Advocacy Summit Experience

As a newer AHDI Board Member and first timer at Advocacy Summit, I was very unsure of what to expect. I couldn’t imagine that a Congressman, much less an important Senator would want to speak with us about our profession or organization. Boy was I wrong!!!!

On Thursday May 15, I accompanied Sheryl Williams, who represented the Minn/Wisc AHDI Region, to Capitol Hill. As the Board Partner for this group, it seemed like a natural fit. Sheryl had done her home work, scheduled appointsments, etc.

First, we attended a constituency breakfast with Senator Amy Klobuchar., junior Senator from Minnesota. We had the opportunity to speak with her briefly (and yes we had our picture taken!!) and then we spent 30 minutes with her Healthcare Legislative Assistant, Ryan Crowley. I was amazed how interested he was. Healthcare is such a hot topic during an election year and only enhanced their interest in our professional organization. He asked leading questions and Sheryl had the answers.

Next, we had an appointment with the office of Senator Norm Coleman, senior Senator from Minnesota. We met with Lauren Komatsu, Legislative Correspondent from his office. Again, she was engaged, took copious notes, ask questions and Sheryl had the answers. I was starting to really enjoy this and no longer felt intimidated.

Lastly, we had an appointment with Congressman John Kline, who represents Sheryl’s District in Minnesota. We had an appointment with the Congressman, but he had been called to the house floor for a vote. We met with Molly E. Conway, Legislative Correspondent. Again, their office was engaged, ask pertinent questions. Just as we gave up on meeting with the Congressman, he walked in the door and spent the time with us. He was engaged in our conversation and asked questions.

Would I do this again? You bet! I now know that we as individuals and collectively as a professional organization can make a difference. We can effect change in how we are perceived and educate others about the important role we play!!!

Hello, It has been a busy four months since my last posting. I am currently serving as Board Treasurer; Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota Board partner; Board liaison for the EHR Special Interest Group and the Manager/Supervisor Special Interest Group. We have many exciting activities and campaigns: Next Gen, Credentialing Cup, the “Engaged in your Future” membership campaign, Mission Possible, etc. I am also a member of the Speech Recognition Best Practices Workgroup; a joint effort with MTIA. We will be producing a white paper to be published fall 08. Please go to www.ahdionline.org to learn more.

Many transcriptionists ask me "Why AHDI?" and I ask them "Why not?". Our roles and jobs are changing and we need a professional organization to serve as a guide star to the future. For me personally, this is an exciting time in our profession. We are the medical documentation experts. As I serve on the Board, I can see the barriers are coming down between AHDI and other professional organizations. We are being asked to finally "sit down at the table" and this is exciting. I understand change is scary, but together we can get there!!! Email me at sherry.doggett@healthall.com. Join us on this exciting journey.

4/7/08

My first blog

As a newer member of the AHDI Board, I must admit setting up my own blog site is somewhat frightening :)....I have never blogged, I don't keep a journal so this is somewhat new to me.

First let me say, I am honored to serve on the AHDI Board of Directors. As a medical transcriptionist, manager, supervisor and now director of a large integrated delivery system corporate transcription department, I have been a proponent, cheerleader, educator, advocate for our profession and our place in the healthcare delivery system for many years. I enjoy meeting transcriptionists, QA specialists, supevisors and managers around the country.

This upcoming year will be an exciting time under Betty Honoken's guidance and leadership as our 08 President and I look forward to serving.

Sherry/posted 12/02/07