Consolidation

Consolidation

3/12/1999

Earlier this week I responded with the following message to
  kevslick. It does not appear that the earlier transmission was
  successful, so I am repeating it. I apologize it you have received it
  before.

  C. Pritham

  Original Message

        In a message dated 3/9/99 kevslick states, My time is better spent
  focusing on the patients I serve and keeping up with the profession.
  He further states that AOPA and AAOP separately represent the interests
  of their members, implying that the interests of the two are not the
  same.
        I would contend that the interests of the two organizations,
  education and affecting public policy towards the delivery of P&O care,
  are inextricably mingled and more closely aligned than ever before.
  Moreover, I would suggest that it is our obligation as professionals to
  be involved in the public arena and to be working to positively shape the
  factors affecting the delivery of services to the patient.
  ABC certified practitioners are proud to assert that they are the
  best qualified to provide custom P&O services. If that is so then who is
  better qualified to affect public policy towards the delivery of P&O
  care? We are shirking our ethical, moral, and professional
  responsibility if we do not make the effort and do not do it in the most
  effective fashion possible.
  Consolidation of AAOP and AOPA's efforts in one organization
  working on the national and state level to represent the value of ABC
  standards means that those efforts could not help but be more effective
  than they are now. Both organizations have significant assets in this
  matter. What is lacking is a coordinated, consistent, and timely
  structure to deploy these assets most effectively. Consolidation would
  provide the missing element and more effectively than alternate means.
  A similar argument can be made for consolidation of their efforts
  in the education arena. The result could not help but be more cost
  effective and better organized.
        There are those that contend that the two organizations can and
  should negotiate these issues between them while retaining their separate
  identities. The problem with this approach is that the retention of
  identity and prerogatives impedes the negotiation process and makes it
  exceedingly hard to arrive at a common position. The result is slow
  reaction time and a distracted leadership. The problem is compounded when
  you have dueling personalities involved. We have at least 10 years of
  experience that attest to this interpretation of what has been going on
  in the national office. Leadership of all the organizations have striven
  on a constant basis to work together in pursuit of the best interests of
  all involved. Inevitably, though, the dynamics of the relationship
  between separate and independent organizations and their internal
  dynamics have impeded the process. I believe that consolidation is the
  ultimate solution to the matter.
        We are confronted with significant challenges now and in the
  future. Challenges that will have major implications for how we deliver
  services to the patient and our very existence. As Ben Franklin said,
  Either we hang together or we hang alone.

  C. Pritham, CPO, FAAOP
  Past President, ABC