Foundation News

AMDA Futures Program

The inaugural AMDA Futures program was a huge success and received extremely high marks from participants, speakers, and AMDA leadership. Fifty-one residents and fellows attended a pre-conference meeting to learn more about career opportunities in long term care. Typical of the type of comments the program received is this one from Debra Mostek, MD, a geriatric fellow at UNMC, "The AMDA Futures program provided new perspectives on long term care and issues that I had not ever considered. It was concise and invigorating." Participants particularly enjoyed the presentation from Roger Bonds, President of the National Institute of Physician Career Development, on "Successful Job Search Techniques." Mr. Bonds provided practical advice on finding your first position and managed to insert quite a bit of levity. Participants also were fascinated to hear from a panel of AMDA members about various opportunities in long term care, from the policy and advocacy side to corporate management. Many of the geriatric fellows expressed their appreciation for receiving practical, real world advice about medical directorship. Their presence continued to be felt after the program, where they attended the AMDA symposium, mingled with AMDA members, and sought out mentors.

With ongoing support from Janssen Pharmaceutica, the Foundation and some residency programs, the Foundation hopes to expand the number of slots available for next year's program. We also are interested in your feedback and suggestions for how to disseminate information about the Futures Program throughout the state chapters. Please contact Janet Pailet, Consultant to AMDA Foundation, at 212/678–4868 or e–mail to japail@erols.com.

AMDA Members Show They Care

The AMDA Foundation's "Acts of Kindness Campaign" was a huge success. The Foundation was able to raise over $9,000 from AMDA members to support ongoing Foundation activities, such as the implementation of our research network. Many thanks to James Pattee, MD, CMD, who generously contributed his time signing books for over 75 foundation supporters. Due to the generous support of Eli Lilly who agreed to match contributions up to $7,500, the campaign yielded more than $16,000. The comments placed on the "wall of caring" were both inspirational and touching, reflecting the compassion and commitment of long term care medical directors. To make a contribution to the "wall of caring" or a donation to the AMDA Foundation, contact Sandy Jaso, AMDA Foundation Administrative Assistant, at 410/740–9743, ext. 134 or e–mail amdafoundation@amda.com.

AMDA Foundation Launches Practice-Based Research Network

AMDA members had a chance to sign up for our newly developing practice-based research network and learn more about it at the Foundation booth. The research network, which is planning on getting its first study off the ground over the next two months, provides AMDA members with an opportunity to help answer practice questions that plague the long term care field. The network has enrolled over 150 medical directors and is currently collecting survey data on their practices and facilities. The network will be holding a "kick off" conference this fall. If you are interested in participating in this network or have questions, contact Sandy Jaso, AMDA Foundation Administrative Assistant, at 410/740–9743, ext. 134 or e–mail amdafoundation@amda.com.

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