In This Issue:

Latest News

Welcome to the first issue of the ABSAME Progress Notes being published in a web page only design. Looking back to past issues, we started with typed pages that were mimeographed, went on to word processed documents that were copied, and progressed to two column layout with two color printed copy. I still have some of those old copies in my files for historical purposes. Now as more information is distributed in electronic formats we have been publishing with PDF files for some time. Over the past 39 years there has been many changes in how we distribute the information. But in the end, it is the information, not how it is delivered, that counts. We hope you will find important updates about ABSAME that keep you informed and part of this organization.

If you have material that you would like to submit to the next issue of the newsletter, please send it to me at admin@absame.org.

Mark Vogel, Ph.D.
Executive Director

President’s column:

2009 is shaping up to be a turning point for ABSAME and that is wonderful news! We closed out 2008 with more money than we anticipated spurred on by a successful and profitable 38th Annual Conference. The attendance, interaction, and learning that took place were remarkable. Kudos to Nicole Borges and Denise Gibson for a job well done on such a fantastic collaborative session in San Diego.

As we’ve entered 2009, we have had a renewed amount of participation on several ABSAME committees to include our Finance Committee, Membership Committee, Nominations Committee, and our Program Committee. President Elect Al Eaton continues to facilitate progress on an updated ABSAME Business Plan. That group has been meeting weekly and has developed significant contributions by email to enable continued progress. Recent work on our plan has focused on our ABSAME Mission Statement and our written history.

OJ Sahler and Barb Moquin have partnered to co-chair our Membership Committee and are currently working on strategies to improve our impact and bolster our membership. They have put new ideas for membership growth before the board and these ideas will be discussed in early May.

Past President Gary Myers has implemented a plan for structure to our nominations process that was approved by the board in October 2008. He will convene a nominations committee consisting of the Past President, the President Elect, and the Membership Committee Co-Chairs to provide a slate to the membership for consideration for all available positions. This multi-party nominations process should enhance our ability to find all the talent that exists among our membership.

Dennis McNeilly and Christine Senn have been working diligently on our 39th Annual Conference. They already have an impressive lineup of speakers building upon the shoulders of last year’s program. It is an exciting conference on assessment and implementation of behavioral competencies that we are all looking forward to. Submit your proposals now and spread the word. This will be a fantastic conference.

So 2009 is shaping up to be a wonderful year. I want to thank everyone on our board, on our committees, and in our organization. Your work does not go unrecognized. You each have busy lives and busy careers and yet you continue to give your time and effort to this organization to create something meaningful. You are exceptional people.

Thank you.

Jeff Kingley, D.O.

ABSAME Annual Meeting - 2009

If you attended last year’s conference, you know the intellectually intriguing information we were given by our presenters. For this year’s conference in Santa Fe, we are excited to expand on last year’s knowledge and energy by transitioning from the theme of Assessment to this year’s theme on Implementation. To refresh your memory, last year’s topics included: interpersonal and communication skills as a medical competency, problem-centered learning, medical student professionalism, health literacy, and the use of Vlogs to perform MSEs.

The call for papers for this year continues until April 15th, but we already have two terrific plenary speakers scheduled. Sandra Bertman, PhD, has been named “Outstanding Death Educator” by both the Association of Death Education and Counseling and the National Center for Death Education. She brings her expertise in a very unique way, which is by cultivating their therapeutic imaginations.

Marilyn Freimuth, PhD, has written two highly acclaimed books on addictions, starting with Hidden Addictions, which was geared toward clinicians of both psychology and medicine. She will be speaking to us about how to recognize a full spectrum of addictive behaviors (not just substances but also exercise, internet use, sex, etc.) in patients who present to a clinician for different reasons – and what the consequences are for misdiagnosis.

If you would like to present at the conference and have a topic related to “Behavioral Competence for Integrated Health Care: Development and Implementation,” please visit our Web site (absame.org) and check out our new online submission format. We welcome your contribution to this exciting conference! And, if you haven't already, we truly believe that you will find an academic home at ABSAME.

Speakers will present starting the morning of Oct. 8th until late afternoon on Oct. 10th, so please plan your flights into New Mexico so that you don't miss any of our fabulous speakers! Most people will fly into and out of Albuquerque, which is about 1 hour away from Santa Fe. We will be staying at The Lodge at Santa Fe (with a terrific group discount rate), where we will have access to a restaurant and hilltop bar, perennial gardens, an outdoor pool and spa, and easy access to Historic Santa Fe.

Christine Seen, MA & Dennis McNeilly, Psy.D

Santa Fe, New Mexico - Location of 2009 Meeting

The conference hotel, The Lodge at Santa Fe, is inspired by the ancient and legendary building traditions of the Anasazi. It stands atop the hills of Santa Fe, paying tribute to the ancient culture and providing a breathtaking view of the lights of Santa Fe and the blush of sunsets on the mountains. A blend of Northern New Mexico’s distinct cultural influences awaits you at this exquisite Santa Fe style hotel. From furnishings handcrafted by local artisans and Navajo chieftain blanket designs adorning the floors to the manicured grounds, perennial gardens, private courtyards and secluded patios, The Lodge at Santa Fe conveys a sense of comfortable, quiet elegance to its guests. The group rate for ABSAME 2009 attendees is $135/night plus tax for single or double occupancy. For more information on The Lodge at Santa Fe, visit www.lodgeatsantafe.com.

The Lodge at Santa Fe provides a complimentary shuttle to Santa Fe’s Plaza where you are invited to enjoy world-renown dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. When making your travel arrangements, you may want to allow for some additional time and plan a day trip to discover the magnificent landscape and diverse cultures surrounding the city. Visit ancient Indian ruins and traditional pueblos, high mountain towns and sleepy valley villages, 19th century mining areas and the majestic red rock country. You'll be following in the footsteps of Pueblo ancestors, Spanish settlers, fur trappers, mountain men and American pioneers as you explore these fascinating scenic roads and byways near Santa Fe.

Lauel Humbert, CMP
Meeting Planner - Meeting Resources Unlimited

Submitting to the Annals!

Materials can be sent, preferably electronically, to Don Self at dself@tamu.edu or as hard copy to him at 102 Reynolds Medical Building, Texas A&M College of Medicine, College Station, Texas 77843-1114.

Instructions for authors are included in each issue and can also be found on our website.

Annals of Behavioral Science and Medical Education

The transition in editorship of Annals from Jim Campbell at the University of Missouri-Columbia to Don Self at Texas A&M College of Medicine has gone smoothly in spite of the printing delay in getting the fall issue out. With Jim and his staff providing liberal advice and cooperation the transition is now almost complete. It is expected that the Annals will continue the high level of scholarship and offer members of ABSAME a useful exchange of ideas, information, and strategies for teaching the behavioral sciences in medicine. Members of the organization are encouraged to submit their work for consideration for publication and to suggest that their colleagues consider the Annals as well. Manuscripts might include reports of empirical research data, conceptual essays, or literature reviews. Since none of us can read all the literature, ABSAME members are particularly encouraged to submit book reviews (approximately 500 words) of books which have been found interesting or helpful to them and that other members might find useful also.

On-line Format

Members of the Board of Directors of ABSAME are considering having the Annals switch to an all electronic format in the future. As these discussions proceed, any thoughts, considerations, or preferences of the members of ABSAME would be welcome. Feel free to share with us your experiences with other electronic journals, either positive or negative.

Top Ten Reasons to Attend ABSAME 2009

Selecting the right conference to attend in the current economic climate can be perplexing . . .

The downturn in the US economy and its growing negative impact on everyone has led many to more carefully consider which conferences they might attend in 2009. As some organizations and departments restrict sponsorship of travel to conferences this year, ABSAME realizes you need to be particular about which conference to attend. We would like to remind you of the distinct and unique advantages of the 2009 ABSAME Meeting and to offer the top 10 reasons to include it in your request for sponsorship of your 2009 travel.

Presenting 10 compelling reasons to attend the October 8-10, 2009 ABSAME Meeting in Santa Fe:

• #10. Santa Fe is spectacularly beautiful in October.
• #9. ABSAME conference luncheons, dinners, and poster receptions won’t be your standard conference rubber chicken.
• #8. When ABSAME has hosted its annual conference in Santa Fe in previous years, it has been an exciting and well attended venue.
• #7. ABSAME works to present a conference and room rates that are priced right in light of these belt tightening times.
• #6. ABSAME presenters and attendees feel re-energized after each year’s conference. Perhaps you’ve had the experience of feeling exhausted at the end of other conferences, but when ABSAME attendees return to their office they are off and running, inspired by getting the inside scoop from thought leaders in medical education.
• #5. ABSAME presenters and attendees share what works. You have endless opportunities to talk to other people that face the exact same problems as you do. Not only do you learn from others, but you can also form support networks of people to talk and collaborate with throughout the year.
• #4. ABSAME presenters and attendees discuss new ideas, you learn about what works today and where things are going. You are guaranteed to come away with many things to try.
• #3. ABSAME’s 2009 conference topic (How can we succeed at implementing change strategies surrounding competencies and competent behavior) will teach you practical knowledge that is directly pertinent to your everyday work with students, residents, faculty, and staff.
• #2. ABSAME provides an intimate conference experience, your chances of being able to present your work and spotlight your institution are dramatically increased.
• #1. We’re waiting to welcome you and looking forward to seeing you in Santa Fe for the 39th Annual ABSAME conference – YOU are #1!

For detailed information, visit www.absame.org
Submission Deadline – April 15, 2009

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