by
Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | July 05, 2022
From the July 2022 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
The AHRA is not like any other professional organization I have ever been a part of. When you are a member of the AHRA you instantly feel like you are part of a family. From the moment I attended my first AHRA Annual meeting in 2004 I was instantly surrounded by genuine, compassionate, and supportive colleagues (who I am now blessed to call friends) who were genuinely interested in helping me grow and develop in my new role as an imaging manager and CRA. I have been paying it forward ever since.
HCB News: How has the pandemic impacted your presidency?
KQW: The pandemic did create a few roadblocks; however, our innovative and determined AHRA staff and spring meeting design team rose to the challenge and developed our amazing virtual event, the Conference for Leaders in Imaging Management and Business (CLIMB) to replace our in-person spring conference that was originally scheduled for Savannah. CLIMB was a tremendous success. I feel like we all rose to the occasion to support each other, where we were, with the tools we had. Adapting was key. In fact, we are planning to have an in-person CLIMB event at the stunning Mission Bay Resort in San Diego, February 24-26, 2023.
HCB News: What are some of the biggest initiatives that you have championed at the AHRA?
KQW: Some of the biggest initiatives that I have had an opportunity to lead or help support for the AHRA and our members include:
1) Being a participating member of the task force to identify our new consulting partners for the development/revision of our 3 – 5 year strategic plan, 2) participating in 2015 and again in 2022 in the development/revision of our 3 – 5 year strategic plan, 3) Being a contributing author and editor for our AHRA textbook series over the years, 4) Being a member of our initial products and services review task force, 5) Leading the task force for the development of our revised Organizational Liaison program and 6) Leading a task force that explored opportunities to develop future educational programs to help support and bring additional value to our members who manage cardiovascular departments.
HCB News: For imaging stakeholders who may not be familiar, why should they consider joining the AHRA?
KQW: I believe becoming a member of the AHRA is truly an investment in yourself, and I’m reminded of a great quote from the writer, Robin Sharma. "Investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make. It will not only improve your life, it will improve the lives of all those around you."
The AHRA is committed to meeting the needs of our members by delivering products, services, and programs that 1) support career growth and development, 2) provide tools and resources to help leaders be more efficient and effective, 3) provide real-time industry and technology updates and 4) support connecting imaging leaders to best practice resources associated with finance, quality, patient satisfaction, communication, patient care and so much more.
