President's Column

Erica Wise
 

“Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.”
~ Benjamin Disraeli ~

 

As I reflect on the past few months I continue to be amazed at the breadth and depth of our organization. In terms of breadth, we have members not only across the United States and Canada, but in Australia and New Zealand. This is truly amazing! However, I believe that what truly draws and keeps members into ADPTC is our depth. For a relatively small organization we provide excellent value in terms of our annual meeting, our newsletter and our listserv. I mentioned in my last newsletter article that my job would be virtually impossible (and much less fun) without my colleagues in ADPTC!

The annual meeting, held in mid-January in conjunction with CUDCP, was one of our best ever. There was excellent joint programming with our CUCDP colleagues and a full day of ADPTC-only programs. Our joint programming with CUDCP included a presentation by Rodney Goodyear on supervision and updates on national trends in education and training from leaders in the field. A number of ADPTC members were presenters for joint break out groups. Highlights from our ADPTC only programming included Jeff Baker’s award address and presentations on research in training clinics, the use of the Carepaths system as an electronic medical record and the role of training clinics in campus community crises. Jeff Baker was very moved to receive our “Friend of ADPTC” award for his work in promoting the role of ADPTC in the competency movement. Our past-president Rob Heffer was pleased and surprised by his gifts of an ADPTC plaque and a framed Aggie baseball print by one of his favorite artists. He also seemed to enjoy my personal gift of a neon green tie-dyed tee shirt with a peace symbol and the words “ADPTC Prez 2005-2007” “PEACE OUT”. I will offer a small award for a photo of Rob wearing this tee shirt!

Many members enjoyed the new member social and joining the group dinners that were organized by our program committee. In addition to providing high quality continuing education, these meetings provide important opportunities to network with other training clinic directors. Some critical decisions were made at our business meeting including a commitment to a major upgrade of our website. In addition to many other features, this upgrade will allow us to pay dues and conference registration fees on line! Once this website upgrade is complete, the Executive Committee plans to initiate a member recruitment drive. We will be asking all of you to assist with this.

As we look to the future, we are in the process of investigating Chapel Hill as a potential venue for our 2009 annual meeting. There is a consensus that after several joint meetings it is time in 2009 for an ADPTC only meeting.

Erica

This photo was taken last summer on my trip to Australia to visit training clinics. Judy Hyde, training clinic director at the University of Sydney, was my excellent host. The photo was taken at the edge of the Daintree Rainforest in North Queensland.