SHM Invests in ‘Champions’ and SHM’s Future

Not content with the status quo, SHM has taken significant steps to ensure the society’s reach grows in line with the exponential expansion of hospital medicine. These investments put SHM’s premier educational content into the hands of more hospitalists and increase the society’s ability to hear firsthand—and more quickly react to—the challenges of the field.

One key initiative is SHM’s Champions Program, which identifies hospitalists on the ground to serve as information conduits. These “champions” share feedback with SHM’s staff and leadership about the state of hospital medicine locally, and react to SHM plans and proposals. They also help SHM disseminate news and resources to hospitalists in their communities.

Chapter Updates

Memphis, Tenn.

The Memphis Chapter had a meeting on March 18 at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Memphis. Michael Gelfand, MD, of UT Medical Group, spoke about infectious diseases and tigecycline (Tygacil). Nominations and elections were held to establish chapter officers. The leaders were elected as follows:

President – Tapan Thakur, MD
Vice President – Chris Sands, MD
Secretary – Wiley Robinson, MD
Directors of Membership – Michael Puchaev, MD, and Kamal Mohan, MD

Ayesha Muzammil, MD, and Dr. Puchaev volunteered to serve as editors for the chapter newsletter. The meeting was graciously sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

Los Angeles

Twenty-six chapter members representing nine hospital medicine groups attended the Los Angeles Chapter meeting on June 4 at The Sky Room. Dr. Keith Beck, professor of medicine and infectious diseases specialist from Harbor UCLA Medical Center presented the “Top 10 Things Hospitals Should Know about MRSA.” The meeting was graciously supported by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. The Los Angeles Chapter plans to have its next meeting this month.

In the Champions Program’s short tenure, it already has proven its value. Champions in 26 key markets are engaged and providing valuable feedback in a wide variety of areas, through participation on conference calls, individual surveys, and even a private breakfast with SHM CEO Larry Wellikson.

On top of that, the program has enabled SHM to expand its pool of identified hospitalists by nearly 60%. This expansion not only means SHM’s education and quality improvement resources will reach more communities, but that the society will gain clout and credibility in all facets of healthcare from divergent groups, such as MedPAC and Congress.

Champions are leaders in their communities, dedicated to making a difference in hospital medicine. If this describes you, consider becoming a Champion. Committing to this vital program means helping to steer the course of hospital medicine locally and globally. If you aspire to become a leader within the society, the Champions Program is a great way to begin.

If you’re interested in becoming a Champion or want to suggest someone in your community who would be a good fit, call Cathy Peduzzi, SHM’s manager of membership outreach programs at (215) 351-2584 or e-mail her at [email protected].

The SHM Bi-Annual Survey on the State of the Hospital Medicine Movement has quickly become a must-have resource for hospital medicine group leaders, administrators, and hospitalists. This survey provides baseline information on topics such as hospital medicine group financial support, compensation and employment models, and productivity.

Whether you’re an experienced hospitalist or you are just starting out in the specialty, the survey has information that will benefit you. Here’s a sampling of the frequently asked questions that can be answered using information found in the survey: