Your Opportunity to Influence the Physician Profession and Patient Care

By Jennifer Hanscom

“The WSMA means having an organization that solely focuses on our interests as physicians and advanced practice professionals … Having a clinical voice in shaping the future of health care in Washington is key for us to get the best possible outcomes for our patients and communities as well as for our profession.” – Hans P. Cassagnol, MD, WSMA trustee, from the May/June issue of WSMA Reports.

Leadership is a cornerstone of WSMA’s strategic priorities and for good reason. As we work to influence and shape the future of the medical profession, strong physician leadership is essential. We’ve also heard clearly from our members that leadership development is one of the most valuable services we provide. That’s why we remain committed to offering high-quality educational opportunities through our Center for Leadership Development and annual Leadership Development Conference (registration is still open).

At the WSMA, we believe deeply in the importance of physician leadership across all areas of medicine. Our guiding principle, Physician Driven, Patient Focused, reflects the vital role physicians play in navigating today’s evolving health care landscape. Amid shifting policies, regulatory uncertainty, and the ongoing need to protect the physician-patient relationship, physician voices are more important than ever.

Leadership positions now available at the WSMA

If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact for both the profession and patients here in Washington, we encourage you to get involved with the WSMA. Our organization depends on engaged, thoughtful physician leaders to help represent and advance the interests of physicians and the communities they serve. We are looking for representation from all specialties and practice settings. Your voice and perspective matter.

I invite you to consider stepping into a leadership role by nominating yourself or a colleague for a position on the WSMA board of trustees, executive committee, or as a delegate to the American Medical Association.

You can find more information, including qualifications, current leadership, nomination materials, and required forms, on our website.

A few key details about the nomination process:

• The WSMA Nominating Committee convenes in early June to develop a slate of candidates.
• The final slate will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates, Sept. 26–27 in Spokane.
• The nomination deadline is Thursday, April 30. Additional nominations may be made from the floor during the meeting.

When considering potential nominees, we encourage you to reflect on the following qualities:

• Well-informed and forward-thinking.
• Committed to the future of the profession.
• Dedicated to service above self-interest.
• Experienced, enthusiastic, credible, and open-minded.
• Able to prioritize WSMA’s mission over personal agendas.
• Prepared to grow into future leadership roles, including potential service as WSMA president.

If you have questions about serving in WSMA leadership, please reach out to me or WSMA President Bridget Bush, MD. We’d love to hear from you.

Jennifer Hanscom is WSMA’s CEO.