With both satisfaction and regret, I can see the HM12 finish line.

Satisfaction because I have learned new information and been challenged to think in new ways. Because I have made some new friends and reconnected with many existing ones. But also regret, because now it’s over and we won’t have the chance to be in this inspiring, high-energy setting again until next May in Washington DC.

This morning I attended Steve Deitelzweig’s and John Nelson’s session on non-monetary ways to recognize excellence. Steve and John complemented each other well, offering a mix of science/theory and practical application. Their bottom line is my quote of the day:

“Carrots and sticks are so last century. We need to upgrade to autonomy, mastery and purpose.” (David Pink from the book “Drive”)

Then on to Bob Wachter’s closing remarks, as thought-provoking as ever. Talking about the new “great physician” of the future, Bob challenged the audience to seek out the following competences that will be needed by great physicians in the future:

- Team behavior
- Systems thinking
- Practice-based learning
- Proficiency in informatics
- Professionalism

while not losing sight of the traditional competencies of core knowledge, leadership, and the ability to function effectively when the technology you rely on is suddenly not available.

Next year’s annual meeting course director wrapped up by acknowledging HM12 course director Jeff Glasheen and SHM Education department staffers Catharine Smith and Theresa Jones. I know all 3,500 of us who were in attendance feel the same way, and would thank them personally if we could.

Until next year,

– Leslie

Meet Robert M. Wachter, MD, MHM on Wednesday, April 4 from 1:00 pm. – 2:00 p.m. to learn about his book, Understanding Patient Safety.  The first 100 attendees to purchase the book onsite will receive a signed copy.

Practice managers, administrators and healthcare executives found plenty of relevant activities to keep them busy at HM12.  And it seems like they were in attendance in increasing numbers this year.

The Practice Management track sessions were well attended by non-clinician leaders; they were also much in evidence in the exhibit hall, visiting booths and networking with each other and with their physician colleagues.  We had about 50 or so participants in Monday’s Special Interest Forum for administrators, and many were vocal in offering feedback and suggesting ideas for SHM to enhance practice management resources.

Even better, I estimate we had 75 or so folks attend the Administrators’ Networking Reception on Tuesday evening (many thanks to sponsors IPC, TeamHealth, and Hospital Physician Partners). Everyone must have been enjoying themselves, because I left a little before 7:00 and things were still in full swing. . .

So it seems like the word is getting out that SHM’s annual meetings aren’t just for doctors anymore!

Last but not least, don’t miss Dea Robinson’s presentation Wednesday at 10:55 on the role of the medical management executive in hospital medicine.  In addition to an interesting and worthwhile educational session, attendees will be able to snag a copy of SHM’s brand new “core competencies” document for practice administrators.

See you there!

– Leslie

After a great start at the Fun Run, I was feeling both virtuous and energized. My excellent morning continued at the plenary session with inspiring awards presentations, Jeff Wiese’s hilarious explanation of the new Maintenance of Certification process (they should post it on YouTube), and incoming president Shaun Frost’s call to action for greater personal accountability.

Today was “leadership” day for me.  In the morning, Jasen Gunderson, Dean Dalili and Vikesh Tahiliani gave a terrific presentation about the challenges of stepping up to become a new leader, using case studies of their own experiences – both their successes and some lessons learned.

After lunch, Rusty Holman offered a very though-provoking look at the core leadership competencies that will be needed for successfully meeting tomorrow’s challenges, which include an unsustainable healthcare economic model, rapidly increasing complexity, an aging population, and physician workforce challenges.  In order to be an effective leader in the coming environment, we will need to be able to:

• Humanize interactions with patients
• Simplify the complexity that patients and families have to navigate
• Experiment relentlessly and learn continuously
• Build a healthy culture
• Foster alignment with the larger healthcare system
• Be “blindly, unwaveringly optimistic” in the face of ongoing uncertainty

Quote of the day:

Congratulations to the SHM January Travel Raffle Winner
Dr. Belkys Regalado

 The package included a ton of wonderful prizes:

• $600 US Airways airfare certificate
• $850 Hyatt Hotel and Resorts certificates that can be used for award winning dining, rejuvenating spa visits and overnight accommodations
• $200 certificate to top of the line Ruth’s Chris Steakhouses
• $200 StubHub.com ticket certificate
• $225 Fairway Rewards gift certificate for redemption at over 5,000 national golf courses
• $150 courtesy car service to and from the hotel

Once again, congratulations Dr. Belkys Regalado, we hope you enjoy your prizes!

Congratulations to the 2012 Class of Fellows, Senior Fellows, Masters and Awards of Excellence recipients! You are an exemplary representation of the Society of Hospital Medicine and we commend you for your continued commitment to the field of hospital medicine.

Almost 200 people showed up in the dark this morning to join in the 5K Fun Run around the San Diego harbor. Amazing, since I’m guessing that not a few of them spent the evening as I did, sipping margaritas.

Somehow I managed to drag myself out of bed and downstairs at 5:45 to stand around with the crowd, shivering in the cold. But as the sun started to come up and we got going, we didn’t notice the chill at all. It quickly turned into a bright, clear, picture-perfect San Diego morning.  As we ran (or walked) we shared the morning with a couple of huge cargo ships headed out to sea, as well as lots of other runners, bikers and dog-walkers.

I walked more than I ran, and came in at 39:46 – a good 20 minutes behind winner Nick Marzano. But that’s less than a minute for each year younger than me Nick is, so I don’t feel too bad. Not only did I work off a few margarita calories, but I got a free T-shirt and banana in the deal!

Many thanks to event sponsors Ingenious Med and Shareable Ink.  And a “well done” to CogentHMG and HCA, both of whom had big contingents of folks participating in matching T-shirts!

5K Fun Run Winner

And we're off!!

– Leslie

Most inspiring call to action: Pat Conway – “The nation needs our service.” He challenged us to not just provide excellent clinical care, but to step up to leading system improvements in our local setting.

Funniest commentary: Norm Ornstein’s opening monologue, Johnny Carson style.  Though I could wish he had been a little more even-handed and pointed a few barbs at the Dems as well.

Most intriguing job board posting: The opportunity for a two-year stint as a hospitalist on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Handiest food item: The salads in a cup at lunch.

Aha! moment: Eric Coleman’s argument that discharge communication with patients often fails because we try to communicate with them at our level, rather than theirs.  He advocated using the admission assessment as an opportunity to begin to meet the patient at their level: “Why do you think you were admitted to the hospital?”

Most offbeat analogy: John Bulger’s visit to the Land of Oz during the Patient Flow workshop.  We need the Scarecrow’s brains (understanding of QI principles and techniques), the Tin Woodman’s heart (teamwork) and the Cowardly Lion’s courage (a culture of safety and accountability).

Best place to see and be seen: the poster reception in the Exhibit Hall.

Most personally rewarding experiences: Slowing down from the mad rush to spend time talking with valued friends (thanks, Kirk and Dean).

– Leslie

Several people have already accepted the mission? Have you?

www.acceptSHMmission.com