“Imagination is everything. It’s a preview of life’s coming attractions.”
Albert Einstein
A year ago, I challenged all of us to Imagine Tomorrow and to pursue opportunities to achieve the Triple Aim with hope, optimism and an innovative American spirit. I pledged to govern with humility and give back to HFMA with all my heart, soul and time. As with other lessons learned through HFMA over the years, I received more than I gave. I never imagined how rewarding serving as HFMA Chair would be, and as I approach the end of my term, I want to share some parting words of encouragement.
At a time of so much negative rhetoric in our public discourse, reflect on the miracles occurring in healthcare every day. I heard exemplary stories all year long as I visited HFMA Chapters across the country. Scientific advances have made the impossible of yesterday routine today. New technologies are making a real difference in our lives. We are living longer and replacing despair with hope. There is so much to be proud of.
Remember the story of the Golconda Diamond Mine. Poor Al Hafed pursued a fruitless search for diamond riches elsewhere, failing to discover the largest mine beneath his own abandoned property. The lesson is simple. Opportunities for innovation are closer than you think — perhaps as close as your own backyard. Pursue them!
The Triple Aim goals are worthy of your time and attention. We know we can, and must do better to promote improved population health, ensure patients receive the highest-quality care every time and make the cost of care more affordable. Our patients and communities are counting on us. The finance professional is ideally suited to help. The changes necessary to respond to this more complex, challenging environment begin with each one of us, and HFMA can help. Adopt and promote best practices, and inspire your team to learn, experiment and volunteer. No organization is better prepared to meet our needs than HFMA.
As my year winds down, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my family, my 40,000-plus HFMA colleagues, my fellow Board members, Chapter and Regional leaders, staff and all who have helped me along the way. Your support and hospitality have been greatly appreciated, but most of all, the friendships developed will never be forgotten. You are the HFMA secret sauce! This journey has truly produced the best days of my life. May you reach your true potential and discover the role you can play in writing the next great chapter in America’s story. Imagine Tomorrow!
