ACPE Milestone Program debuts at 2003 Fall Institute in Tucson.

ACPE's new Milestone Program explores current issues of importance to physician executives at every stage of their careers.

Expert faculty, timely and thought-provoking topics and a special segment emphasizing personal development define the Milestone Program that debuts at the Fall Institute, November 16-18, at the Westin La Paloma resort in Tucson, Ariz.

Here are some of the hot topics we'll discuss at this groundbreaking program:

Influencing Policy

Although ACPE is apolitical, our members should possess the skills to influence policies that affect their patients and their organizations. Influencing Policy and Policy Makers is a daylong seminar that will contradict almost everything your civics teacher taught you. Noted public policy consultant, Kim Ross, leads a faculty of elected officials and professional lobbyists.

The program will be both substantive and entertaining and covering topics from setting up a meeting with your legislator to the in's and out's of campaign donations and political fundraising. Get your point of view known and your opinions heard by learning to effectively convey the message.

Information Tchnology

An especially exciting segment of the Milestone Program is a discussion of how to Employ the Sweeping Advances in Information Technology. ACPE is reaming up with the IT thought leaders at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young to present a program on benefits and challenges of:

* CPOE 

* Medical error reduction and patient safety

* The reality of a paperless medical office

* Bar coding for procedures, lab tests and pharmaceuticals

* Working in an e-health environment

Robert Williams, MD, and Brian Shea, PharmD, will talk about state-of-the-art medical information systems and share the best approaches for working with vendors--both before and after the sale.

Return to Profitability

Nearly every health care provider is struggling with financial viability. Lower reimbursement, higher operating costs and a very competitive environment are sapping the already depleted operating margins. In his keynote address, Brian Goodell, MD, from the Hunter Group, will tell Milestone participants how to Turn the Tide on Falling Operating Margins.

He'll examine why the transition from "business-as-usual" to financial crisis is seldom the result of a singular event or even a recent string of adverse events. Goodell will tell you the warning signs of financial peril and how to reduce the need for crisis management.

Also at the Milestone Program

Other notable sessions include:

Opportunities for Physicians in the Pharmaceutical Industry--led by Hans de Haan, MD, PhD, president of the American Academy of Pharmaceutical Physicians

A Clinical and Business Case for an Integrative Medicine Program--presented by Victoria Maizes, MD, of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona 

Career Advancement Workshops--taught by industry experts and designed to give you the edge in this competitive job market. You'll learn interviewing skills, resume writing, contract negotiation and the best approaches for working with a headhunter.

The Milestone Program at the 2003 Fall Institute will take place at the Westin La Paloma November 16-18. Cost is $695 for ACPE members, $800 for nonmembers. The program carries 19 Category 1 CME. For more information, call us at 1-800 562-8088 or visit www.acpe.org/fall

Connect With Your Fellow Physician Executives Through ACPE Networks--Your New, Online Professional Communities

ACPE members can connect across the Web and in person to share advice, information and the latest resources on a wealth of health care topics through our new ACPE Networks.

Regional Networks

Regional Networks connect members who live and work in the same geographic regions of the country. Expand your professional contacts, build linkages with local organizations and other physician executives.

Positional Networks

Share professional experiences with others who hold similar positions nationwide. CMOs, group practice board members, pharmaceutical or insurance medical directors and many others can trade insights on the unique demands of their jobs.

Topical Networks

Explore your special interests. These networks facilitate knowledge sharing and information transfer among members who hold similar interests like e-health, women's issues, health policy, etc.

For more information on starting an ACPE Network, call or e-mail Susan Quinn 800-562-8088 [e-mail] or visit the ACPE Web site at www.acpe.org.

Searching for Existing Regional Groups of Physician Executives

The College is trying to identify regional groups who are already getting together. We can offer these groups Network support and a virtual meeting space online. If you are part of a regional group or know of one, call or e-mail Susan Quinn, 800-562-8088, [e-mail].