AAPM leadership chose to phase the goals in gradually over the three years rather than take them on all at once, which was, in retrospect, a wise decision because we were able to focus on one or two goals at a time. The early priorities included establishing the AAPM as the premier Pain Medicine organization, strengthening the leadership development process, and increasing active memberships. Our successes have included organizing the Pain Summit, publishing a Pain Medicine position paper, playing a leadership role in key pain care legislation, and achieving significant membership growth, among many other accomplishments. As …