Anthony Robbins, a motivational and inspirational speaker was quoted as saying, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” As the Illinois State Society President of American Medical Technologists, I want to share with you our vision and goals for 2010.
Every year the State Officers and Board of Directors look at the past year and decide where we want to go as an organization as well as where have we been. As many organizations struggle with the economic downturn, we continue to thrive and grow. So let’s review where we are headed for 2010.
Our Continuing Education Program is being planned and is set for Friday, April 30, 2010. Behind the scenes we are contacting top-notch speakers and organizations in order to provide you accurate and up-to-date educational information on topics our members have requested in surveys that were conducted at previous seminars. So far we have secured speakers on topics involving robotics and transplantation, nutrition and easy meals in a fast-paced society, hypothermia and the golden hour in emergency medicine, Alzheimer’s disease, and a special "Girls Fight Back" self-defense presentation (pending). Continue to visit our website for further information on location and registration.
Student participation is an exciting area for growth at ISSAMT. A group of students have contacted us and are looking to start an AMT student society. This is an area that will help students develop leadership, networking, and team building skills. These skills will contribute to their success in the workforce and enable them to learn how memberships in a state society can contribute to their continuing education and other accomplishments. Requirements include at least one planning meeting, at least one meeting that includes an educational program, and at least one community project (e.g., blood pressure screening, assisting with health fairs, bloodmobiles, etc.). This is an exciting opportunity for ISSAMT members to look to the future of the organization and to mentor for the future growth of ISSAMT.
In 2008 AMT did a survey that demonstrated a need for more socializing on a state level, as well as running the business aspect of the organization. This was discussed at our last board meeting and it was decided that we would have a social event in the fall of this year. Everyone is invited! This will be an excellent time to socialize with family, friends, future members, past speakers and other members from the AMT organization. It will be in early October and will include a bonfire, s'mores, hayrides, ghost stories, hot dogs and plenty of hot cocoa and cider. It will be held in the beautiful Danada Forest Preserve. The hayride and ghost stories by the bonfire will be a great atmostphere to try out your Halloween costume and win a prize. We hope to make this event the first of many, so mark on your calendars and ask for the time off.
Please note that every year we plan all events ahead of time so that everyone involved can plan ahead with work and be able to attend all events. Please make sure you bookmark ISSAMT on your computer for easy access to all the information you need.
Another great educational and fun event is the National AMT Educational Program and Business Meeting. This year we will be in Summerlin, Nevada - just outside the Las Vegas strip. This promises to be the educational seminar that you will never forget. Besides making new friends, you will have access to great choices for continuing education and award ceremonies. You will have the opportunity to watch AMT at work as the delegates discuss the inner workings of AMT and make decisions that affect us all. Once you attend one national event, I promise you will not want to miss the next - you will want to be there every year! Student members are also allowed to attend at a substantial discounted price. As the ISSAMT president, I would like to see more than three in attendance every year. We should all try and share in the success of the state of the organization! Let’s take these possibilities and make them possible! By the end of 2010, we will have accomplished another successful state educational seminar, a new state student organization will have been formed and successfully met their goals, the National Educational Program and Business Meeting will be attended by Illinois students with more members and delegates than ever before. Then, last but not least, our new social event will have been a haunting success.
I am looking forward to another great year! Together, we will make what is invisible today, visible by the end of 2010.
January 2010