Our charge: Advocate for our profession

MGMA Connexion, Sep 2005 by Peterson, Thomas P

The mission of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) is to continually improve the performance of medical group practice professionals and the organizations they represent. This emphasis on professional development is epitomized by the education and certification process supported by the American College of Medical Practice Executives, MGMA's certification body, and resources provided by MGMA.

MGMA also has a set of values to which we aspire (see www.mgma.com/about/index.cfm). Four of the nine core values reflect this professional commitment:

* Setting standards for professional performance;

* Continuous learning for professional growth;

* Service to community and the profession; and

* Integrity, collegiality and respect for the individual.

As professionals in the medical group practice field, we have a responsibility to strengthen our fellow administrators through appropriate support and mentoring, to be advocates for our profession. The MGMA core values serve as meaningful guideposts along the way.

My story

On joining the profession as a young administrator "wet behind the ears," I had the good fortune to meet Max Burgraff, the administrator for the Salt Lake Clinic in Utah. Max introduced me to MGMA and became a mentor. I remember attending my first national MGMA conference in Toronto, where Max took the time to help me network with his colleagues from around the nation, introduced me to MGMA resources and education programs, and encouraged my professional development. He was always available to answer questions and often said that "the only dumb question is the unasked question."

Whenever I started feeling isolated and thinking my issues were unique, a quick phone call to Max put life back in perspective. I have that same feeling of relief as I network with you at conferences, on phone calls or via e-mail.

Max taught me two key principles. The first: Our industry is too complex for us to succeed without the resources, education, advocacy and networking provided by MGMA. The second: We have an obligation to assist our colleagues as they pursue their management careers.

The mentoring challenge

This phrase from leadership expert John Maxwell captures the essence of mentoring: "Success is when we add value to ourselves. Significance is when we add value to others." You are all successful. Now I challenge you to be significant!

I have observed a professional colleague mentoring others. She derives greater satisfaction from that activity than from her day-to-day work. She often states, "Systems are fine, but I like helping people succeed. And, when people succeed, systems work!"

Our challenge is to be more effective mentors. Look at your colleagues and identify opportunities for mentoring. For example, if you have completed the ACMPE certification tests, take the time to encourage a colleague to pursue that goal. A phone call, e-mail or letter of encouragement can spark someone's desire to pursue personal advancement or further his or her professional development.

If you're in need of a mentor, reach out and ask. Those of us in the trenches are ready and willing to assist. Like you, we sometimes get wrapped up in our own world and need a gentle push to motivate us. Find someone you think can help through the MGMA membership directory and make the call. You will be surprised and pleased at how supportive your fellow professional will be.

It's been a great year

Serving as MGMA Board chair this past year has reinforced my appreciation for the great resources represented in our membership. No profession has more dedicated, creative, hard-working and talented individuals than MGMA. Your commitment, involvement and advocacy help shape a better health care system.

Further, I am impressed at the involvement of our members as volunteer leaders of our Associations. They are unified by common mission, vision and values, assisted by a great staff under the leadership of MGMA President and CEO William F. Jessee, MD, FACMPE. I have observed this leadership energy produce successful outcomes in MGMA assemblies, societies, sections, state affiliates, national boards and committees. Congratulations on a job well done!

Thanks for your friendship and support this past year. With the great work accomplished by the volunteer leaders of this organization, MGMA is well-positioned as an effective national advocate for our profession, providing the tools we need to succeed. Add to that our personal commitment to mentor others, and we will make an impact where it counts the most: as fellow human beings on this most interesting journey through life.

By Thomas P. Petenon, FACMPE

about the author

Thomas P. Peterson, FACMPE, MGMA Board of Directors chair, and executive director, Idaho Emergency Physicians, Boise, tom@iep.org