My head isn't spinning in an exorcist way. I'm just slightly dizzy from all the different aspects of this project I'm working on. It's about governance, health care, academia, politics both internal and at a national level, and it's about money. I'll refrain from quoting Ammon Fillmore here, but it always comes down to money.
It's a great project and the people, with one notable phone call exception, have all been very nice.
More later. Lots of research to do!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Summer Internship
I finally have a summer internship at St. Luke's in Kansas City. Yea!
Here's the preliminary summary of the project I'll be working on:
Saint Luke’s College has been operating both functionally and structurally as a department of St. Luke’s hospital.
The problem is that approximately 10 years ago when the college was given a temporary accreditation it was made clear that the current governance structure was inappropriate and needed to change. That transition has not happened. Also, although the school needs to become an independent entity the ownership relationship with St. Luke’s hospital must be maintained and all of the requirements for Medicare Pass through reimbursement levels need to be met.
The purpose of this project is:
1. Research how other hospitals and schools have accomplished this transition and outline the necessary changes that need to be implemented.
2. Discover and enumerate what is necessary to keep the Medicare Pass through reimbursement.
Without accreditation there will be no Saint Luke’s College 2 years from now.
Here's the preliminary summary of the project I'll be working on:
Saint Luke’s College has been operating both functionally and structurally as a department of St. Luke’s hospital.
The problem is that approximately 10 years ago when the college was given a temporary accreditation it was made clear that the current governance structure was inappropriate and needed to change. That transition has not happened. Also, although the school needs to become an independent entity the ownership relationship with St. Luke’s hospital must be maintained and all of the requirements for Medicare Pass through reimbursement levels need to be met.
The purpose of this project is:
1. Research how other hospitals and schools have accomplished this transition and outline the necessary changes that need to be implemented.
2. Discover and enumerate what is necessary to keep the Medicare Pass through reimbursement.
Without accreditation there will be no Saint Luke’s College 2 years from now.
Fun at Bill and Nan's
My friends Bill and Nan wanted to learn about blogging so we took this video and uploaded it as part of a hands on tutorial. Not my best side, but thankfully the lighting was bad. :)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
What I learned on the low ropes course
My first year of classes at the Iowa University Masters in Healthcare Administration program has almost come to an end, and I was thinking back to how it all began: Orientation week with my new cohort of classmates and the anticipation of things to come. I was so excited that first week that I wrote an essay about one part of the experience, and as I reflect on events of the day and everything that's happened since I thought it might be fun to share. . .
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon with a light breeze rustling the leaves of the trees and I was full of anticipation. After a stimulating conversation that morning about our summer reading, a book called “Better” by Atul Gawande, the new Masters In Healthcare Administration (MHA) cohort was headed for the low ropes course to get to know each other better and do some team building. Excitement was in the air! My new friends had all shown great promise and proven their intellectual acumen that morning and now we would all go swing from the trees like Tarzan and Jane. We would scale high mountains and overcome great obstacles using only our wit, communication, and our willingness to help each other.
During the first few activities we were still trying to learn everyone’s name. This was only day 2 of our orientation week and I defy anyone to try teambuilding without doing introductions first. At the bare minimum you need nick names. We didn’t use nicknames, we’re still struggling with the real ones, but it might be fun to try next time. Who could we call “The Destroyer,” “Maestro,” “bulldog,” “twinkle toes,” or any number of other great call signs like in the movie “Top Gun?” The only rule is you can’t pick your own. After playing name games we watched in amazement as Mandy, one of our instructors ran around the circle as fast as she could and said everyone’s name. She had done in fifteen minutes what we were all struggling to do for the last day and a half. If you’re reading this Mandy . . .tell us how you do that!
We moved on to a game called “Jell-O, Elvis, Monkeys.” At least I think that’s what it was called. Its sole purpose seemed to be to make everyone act funny, laugh at each other, and make fools of themselves with the people next to them helping all the while. Aside from thinking of a few manager types I’d love to see participating in this spectacle it obviously loosened everyone up and put us all in a creative mood just in time for the “Trial of Lava.”
There were no human sacrifices, no one even lost an eyebrow, but this was our first significant team challenge. The lava pit was a rectangle about ten feet across and twenty feet wide. There were two “safe zones” in the middle that looked a lot like hula hoops. We were split up into four teams of about six people on each side of the pit and give a couple of different types of mobile stepping stones. One type could only move in one direction across the pit, and one that had to have constant human contact or it would be “burned” and lost. The object was to move everyone across the pit to the opposite side.
There was a brief planning period of five minutes or so. Much talking and some yelling across the pit happened during that time, but the only thing decided was that one of the teams on the long side with the shortest distance to cross would go first.
Everyone made it across. There, I went and spoiled the ending. Of course the end result doesn’t matter; it’s what we learned in the PROCESS. First, if everyone is talking, no one is listening. There needs to be a leader, spokesman, organization at some level, or everything is chaotic. Again, we crossed the lava, but there were casualties, and things could have been more efficient. I had no advice to offer during the exercise, but instead tried to concentrate on what one of my teammates was saying because she had participated in this exact exercise before. She was essentially drowned out by the cacophony of sound coming from everyone else and all too quickly our planning time was over. After the planning period Janie, another one of our instructors, gave us the opportunity to ask one question, and told us there was one last rule. No talking.
What happened next is difficult for me to ascertain, and I certainly can’t give many details because for most of it I was blindfolded. Let me explain what happened. Everyone stopped talking and started doing. The two teams with the shortest distance to cross decided to try and meet in the middle. Once in the middle the safe zones had to remain occupied at all times, and a few people volunteered to be “last out.” The teams soon converged and everything was going swimmingly as we skipped across with no problems. We were on our way. Suddenly, from across the pit Heather, a third instructor that I haven’t mentioned yet, yells out “Her heel touched!” One of my teammates might not have gotten her entire foot on one of the stepping stones. At any rate Heather called a foul. (Notice I haven’t named any of my teammates at this point? It’s not because I can’t, or don’t want to, but a vain effort on my part to preserve their anonymity and avert any hurt feelings that might arise.) As a penalty for her indiscretion she was returned to the sideline and “tied” to her remaining teammate, me. Though we weren’t actually tied we had to maintain constant contact the rest of the exercise, which generally meant holding hands and playing follow the leader. This time we start out across the stones together and she’s in the lead.
On the whole I’m fairly comfortable with my ability to do basic physical tasks, and although I’ve added a few pounds over the years I’m still fairly spry and had every confidence that we’d soon be across. Unfortunately the execution of said task was much more difficult than first thought. If it were an Olympic sport I suppose they’d call it synchronized lily pad jumping and have it in the pool when Michael Phelps wasn’t swimming. Needless to say I was not up to the task and very quickly got caught dragging a toe across the lava as I followed my partner jumping to the safe zone. This of course resulted in another penalty. We were returned to the side of the pit again, and I was blindfolded.
At this point I was a major liability to the team and dragging them down, but the rules were clear. Everyone had to get across. Plans changed quickly as my team adapted to this new handicap, and everyone stepped up. I’m still not certain who all helped me across, but there was a concerted effort during the slow process. Remember, I’m still tied to one team mate who guided me and steadied me throughout. At least two others were responsible for putting stones close enough for me to step on without jumping, and then guiding each foot by hand so that I could place it properly. I felt I was playing an odd game of Twister as a blind puppet. Eventually one of the leaders had pity on us and allowed us to talk, but only using “banana speak.” How banana can banana I banana describe banana the banana painful banana experience banana of banana trying banana to banana communicate banana this banana way banana?
There was one further incident as we traveled across. I was unsteady, placed my foot badly, and got burned again. Heather magnanimously decided that we would not have to start the agonizing trek over if the entire group would serenade me and make me better. “What’s your favorite song Rich,” says Heather. Oh, how those words filled me with dread. I banana haven’t banana said banana anything banana for several minutes as I was being led across the pit. I had to come up with something fast. Much like Oliver North I have no recollection of the songs that sped through my mind at that moment, but I remember thinking it should be short and everyone needed to know the words. Out of the air I pulled “Happy Birthday.” As the rest of the group serenaded me I hammed it up a little. I was sweating bullets under that blindfold and I, if no one else, needed a little laugh.
Everyone was across the lava shortly after my section of the trip concluded. They had all been paying close attention to the methods used, and quickly discerned the best way to move from side to side. I’m telling you, this group has got it going on and the next 2 years will be amazing.
. . .Well, that’s how I wrote it a few days after the event and I can honestly say my prediction has been right on the money. The first year in the MHA program at Iowa University has been an incredible experience, and the people involved in this program are amazing. Not just the students either. The Faculty, Staff, and all the First, Second, and Third Year students defy description in the best ways possible.
It’s been a difficult year for me personally, and there have been several traumatic changes in my life, but the lessons of that day stay with me. First, when everyone is shouting no one is listening and chaos ensues. Second, when you’re handicapped by physical, mental, or emotional crisis, it’s a blessing to have teammates who will step up, smile, and help you through. When you’re blind, while all those around you can see . . . thank them for leading you through the gauntlet instead of letting you blunder aimlessly into the lava pit and become a crispy fried chicken.
Thank you everyone it’s been a great first year, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Sincerely,
Rich “No cool nickname yet” Armstrong
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon with a light breeze rustling the leaves of the trees and I was full of anticipation. After a stimulating conversation that morning about our summer reading, a book called “Better” by Atul Gawande, the new Masters In Healthcare Administration (MHA) cohort was headed for the low ropes course to get to know each other better and do some team building. Excitement was in the air! My new friends had all shown great promise and proven their intellectual acumen that morning and now we would all go swing from the trees like Tarzan and Jane. We would scale high mountains and overcome great obstacles using only our wit, communication, and our willingness to help each other.
During the first few activities we were still trying to learn everyone’s name. This was only day 2 of our orientation week and I defy anyone to try teambuilding without doing introductions first. At the bare minimum you need nick names. We didn’t use nicknames, we’re still struggling with the real ones, but it might be fun to try next time. Who could we call “The Destroyer,” “Maestro,” “bulldog,” “twinkle toes,” or any number of other great call signs like in the movie “Top Gun?” The only rule is you can’t pick your own. After playing name games we watched in amazement as Mandy, one of our instructors ran around the circle as fast as she could and said everyone’s name. She had done in fifteen minutes what we were all struggling to do for the last day and a half. If you’re reading this Mandy . . .tell us how you do that!
We moved on to a game called “Jell-O, Elvis, Monkeys.” At least I think that’s what it was called. Its sole purpose seemed to be to make everyone act funny, laugh at each other, and make fools of themselves with the people next to them helping all the while. Aside from thinking of a few manager types I’d love to see participating in this spectacle it obviously loosened everyone up and put us all in a creative mood just in time for the “Trial of Lava.”
There were no human sacrifices, no one even lost an eyebrow, but this was our first significant team challenge. The lava pit was a rectangle about ten feet across and twenty feet wide. There were two “safe zones” in the middle that looked a lot like hula hoops. We were split up into four teams of about six people on each side of the pit and give a couple of different types of mobile stepping stones. One type could only move in one direction across the pit, and one that had to have constant human contact or it would be “burned” and lost. The object was to move everyone across the pit to the opposite side.
There was a brief planning period of five minutes or so. Much talking and some yelling across the pit happened during that time, but the only thing decided was that one of the teams on the long side with the shortest distance to cross would go first.
Everyone made it across. There, I went and spoiled the ending. Of course the end result doesn’t matter; it’s what we learned in the PROCESS. First, if everyone is talking, no one is listening. There needs to be a leader, spokesman, organization at some level, or everything is chaotic. Again, we crossed the lava, but there were casualties, and things could have been more efficient. I had no advice to offer during the exercise, but instead tried to concentrate on what one of my teammates was saying because she had participated in this exact exercise before. She was essentially drowned out by the cacophony of sound coming from everyone else and all too quickly our planning time was over. After the planning period Janie, another one of our instructors, gave us the opportunity to ask one question, and told us there was one last rule. No talking.
What happened next is difficult for me to ascertain, and I certainly can’t give many details because for most of it I was blindfolded. Let me explain what happened. Everyone stopped talking and started doing. The two teams with the shortest distance to cross decided to try and meet in the middle. Once in the middle the safe zones had to remain occupied at all times, and a few people volunteered to be “last out.” The teams soon converged and everything was going swimmingly as we skipped across with no problems. We were on our way. Suddenly, from across the pit Heather, a third instructor that I haven’t mentioned yet, yells out “Her heel touched!” One of my teammates might not have gotten her entire foot on one of the stepping stones. At any rate Heather called a foul. (Notice I haven’t named any of my teammates at this point? It’s not because I can’t, or don’t want to, but a vain effort on my part to preserve their anonymity and avert any hurt feelings that might arise.) As a penalty for her indiscretion she was returned to the sideline and “tied” to her remaining teammate, me. Though we weren’t actually tied we had to maintain constant contact the rest of the exercise, which generally meant holding hands and playing follow the leader. This time we start out across the stones together and she’s in the lead.
On the whole I’m fairly comfortable with my ability to do basic physical tasks, and although I’ve added a few pounds over the years I’m still fairly spry and had every confidence that we’d soon be across. Unfortunately the execution of said task was much more difficult than first thought. If it were an Olympic sport I suppose they’d call it synchronized lily pad jumping and have it in the pool when Michael Phelps wasn’t swimming. Needless to say I was not up to the task and very quickly got caught dragging a toe across the lava as I followed my partner jumping to the safe zone. This of course resulted in another penalty. We were returned to the side of the pit again, and I was blindfolded.
At this point I was a major liability to the team and dragging them down, but the rules were clear. Everyone had to get across. Plans changed quickly as my team adapted to this new handicap, and everyone stepped up. I’m still not certain who all helped me across, but there was a concerted effort during the slow process. Remember, I’m still tied to one team mate who guided me and steadied me throughout. At least two others were responsible for putting stones close enough for me to step on without jumping, and then guiding each foot by hand so that I could place it properly. I felt I was playing an odd game of Twister as a blind puppet. Eventually one of the leaders had pity on us and allowed us to talk, but only using “banana speak.” How banana can banana I banana describe banana the banana painful banana experience banana of banana trying banana to banana communicate banana this banana way banana?
There was one further incident as we traveled across. I was unsteady, placed my foot badly, and got burned again. Heather magnanimously decided that we would not have to start the agonizing trek over if the entire group would serenade me and make me better. “What’s your favorite song Rich,” says Heather. Oh, how those words filled me with dread. I banana haven’t banana said banana anything banana for several minutes as I was being led across the pit. I had to come up with something fast. Much like Oliver North I have no recollection of the songs that sped through my mind at that moment, but I remember thinking it should be short and everyone needed to know the words. Out of the air I pulled “Happy Birthday.” As the rest of the group serenaded me I hammed it up a little. I was sweating bullets under that blindfold and I, if no one else, needed a little laugh.
Everyone was across the lava shortly after my section of the trip concluded. They had all been paying close attention to the methods used, and quickly discerned the best way to move from side to side. I’m telling you, this group has got it going on and the next 2 years will be amazing.
. . .Well, that’s how I wrote it a few days after the event and I can honestly say my prediction has been right on the money. The first year in the MHA program at Iowa University has been an incredible experience, and the people involved in this program are amazing. Not just the students either. The Faculty, Staff, and all the First, Second, and Third Year students defy description in the best ways possible.
It’s been a difficult year for me personally, and there have been several traumatic changes in my life, but the lessons of that day stay with me. First, when everyone is shouting no one is listening and chaos ensues. Second, when you’re handicapped by physical, mental, or emotional crisis, it’s a blessing to have teammates who will step up, smile, and help you through. When you’re blind, while all those around you can see . . . thank them for leading you through the gauntlet instead of letting you blunder aimlessly into the lava pit and become a crispy fried chicken.
Thank you everyone it’s been a great first year, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Sincerely,
Rich “No cool nickname yet” Armstrong
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
First Post
Welcome to my new blog!
First, a little explanation about the name. "Rich Muses" is about my thoughts, and the things that inspire me. Many of you who know me realize that there's a lot of territory to cover, so be forewarned that this blog may cover a wide variety of material.
My initial foray into blogging is brought about by a school project. The MPH program at the University of Iowa is considering setting up some student blogs. I've been lucky enough to be asked to help with that, and making some updates to the website. In preparation for that initiative I decided it was high time for me to create my own blog. Why not? Paul Levy, and Todd Linden both have blogs. These are men in the field of healthcare that I admire, and are certainly people I'd like to emulate.
Finally, thanks for visiting. I hope you chose to return often, and join me for the rest of this adventure.
Rich Armstrong
First, a little explanation about the name. "Rich Muses" is about my thoughts, and the things that inspire me. Many of you who know me realize that there's a lot of territory to cover, so be forewarned that this blog may cover a wide variety of material.
My initial foray into blogging is brought about by a school project. The MPH program at the University of Iowa is considering setting up some student blogs. I've been lucky enough to be asked to help with that, and making some updates to the website. In preparation for that initiative I decided it was high time for me to create my own blog. Why not? Paul Levy, and Todd Linden both have blogs. These are men in the field of healthcare that I admire, and are certainly people I'd like to emulate.
Finally, thanks for visiting. I hope you chose to return often, and join me for the rest of this adventure.
Rich Armstrong
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