For First-Time Conference Attendees, First Task Is to Be Bold
Whether they came to network, learn about wireless management or hear from The Joint Commission's (TJC) George Mills, first-time attendees voiced many reasons for wanting to attend the AAMI 2013 Conference & Expo.
“I'm here for the experience and for the chance to network with my peers,” said Chuck Bowers, who works at Reeves County Dialysis in Pecos, TX. Meanwhile, Adam Quinn of Bryan Medical in Lincoln, NE, said he was interested in learning about new challenges with TJC accreditation in light of the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
“It's great to be at a place where the bright minds of clinical engineering are coming together,” said David Pillittere, who works at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven, CT. As a young clinical engineer, Pillittere said that meeting all of these experts will be helpful.
Christopher Koloc, who works at the Veterans Health Administration in Northport, NY, said he hopes to add 100 new connections to his LinkedIn profile. He also is interested in wireless issues and how they have an impact on the healthcare technology management (HTM) field.
While these attendees seemed ready to network, others might not be as bold, a fact that was addressed head-on at a session Saturday devoted to newcomers. While it may be difficult to strike up a conversation with someone you don't know, AAMI leaders urged new attendees to try and overcome any nervousness.
“There are many people who walk into a roomful of strangers, many turn around and walk out—don't do that,” AAMI President Mary Logan exhorted the attendees, adding that many other people are nervous, too. She and the other AAMI leaders, including Board Chairman Ray Laxton, Dave Francoeur, chair of AAMI’s Technology Management Council, and Chris Dinegar, vice president of education at AAMI, counseled first-timers on how to make the most of their conference experience and urged them to interact with others sitting at their table.
Posted: 06.01.13