Near the end of 2002, I was asked what volunteer opportunities I would like in 2003. There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to stay on the ARHP Annual Meeting Program Subcommittee, so the ARHP leadership allowed me to remain for the next two years until I was asked to become the chair in 2005. You would think being the chair would be overwhelming, but the ARHP staff was very helpful in assisting my subcommittee and me in achieving a wonderful annual meeting program in San Diego.
Following that year, I continued to take on new leadership responsibilities as I chaired the 2006 ARHP Education Committee, served as the 2007 secretary-treasurer on the ARHP executive committee, and served as the 2008 president-elect on the ARHP executive committee.
In just seven years, I have gone from being a member of an ARHP subcommittee to the presidency. Over these seven years I have been rewarded with amazing collegial relationships with other health professionals, and I have developed leadership skills by chairing committees/subcommittees and working with our fellow ACR volunteer leaders on their committees/subcommittees.
I cannot stress how fulfilling volunteer leadership will be for you both personally and professionally. All you need to do is go to the ARHP Web site and click on the left menu category of “Leadership” to access the volunteer form.
It is with enthusiasm and deep gratitude for the support of an amazing team of 2009 ARHP volunteer leaders and staff that I look forward to serving as your 2009 ARHP president. It will be an exciting year, because it will bring new developments in e-learning education for all ARHP members. I would love to continue to dialogue with our diverse professional membership base, so please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] with any suggestions or concerns.
