In 2007, expect to see a new emphasis on research at SHM. We’ll be busy developing funding streams to increase investment in promising researchers, particularly those whose projects may lead to grants and/or collaboration with other SHM researchers. Look for surveys designed to assess the unique academic and research needs of hospitalists and to find new opportunities to get involved in research at SHM conferences and the annual meeting. These efforts will be successful if they lead to an increase in the quality and the quantity of the dialogue around research in hospital medicine. Please contact Carolyn Brennan, director of Research Program Development, at [email protected] for more information or to get involved.

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February Leadership Academy

SHM hosted another sold-out Level I Leadership Academy in sunny Orlando at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. The meeting attracted more than 130 hospital medicine leaders who gathered to learn—among many things—how to evaluate personal leadership strengths and weaknesses and how to apply this knowledge to everyday leadership and management challenges.

Nationally respected speakers Mike Guthrie, MD; David Javitch, PhD; Jack Silversin, DMD; Tim Keogh, PhD; Eric Howell, MD; Larry Wellikson, MD; and Russell Holman, MD, led the group in discussions on a variety of different leadership topics. Dr. Keogh kept attendees intrigued by tackling the wide range of personality traits in the industry and instructing attendees in how to work effectively with others by using his DiSC survey. As always, the group was enthusiastic and worked collaboratively during Dr. Silversin’s infamous broken squares activity, in which attendees are involved in an eye-opening experience on effective communication.

“This is our fifth time hosting this course and, every time, I’m amazed to see how enthusiastic attendees are about what they have learned and how they plan to go back and improve their organizations,” says Dr. Holman, SHM Leadership Academy Course Director and president-elect of SHM.

Leadership Academy Level I is a great networking opportunity designed to provide leaders in hospital medicine with the tangible skills and resources required to successfully lead and manage hospitalist programs now and in the future. The intimate setting allows for small group sessions in which attendees have a chance to interact with faculty and share real-life situations from their own institutions. In addition to Level I, SHM will host the advanced course, Leadership Academy Level II, in the fall. This course will allow attendees to expand and enhance the skills learned in Level I and features keynote speaker Leonard Marcus, PhD, who defined the term “Meta-Leadership” in hospital medicine.

Don’t miss out on your chance to become a leader in hospital medicine. Mark your calendar for our next Leadership Academy, November 12-15, 2007, in San Antonio.