The Tides of Change

I am writing this from my cramped corner in a plane as I make my way back to Phoenix from San Antonio where I attended the ASCs 2008 conference. This was the industry’s first view of the cumulative results of the January merger between what was once two strong national organizations: the American Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (AAASC) and FASA, and now named the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA).

Everyone I spoke with was pleased with the outcome.

In February, I traveled to Florida to attend the 2008 ASC Symposium hosted by McDermott Will & Emery. It was a stellar show, with a solid educational program. During lunch on the day of the conference, Allen D. Hecht, immediate past chair of FASA, shared the story of the merger and more importantly, the history behind how the ASC Association grew to become what it is today. He mentioned that it was out of the office of Dr. Wally Reed’s very first “SurgiCenter” that the then center administrator led the way in the effort to championing for the industry.

Since Reed’s SurgiCenter inception all those years ago, change has affected so many facets of the ASC industry. It has grown to become more successful with each passing year ― all in spite of the many challenges it has faced.

Changes also come to today’s surgicenter magazine. And just as the ASC industry has grown, so too has our parent company, Virgo Publishing. With such growth comes exciting opportunities ― one of which is a recent “changing of the guard,” if you will, of the editorial team of the today’s surgicenter product.

Also likened to the ASC industry, I too come behind driven, capable talent who spent countless hours ― years actually ― championing with and for the ASC industry. I have big shoes to fill, but I hope to do a stellar job, and I hope too that the industry will be pleased with this outcome too.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson was the keynote speaker at ASCs 2008, where he gave an inspirational talk on “over delivering” in what you do in life. He also spoke of his HIV diagnosis and how that fateful day has shaped his journey over the past 16 years. “Don’t be afraid of change or challenges,” he told us. “Embrace it and life will be good for you.”

I noticed during my trip to Florida that the palm trees are different there from those found in Phoenix. They aren’t any taller or prettier, nor are they shorter or less attractive. They are just different. But even with those differences, they still serve their purpose ― they stand tall and they signify the same beauty to us: “Hey, you are in a warm, sunny place. Enjoy!”

Talk soon,

Jennifer Schraag

Senior Editor

Med Group

jschraag@vpico.com