Letter from the Editor - Canadian Dermatology Association
Transcription
Letter from the Editor - Canadian Dermatology Association
March 2014 Letter from the Editor: Practice Management Charles W. Lynde, MD FRCPC The theme of this CDA eBulletin is Practice Management. While the CDA offers a number of member benefits including the JCMS Journal, annual meeting, and CME opportunities, it continues to evolve and now has added Practice Management tools. Most of us are well schooled in the diagnosis and management of skin diseases, but we are often less competent in the real life skills of establishing and running a practice. Most of the long standing offices have learned by trial and error “the ins and outs” of practice management. Just when we thought everything was under control, new issues surfaced in our office that forced a curve ball requiring reconfiguration in the office structure. As such, the area of practice management is of utmost importance. As dermatologists we love to run efficient offices. Our depth of expertise is best shared with our patients in an office that is smooth running with efficient and pleasant staff. It was thought we would commission for practice management articles in general dermatology and build upon this concept. We were particularly interested in a new dermatology graduate’s perspective who could outline whether they opened their own practice and share some insight on some of the ease or challenges that came with this opportunity. Alternatively, our interest was focused on a new dermatologist joining an established practice and what insight they could offer in this discussion. Alas, despite requests of several potential invitees, we had no takers for the task. We also wanted to include and showcase opinions and experiences of seasoned dermatologists as an additional focal point for this initiative. Dr. Rod Kunynetz (Barrie, ON) responded to our request and has written an article on how to run an efficient practice combining both medical and research dermatology. Running a medical office and a research practice concurrently requires special skills to complete this balancing act. Dr. Kunynetz has been able to successfully accomplish this task. Most dermatologists would like to continue their office well into their mature years, as they find patients interesting and their work stimulating. However, all good things do come to an end and closing your practice is a complex undertaking. Dr. Agnes Reicher has just recently closed her practice. She shares her experience and perspectives in her article published in this Bulletin. We will be doing a second eBulletin in June 2014 on Practice Management. The CDA is developing this new initiative to support members to allow them to better understand Practice Management, i.e., recruitment agencies and medical marketing campaigns. Particular focus will be placed on practice management tools as developed by the CDA. Stay tuned to your CDA eBulletin for more information. Editorial Board / Conseil de rédaction National editor/ Rédacteur en chef Regional editors / Rédacteurs régionaux Robert Jackson, MD Ottawa, ON Paul Kuzel, MD Edmonton, AB Charles W. Lynde, MD Markham, ON Benjamin Barankin, MD Toronto, ON Ian Landells, MD St. John’s, NL G. Daniel Schachter, MD Toronto, MD Executive director / Directeure générale Marc Bourcier, MD Moncton, NB Catherine McCuaig, MD Montréal, QC Victoria Taraska, MD Winnipeg, MB Chantal Courchesne Ottawa, ON Peter R. Hull, MD Saskatoon, SK Kathleen Moses, MD Ottawa, ON Catherine Zip, MD Calgary, AB Statements and opinions expressed in the CDA eBulletin reflect the opinions of the authors and not necessarily the CDA. The CDA does not assume responsibility or liability for damages arising from errors or omissions or from the use of information or advice contained in the CDA eBulletin articles or letters. The Canadian Dermatology Association eBulletin is issued monthly as a forum for Association news, information of interest to members and for members’ opinions. Please notify the Executive Director of any change in address. L’Association canadienne de dermatologie publie chaque mois le bulletin électronique en tant que forum de nouvelles de l’Association, d’informations qui pourraient intéresser nos membres, ainsi que pour Les textes et les opinions publiés dans le bulletin électronique de l’ACD reflètent les points de vue de leurs auteurs et non pas nécessairement ceux de l’ACD. L’ACD ne peut être tenue responsable des dommages qui pourraient résulter d’erreurs ou d’omissions reliées à l’utilisation de renseignements ou de conseils inclus dans les articles ou lettres apparaissant dans le bulletin électronique. recueillir leurs opinions. Prière d’aviser la directeure générale pour tout changement d’adresse. CHANTAL COURCHESNE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / DIRECTEURE GÉNÉRALE 425-1385 rue, Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1H 8N4 Tel: (613) 738-1748 / 1-800-267-3376 | Fax: (613) 738-4695 [email protected]