Presentation by Robert Wachter, MD, professor and associate chairman of the Department of Medicine at the University of California - Consequences: Why Keeping a Commitment to Quality is Critical

2009 MHA Annual Membership Meeting
June 24-26, 2009 • Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

Michigan Hospitals: A History of Commitment & Caring

To say the least, these are uncertain times. Financial markets are in turmoil. Jobs are being lost at unprecedented rates. Americans are struggling to make ends meet and make sense of it all. And this uncertainty has hit hospitals hard. Uncompensated care is up and margins are down. Emergency rooms are bulging with patients who are sicker because of delays caused by loss of insurance coverage. No one would deny that these are not only uncertain, but tough times.

But amid this turbulence and tentativeness, the communities and patients that Michigan hospitals serve can be encouraged and comforted by the knowledge that Michigan hospitals have been and will remain committed to their mission to serving those in need and caring for all, regardless of the ability to pay.

During the 2009 MHA Annual Membership Meeting, we will examine what's ahead for hospitals in Michigan and throughout the nation, from payment to health care reform. We'll explore what makes us great and what can make us even greater in the areas of quality and patient safety, and we'll celebrate, in a small way, our steadfastness, commitment and caring.

General Session Featured Speakers

The annual meeting curtain will open on three general session speakers, each of whom will spotlight different aspects of the values and relevance of health care. From the current political campaign's effect on hospitals to healing the physical and emotional wounds of a crisis, these presentations will shine a light on the significance of health care to individuals and society.


Where Do We Go From Here? Health Care on the Edge
Thursday, June 25 • 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.

Health care in America has been poised for significant change for more than two decades, but never has there been a more perfect alignment of forces to create a system unlike any before. Shaping this new system will take thoughtful and careful deliberation and involvement by more than the politicians in Washington. It will take us. With years of study and research under his belt, no one is more qualified to help us shape tomorrow's health care today than futurist Ian Morrison. Morrison is an internationally known author, consultant and futurist specializing in long-term forecasting and planning, with particular emphasis on health care and the changing business environment. He will combine superior research skills with an incisive Scottish wit to help MHA Annual Membership Meeting attendees navigate and plan for a better and brighter future. Prepare to be both educated and entertained!

Consequences: Why Keeping a Commitment to Quality is Critical
Thursday, June 25 • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

With bottom lines evaporating and budgets being slashed, it's often easy to redline the activities in the hospital that don't produce visible and immediate bottom-line results. But a strong argument can be made that high-quality care does translate positively to not only the bottom line, but to patient safety, loyalty and experience. Our general session speaker will make a strong case for maintaining a commitment to quality even in challenging times. Robert Wachter, MD, is professor and associate chairman of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, where he holds the Lynne and Marc Benioff Endowed Chair in Hospital Medicine. He is also chief of the Division of Hospital Medicine and of the Medical Service at UCSF Medical Center. He has published 200 articles and six books in the fields of quality, safety and health policy and is credited with coining the term "hospitalist." A frequent lecturer, he is a much sought-after expert in quality and patient safety. This is a must-attend session!

The Game of Life!
Friday, June 26 • 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

Perhaps no one understands the game of life - and particularly how to play it with enthusiasm, energy and verve - than the inimitable Dick Vitale. Seemingly emblematic of his own last name in that he's always full of vitality, Vitale will share his secrets for tackling the problems of life head-on with the boundless optimism he seems to possess in large amounts. Vitale speaks enthusiastically about the lessons learned from sports and how to apply them to work and daily life. He will delight both the young and young-at-heart with his combination of humor and inspiration drawn from his career as a sixth grade teacher, a college and professional basketball coach, and years as one of the best known - and perhaps most beloved - network basketball analysts in history. Don't miss this inspirational closing session! "Awesome baby!"


Learning Intensive
Reflections in the Rearview Mirror: Lessons in Leadership

Thursday, June 25 • 11:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

It is often said that hindsight is 20/20, and when looking back over more than 30 years of experience as a leader in health care, one might expect to see things a bit more clearly and differently. Such is the case with Terence Moore, president emeritus of MidMichigan Health in Midland, MI, and current executive in residence at Saginaw Valley State University in the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Moore will share not only his unique perspective on health care, where we have been and where we are going; but the views of some of the most highly respected chief executives in health care, who he interviewed for his new book Reflections in the Rearview Mirror: Lessons in Leadership. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from some of the best and the brightest about strategies for success! You must be preregistered to attend this session, which includes a quick buffet lunch to allow for maximum interaction. Complete the appropriate section on the registration form.

Government Relations Breakfast
Friday, June 26 • 8:30 a.m.

Start the day right with breakfast with colleagues and the opportunity to listen and learn from those who are in the know about today's politics and its impact on health care. Nolan Finley, editorial page editor for The Detroit News, will share his opinions regarding the business community's broad thoughts and concerns on health care and their views on hospitals in health decision-making. Explore with other participants how politics and the media will likely shape the growing national health care reform debate.

Spouse/Guest Program
A Healthy You!
Thursday, June 25 • 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Being constant and committed to patients, communities and family takes more than just a little stamina, it takes a balanced and healthy mind and body. This program for Annual Meeting guests will help you achieve that balance in a thoughtful and fun way! Chris Johnson is a nationally recognized speaker and author, and for more than 25 years, he has earned the reputation of providing lifestyle modification strategies with integrity and compassion. As the director of Health, Wellness and Fitness at Sparrow Health System’s Michigan Athletic Club in Lansing, he pioneered one of the most successful personal training programs in the country. He holds a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Michigan State University and certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise. Join friends old and new for this unique and inspiring program. You must be preregistered to attend this session.

 

Children's Activities


The younger members of the MHA family will focus on the intriguing natural details of the Island during specially designed, age-appropriate activities. These action-packed adventures will shed light on the environment while they're on the move and having a blast!

Wednesday Evening • 6 - 10 p.m.

Hop, Skip and Toss!
Age 3-6 years
The little rascals of our group will enjoy a night of tiddlywinks, bean bag toss, hopscotch and more.

Pinewood Derby Night
Age 7-10 years
Hold on to your hat ... down the hill everyone's handmade derby car will travel!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
Age 11-14 years
Batter up! The youth of the group get into some friendly competition on the field and off. Games and trivia contests abound!

Thursday Activities

Hop aboard the circus train for Thursday's activities for kids of all ages! One of the mainstays of entertainment in the early 1900s, all our programs will focus on the curious and peculiar, the high-flying and hilarious maneuverings that take place in and around the Big Top! Programs are designed to be age appropriate and packed with entertainment, crafts, food and fun!

Thursday • 9 a.m. - Noon

Big Top Balancing Act
Age 3-6 years
Not the high wire ... but balancing and other center ring events will be the focus for this event.

Send in the Clowns
Age 7-10 years
Ever want to be a clown for a day?? Now's your chance! Face painting, balloon shaping and more!

The Juggling Act!
Age 11-14 years
Learn what it takes to be a top performer under the Big Top! No sword swallowing, but just plain fun!

Thursday • 6 - 10 p.m.

Whistle Stop!
Age 3-6 years
The circus train and all its colorful characters will keep the tykes in this group running and jumping! Children will leave with a personal circus train they created!

Under the Big Top!
Age 7-10 years
Creating their own circus, complete with ringmaster, will thrill and enthrall these youngsters! Learning all it takes to make it happen will keep everyone busy and delighted until the lights go out!

Ladies and Gentlemen ... Children of all Ages!
Age 11-14 years
The famous line of the ringmaster for Barnum and Bailey's renowned circus captures the fun and games our youth will have this evening. Scavenger hunts and trivia contests will test everyone's skills and knowledge, adding to the fun and excitement!

Preregistration
Children must be preregistered for the full meeting and all activities in which they wish to participate. Complete the preregistration form included with this brochure. If children are not registered prior to arrival on the Island, they may do so in the Welcome Center in the Grand Hotel on Wednesday and Thursday.

Note to parents: Dinner and refreshments are included with all evening events. Children not staying in the Grand Hotel must purchase a meal ticket at the hotel's front desk. Children ages 3-14 are appropriate for participation in the MHA children's programs. Children ages 15 and older must be registered as guests.

Turning 90 is no small feat and certainly something to be celebrated. Ninety years ago, a group of hospitals came together to make a difference for the patients and communities they served. Today, we celebrate that commitment and unity as the MHA and its members commemorate the Michigan Health & Hospital Association's 90 years of service to health care in Michigan. With a focus on the early 1900s, our special events will take you back to days gone by. Join us as we take a trip back in time and enjoy the simple pleasures of life!

Celebrate With Special Events!


Family Event - Picnic in the Park

What better way to commemorate when the MHA came to be than through an old-fashioned picnic in the park! Hold on to your parasols and straw hats as we transport you back to a time when horseshoes and sack races were the competition of the day and baseball was king! We're packing fun, food and entertainment into a leisurely afternoon reminiscent of times gone by. Join us from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday as we return to the days when life took on an easy and unhurried pace.
Links Fore Health!

Michigan hospitals are committed to improving the health of those who come through their doors and that of the communities they serve. Proceeds from the Links Fore Health golf tournament help underwrite the MHA Health Foundation and its community health and quality initiatives. Enjoy food, fun and prizes as you traverse the lush landscaping and meticulously manicured tees, fairways and greens of the Grand Hotel's golf courses! The Links Fore Health golf tournament will have a nine-hole scramble format and staggered start times between 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Register individually or in pairs, and we'll assign you to a group of four. Complete the Links Fore Health portion of the registration form and include the tournament fee with your registration materials. Register now, since space is limited!
Cocktail Receptions

Nothing typifies life at the turn of the century more than the Grand Hotel and a stroll along its famous porch with friends, family and colleagues during the Annual Meeting's receptions. It's a wonderful way to discuss relevant health care issues while savoring the best the Grand Hotel has to offer. The receptions will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Don't miss this matchless opportunity to watch the evening sun begin to sink into the sparkling Straits of Mackinac!
Ice Cream Social

Certainly nothing revisits the past like an old-fashioned ice cream social! Fill a cup or a cone with some of the creamy confection, add an assortment of delicious toppings, and pamper yourself with one of the world's top indulgences! Join us on the Front Porch of the Grand Hotel from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Thanks to our Sponsors


The generous and continued support of our corporate sponsors makes the MHA Annual Membership Meeting a valuable and productive event, for both your personal and professional life. We'd like to thank these sponsors in advance of the meeting for generously responding to our request for support.

Things to Know


Annual Membership Meeting Registration
The MHA Annual Membership Meeting is a private membership meeting. Attendance is open to MHA members, meeting sponsors and invited guests of the MHA. Please contact Clark Ballard, vice president, Member Relations with questions regarding membership.
Qualify to win one of 10 free, one-night stays at the Grand Hotel to be used later in the 2009 season by registering online* for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting at www.mhaannual.org prior to the registration deadline. Your online registration on or before May 18 automatically enters your name in the drawing. The lucky winners will receive the prize during the meeting. You may also register for the Annual Membership Meeting and its associated events by completing the enclosed registration form. All registration materials and appropriate fees must be returned on or before May 18 to the MHA.

*Only online, fully paid registrations made on or before May 18 will be eligible for the drawing.
Hotel Reservations
The Grand Hotel is offering a special family rate for MHA annual meeting attendees. There will be no additional charge for children under 18 years of age who stay in the same room with their parents. This includes breakfast and dinner each day of the stay, as well as the Grand Luncheon Buffet on Thursday, June 25. The regular adult rate applies when children occupy a room by themselves. Additional people over 18 years of age are only $129 daily per person when sharing a room with two guests paying the full rate.

Important information about your lodging request:
 
  • A SEPARATE FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR EACH REQUESTED ROOM.
  • Lodging requests will not be processed until a paid registration for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting is received and processed.
  • Accommodations are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, based on membership status. Delegates from Type I organizations receive first priority.
  • If you request more than one room, your request will be assigned based on availability.
  • All accommodations are in the Grand Hotel until the room block is filled.
  • There is no guarantee of lodging in the Grand Hotel.
  • Phone reservations will not be accepted.
  • All Grand Hotel sleeping rooms are nonsmoking.
  • All confirmations will be sent to you via e-mail from the Grand Hotel. Be sure to complete your e-mail information on the form.
  • Questions regarding room reservations for the annual meeting must be in writing and may be mailed or e-mailed to annualmeeting@mha.org.
  • To reserve accommodations for this meeting, complete the hotel reservation form and return it to the MHA. All hotel reservations must be returned on or before May 18. Confirmation of lodging will be sent after June 2.
  • In the event the MHA room block at the Grand Hotel is exhausted, accommodations will be made for registrants at downtown Mackinac Island hotels that have contracted with the MHA and are able to accommodate the lodging requests.

Children's Programs
All children must be registered to attend the MHA Annual Membership Meeting, regardless of whether they will be participating in any MHA-sponsored events. Please register children ages 15 and older as guests on the registration form. Children ages 14 and younger should be registered under the children's section. Children must also be preregistered for the events in which they wish to participate. Because these events are intended to be age appropriate, children may not attend programs designed for age groups older than they are. If desired, children may attend events planned for younger age groups.
Guest Program and Learning Intensive
Spouses and guests of paid registrants are invited to attend any or all the general sessions and the learning intensive. Guests include children ages 15 and older and others who are not employees, governing board members or medical staff of registering organizations. All spouses and guests must pay the registration fee if attending with a registrant. You must be preregistered for the learning intensive and/or guest program and pay any additional registration fee for these events.
Island Run
Registration is required for the Island Run that will be held Thursday, June 25. Please complete the appropriate section on the registration form. There is no extra fee for this event.

Ferry Service
Service to Mackinac Island is available via:

(Respective Web sites may feature discount coupons.)

Attire
Casual dress is encouraged during the day, with business or semiformal attire reserved for after 6 p.m. Children may be in casual dress if attending the MHA children's programs.

Questions?
If you have questions about the 2009 MHA Annual Membership Meeting, e-mail the MHA at annualmeeting@mha.org, call (800) 945-7311 or visit the dedicated Web site at www.mhaannual.org. Questions on room reservations for the meeting must be made in writing and can be mailed or e-mailed.