The AAOE list service allows the members to communicate through e-mail. Everyday I look forward to opening the list service to learn from, share with and respond to my peers the ongoing challenges we all face. I guess, as in any combat situation, practice management executives become true brothers and sisters.
Q: What kind of information do you receive from the AAOE list serv?
BK: Serious fundamental operational questions and serious answers to those questions. We discuss new legislation, policies and healthcare reform. Other members also share anecdotes about physicians, employees and patients and some of the strange things that have happened.
The best thing is it is like a continuous graduate school seminar. Knowledge is shared, and there is a wide diversity of thoughts from executives in all regions of the country.
Q: Does it help to get advice from others in the trenches?
BK: It makes me feel like I’m not alone. It is a support group, and I interact daily with a lot of intelligent people, sharing their knowledge and insight. We also meet up and talk personally at different conferences.
Also, responding to the list forces you to really think your responses and procedures through and to get your ideas together about a situation. Because it’s over e-mail, you have to communicate efficiently and succinctly. People are not above criticism on the list, so it is important to provide good answers. The quality of writing from respondents is outstanding, and it really is a professional, thoughtful exercise and an invaluable tool. It tells you how stressful and challenging it can be as a healthcare executive today.
I’ve been in this business a long time, and this has been the best thing I have done on a human, professional and educational level.
Q: How can interested executives join the list serv?
BK: You can join the AAOE at their Web site (www.aaoe.net). If you enjoy a thoughtful exchange of ideas, welcome to the AAOE list service.
Bob Kahn is the CEO of Orthopedic Specialists of Texarkana (Texas) and has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare administration. Learn more about the Orthopedic Specialists of Texarkana.
