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| The Payback---Opportunity, Responsibility and Privilege |
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by Bob Blumm, MA, PA-C, DFAAPA - May 16, 2011
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Before I became a leader in the PA profession, I considered myself the epitome of mediocrity. What could I possibly say or do that would generate enthusiasm or enhance our profession. No doubt, some of our readership feels exactly the same way therefore they are sitting on the sidelines. My jumpstart came from a past president of NYSSPA, Frank King, who, after I congratulated him on his fine work in office, countered with a challenge: “I’ve done my part, when will you do yours?” This was my challenge and my opportunity. Another springboard was a quote from Mary Kay Ash who wrote, ”a mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one.” I reflected on both of these individuals statements and made the decision to make a difference. Within four years I became the president of NYSSPA and developed a team approach to accomplish our goals.
When leaders share the limelight with other members of the team it manages to generate more activity, enthusiasm and creativity. When committee members or officers see a project through to the end it is that committee who should receive the credit. Our team made many enhancements for New York PAs and provided the largest surplus income in our history. When sharing a podium with the president of the New York State Nurse Practitioner Association she gave me a plaque with the following inscription: “Some people dream of success---while others wake up and work hard at it.” The PA and NP professions have a tremendous need for new leadership. We need young, creative, enthusiastic individuals with fresh ideas and the focus to accomplish their goals. Will you take advantage of the opportunity? It’s time for the payback and our professions are counting on you to respond.
Responsibility
In 1965 on Whitehall Street in NYC, I took an oath with a small group of other young men: “I am an American fighting man dedicated to serving my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.” Within a short period of time those young men became soldiers and their oath became a personal reality. We believed that we had a responsibility to our forefathers, our nation and to the contemporary American. I went on to undergo extremely difficult training, learned two military occupational specialties and became part of a team with 11 other special soldiers where we were responsible for each other, to our group commander and to the people that we were assigned to help.
As members of our professions we are called to stand shoulder to shoulder, women and men, fellow professionals, united for our future destinies. Our mandate will bring us together as one to accomplish the goals of providing health care to America’s sick and needy. Our task will not be easy and we will have opposition from some people in the other healing arts but nevertheless, we can and we will demonstrate the concern, compassion and competency that will make us America’s favorite health care providers. We will be required to have a new vision of who we are and the direction that we are choosing to take and we will need to pay the price to see this vision become reality. Everyone who reads these words is receiving a personal challenge and mandate. You are our future. It’s time for the payback.
Privilege
Leadership is a great honor; leaders are not born. They first volunteer and become refined in the crucible of challenge. I perceive leadership to be like oxen in a yoke together with their peers. I do not see this as restrictive but rather protective. This is in part, my dream for both of our professions and how we relate to one another and how we create the new legislation that allows us to become complete as advanced practice clinicians. The purpose of a yoke is to keep us together and moving in the right direction. When we have shared input we become a formidable force when speaking to administrators, government agencies, insurance companies and the AMA. Can this happen independently, perhaps it can, but I envision both professions beginning to demonstrate unity and destroying strongholds that have held us back as professionals. I consider it to be a privilege to work side by side in both the medical field and in the legislative chambers to accomplish our goals.
In closing, a famous statement says, "It takes courage to push yourselves to places that you have never seen before, to test your limits, to break through the barriers.” The opportunity to serve is presented freely. The responsibilities will never be more than you can carry because you are in the yoke with another to supplement your strength. Won’t you become involved in this great mission and opportunity? It’s time for the payback!
Robert M. Blumm has received national recognition as a distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). He is the past president of the Association of Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants, and was past-president of the American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants, past president of the American College of Clinicians and NYSSPA, as well as Chairman of the Surgical Congress of the AAPA. In addition, Bob received the John Kirklin MD Award for Professional Excellence from the American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants. Along with his associate, Dr. Acker, Bob was the first recipient of the AAPA PAragon Physician-PA Partnership Award. He has been a contributing author of three textbooks, written 150 plus articles and is a sought out conference speaker throughout the United States.
The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.
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