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Innovation and Flexibility: Looking Back at a Successful NAMSS Conference

By Heather Jordan, MBA

In October 2019, I attended the NAMSS 43rd Educational Conference, my first time attending, unaware of the positive effect that decision would have on my career. I was initially hired by my organization for a dual purpose — to oversee the credentialing team and develop a provider onboarding program. When I was hired, my leader's vision was to create a successful collaboration between recruitment, business development, and my department, and he was spot on. As the organization grew, teams developed, and consistent assessment of structure and responsibility occurred. The week before leaving for Philadelphia, my leader looked at me and said, "Where is your passion, credentialing or onboarding?" Pausing for a moment, I said, “I am reasonably confident in what my answer would be, but I would prefer to answer after the NAMSS conference.” Using the conference to determine my path, I experienced it to the fullest. From the opening reception to educational sessions to networking and making new friends, by the time the event ended, I knew I had found my people.

Coming back from the conference with a fresh outlook on the role of the MSP, I saw the untapped potential of my team and the positive role we could play in influencing how Springfield Clinic cares for our community. So, what next? I pitched my vision to my leader, worked out a plan that included implementing a new database, a framework for delegation, and educating the organization on the vital role of the MSP. To ensure success, I fostered the relationship started at the conference, joined the NAMSS Facebook page, and requested a mentor from the NAMSS mentoring program.

Fast forward to August 2020. As we continued to weather our way through the pandemic and make adjustments to this new reality, I wondered if we would have the opportunity to participate in this year's conference. I was so thrilled with the announcement of the virtual conference and couldn't wait to share the opportunity with my team. While being very excited, several questions came to mind: What would the virtual platform look like? Would I be able to connect with colleagues? Would it feel like a conference?

The NAMSS 44th Educational Virtual Conference and Exhibition delivered an innovative experience that left me feeling connected to my fellow MSPs.

First and foremost, congratulations to the NAMSS team for providing and executing their first virtual conference. The platform was easy to use, and it was evident that the team's thoughtful and purposeful design and presentation contributed to its success. Upon receiving the access link, I enjoyed navigating the home page and exploring all of the conference offerings. It looked and felt like an in-person conference. I navigated around, uploaded my picture, added sessions to my agenda, and visited the online exhibit hall. After logging into my first sessions, the chat function soon became a favorite. As participants logged in and included their location, I was thrilled to identify colleagues in my immediate area. The pop-up notification of points earned for interacting with the page and webcast was fun and tapped into my competitive side. Bonus points to the committee for attaching points to completing participants' profiles — the addition of photos helped personalize interactions. The conference’s flexibility also was a great experience. A couple of the mornings, I was unable to log in to the morning fitness activity. I utilized the recording to work with my schedule later in the day. After reflecting on both experiences, I want to share a few thoughts that apply to both a virtual and on-site conferences.

First, network, network, and network. Relationship building is crucial to personal and professional growth and success. Identify the participants from your area, reach out, and start up the conversation. Sign up for the NAMSS Mentorship Program and find your perfect ft. The relationships I have built since the first conference have provided me insight and encouragement. As MSPs, we are never alone!

Second, review your session notes and discuss them with your team and other colleagues who attended the conference. Discuss education that is outside of your comfort zone, as you never know when a new nugget of information will be useful in your day-to-day work.

Successful execution of a conference, virtual or in-person, takes the time, dedication, and teamwork of many people. Having the opportunity to experience two very different conferences, I cannot thank the NAMSS Conference Committee and Board of Directors enough for providing a tangible example of the best traits of our profession: innovation and flexibility.

This article was originally published in the Q4 2020 issue of Synergy.

Heather Jordan, MBA, is the senior manager at Springfield Clinic LLP in Springfield, Illinois. Her medical staff career started in 2013 at SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois. She is looking forward to pursuing her CPCS in 2021.