—Sun Tzu, 544 BC-496 BC
By Karen O’Hara
Professional networking and education on effective occupational health business practices is particularly essential in tight economic times.
The curriculum and faculty for RYAN Associates’ National Summit to Reinvigorate Occupational Health Business Practices have been carefully selected to hone in on proven financial management strategies while allowing for flexibility in response to changing market demands.
The conference, scheduled Nov. 2-4 at the elegant Hotel Nikko a block from Union Square in San Francisco, is intended for hospital-affiliated and clinic-based professionals who are striving to boost revenue, control expenses, cultivate strategic alliances and adapt to healthcare reforms. As always, RYAN Associates’ mission is to ensure that everyone who attends the conference leaves with action steps they can implement when they return home.
The following networking events and educational sessions are planned:
Pre-Conference Sunday, November 1
Participants are encouraged to arrive at least a day early to enjoy two complimentary social events on Nov. 1: A scenic drive and Sonoma Valley wineries tour sponsored by Quest Diagnostics, and a lively evening Welcome Reception sponsored by StoneRiver P2P Link, with music, food, and libations at the hotel. Registration will run concurrently with the Welcome Reception.
Conference-Day On Monday, November 2
The educational portion of the conference will kick off with a keynote presentation by Linda Hawes Clever, M.D., president of RENEW and founding chair of the Department of Occupational Health at California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco. Dr. Clever will speak on Thriving – Not Just Surviving – in Health Care and in Life. RENEW is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “help groups of people who juggle work, family and community commitments sustain or regain their enthusiasm, effectiveness and purpose.”
RENEW is a rare not-for-profit,” Dr. Clever said. “Its goal is to sustain the sustainers, the devoted, courageous people who work for your family, neighborhood and the world. The daily heroes who do this work need renewing and their organizations often cannot pay, especially these days.”
Following Dr. Clever’s presentation, the program will feature four concurrent educational tracks:
- Navigating the New Economy – Generating Revenue
- Maneuvers for Prospering in the California Environment: An Intensive Two-Day Course
- RYAN Associates’ Occupational Health Program Fundamentals Course
- The fourth track, Leveraging the Occupational Health-Urgent Care Interface: A Half-Day Seminar, will begin after lunch.
The day will wrap up with a fast-paced session featuring brief presentations by conference exhibitors. The Occupational Health Toolbox: Products and Services of Value to Employers and Providers will feature 16 different companies that will be exhibiting on the second day of the conference.
At the end of the day, the annual Icebreaker Reception, sponsored by Occupational Health Research, will be held at the top of the Hotel Nikko, with spectacular views of the City by the Bay.
Vendor Exhibit Day Tuesday, November 3
Tuesday is Vendor Exhibit Day. The exhibits will begin at 7:30 a.m. and stay open throughout the day. The schedule allows for ample time to visit all the exhibits, including those who presented their material at the previous day’s Toolbox session. Courses will begin at 8:30 a.m. In addition to the continuation of the California Intensive Course and the Fundamentals course, the second day of Navigating the New Economy will focus on Expense Management.
The educational day will conclude with two concurrent, hour-long sessions:
- An Open Forum with conference faculty, including NAOHP Board members, fielding questions from the audience.
- NAOHP Site Certification Preparation Course. This special session will provide guidance on the most expedient way to comply with established national standards and achieve NAOHP Site Certification.
The day concludes with the perennially popular NAOHP reception at Harry Denton’s Starlight Room, at the top of the historic Sir Francis Drake Hotel in downtown San Francisco. Integritas, Inc., will sponsor this event for the 16th consecutive year.
Half-Day Standouts Wednesday, November 4
New and long-standing members of the NAOHP are invited to attend an Open Meeting with the Board at 7:30 a.m. The NAOHP will offer a concurrent opportunity (from 7:30 to 9 a.m.) for professionals to take its exam to obtain a Certificate of Competency in Occupational Health Practice Management. The test will also be offered after the conference to those who wish to take it later under the supervision of an approved proctor.
An exciting Special Event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to Noon: Looking Ahead – A Plan for the Next Five Years. This session will feature healthcare futurists who will share their vision about global trends and the evolving occupational health delivery paradigm.
In addition, two concurrent software user group meetings are scheduled:
- Integritas, Inc.’s Annual Meeting and Training will provide an opportunity for users to expand their use of the STIX software, interact with other users and learn about new functions.
- Occupational Health Research will present product updates for SYSTOC and StolaSystem users and provide an opportunity for clients to visit with fellow users and staff.
The conference will adjourn at Noon. To register or obtain information about RYAN Associates’ 23rd Annual National Conference on Providing Healthcare Services to Employers: A National Summit to Reinvigorate Occupational Health Business Practices, visit www.naohp.com to view our dynamic interactive brochure, or call conference planners at 800-666-7926 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific time. For hotel reservations, call the Hotel Nikko at 866-645-5673 and mention the conference. Special room rates are guaranteed for registrants through Oct. 9.
