Symposium Impressions: People, Generosity, Insight

Abstract

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With only 5 days on the job as the new executive director of the AMDA Foundation, I had a tremendous opportunity during the Charlotte Annual Symposium to experience the people and programs that make AMDA and the AMDA Foundation so special. I came away with an overwhelming impression that the professionals in this field are singular in their devotion to people. Time and again, whether in formal presentations or casual conversations, a focus on the needs of patients and their families rose above institutional concerns. Many speakers stood out for the commitment behind their ideas: ▸ Suzanne M. Gillespie, MD, of the University of Rochester (N.Y.) Medical Center, who first came to AMDA in the 2005 Class of the Futures Program, presented the final results of the initiative that earned an AMDA Foundation/Pfizer Quality Improvement Award last year. She said that a desire to convert “frustrations into improvements” was the genesis for her project aimed at improving communication during care transitions. ▸ Annie Durkin, speaking for the Potomac Valley Nursing and Wellness Center as winner of the 2009 AMDA Foundation/Evercare Award for Improving the Quality of Life for Persons Living in Nursing Homes, presented a highly successful case study in creating a palliative care program. The entire program team drove down from Rockville, Md., to share in accepting the award, demonstrating the spirit they bring to their work. Ms. Durkin inspired listeners as she described the model program to bring end-of-life care to the facility with existing staff. ▸ Dennis McCullough, MD, who presented the keynote to a packed Sunday morning audience anxious to hear his recipe for “slow medicine.” Dr. McCullough, a gifted writer, shared poetry of other talented writers, including his wife, along with his personal observations on the health care system. He reminded us that what is routine for health care professionals is not routine for patients and families. It was very rewarding to see the AMDA community's wonderful support of the foundation's fundraising events in Charlotte. The delightful interaction throughout the “Art at the Wall” auction and the “Wall of Caring” display provided countless opportunities to meet members and appreciate the hard work of our dedicated staff. I also had the chance to visit with several of the state delegations and left wishing I'd had enough time to meet everyone. As I arrive in this new world, with its focus on processes and systems for caring, the AMDA culture is a striking contrast to my previous work with much focus on conquering disease at the molecular level. I thank everyone who made me feel so welcome in Charlotte and generously offered personal insights. I am excited to have this incredible opportunity to work with the many talented people dedicated to reaching the important goals of both organizations on behalf of the field of long-term care medicine. Dr. Kroft is the executive director of the AMDA Foundation.