Event Recap: CFAS/ASRM Business in Medicine 2024: A Leadership and Management Summit

Date: July 29, 2024

Author: ASRM

The CFAS/ASRM Business in Medicine: A Leadership and Management Summit took place on July 19-20, 2024, at the picturesque Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, Alberta. This highly anticipated event brought together reproductive medicine professionals from diverse backgrounds to engage in a series of thought-provoking sessions and networking opportunities.

The summit featured a comprehensive agenda that included presentations on Lean Six Sigma, offering attendees valuable tools to enhance efficiency and improve processes within their practices. Participants earned a Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification, adding a significant credential to their professional development. The event successfully attracted a diverse group of professionals, including medical directors, physicians, embryologists, managers, COOs, lab directors, and nurse managers. According to CFAS representative Lorinda Jakubonis, teaming up with ASRM provided invaluable advantages, such as connecting with US counterparts and fostering new relationships while rekindling old ones through in-person interactions.

Day one began with an overview of Lean Six Sigma, followed by detailed sessions on identifying waste, implementing solutions, and maintaining improvements. The day concluded with a relaxing cocktail reception, allowing attendees to unwind and connect.

Mindy Christianson, MD, MBA, shared her feedback from the event, stating, "Attending the business of medicine meeting was one of the highlights of my summer. It was such an amazing opportunity to undergo Lean Six Sigma training using the fertility industry as the basis for educational models. I left the meeting invigorated and excited to apply the principles I learned to my daily practice."

Day two continued with a keynote lecture and panel discussions on managing difficult conversations in the office and change management in REI. According to feedback received by Jakubonis, the most valuable takeaways were strategies for engaging in process change and approaches to handling difficult conversations with patients and staff.

"I appreciated being able to hear from leaders in our field on topics that we are all facing as people in leadership positions, like difficult communication and managing change, and found it particularly valuable to hear the different perspectives of the nurse managers, office managers, and physicians,” said Molly Moravek, MD, MPH. “This meeting has no doubt changed how I will approach my position moving forward, and I would love to see ASRM hold similar meetings in the future."

Overall, the summit was a resounding success, offering a blend of educational content, professional development, and networking in a stunning setting. Attendees left with new knowledge, skills, and connections to enhance their careers and practices.

ASRM CEO Dr. Jared Robins, MD, MBA, summed up the event, saying, "This summit exemplifies the collaborative spirit that is essential for advancing the field of reproductive medicine. By bringing together professionals from various disciplines, we are not only sharing knowledge but also building a stronger, more connected community. The insights and skills gained here will undoubtedly lead to improved patient care and more efficient practices."

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