In This Issue:

President's Column: Jeff Kingsley is looking forward to Savannah.

ABSAME Meeting Registration: Get ready to be a part of ABSAME 2010 in Savannah.

Savannah - The Location: Come for the education, enjoy the hospitality.

Annals Editor's Update: Don Self updates with journal redesign and online access.

New Edition of Book Coming: Calling editors and authors

Business Planning Report: Creating a business plan for ABSAME

Call for Nominations: Board positions open for 2010-11

Membership Committee: What is happing with your ABSAME.

Welcome

Another issue of the Progress Notes is finally "off the press" and into your email box. We hope will take the time to read this issue of the newsletter and learn more about out meeting, journal, activities, and ways that you might be involved.

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.

Membership Renewal Reminder: It is that time of year when ABSAME membership need to be renewed for another year. Please log into the membership system to check your membership status.

To review or update your status, please visit the membership site at www.absame.net/dcms and login to your account.

Mark Vogel, Ph.D.
Executive Director

President’s column:

Our 40th Annual Conference is nearly upon us! 40th Annual Conference!! Hard to believe! And Christine Senn, Dennis McNeilly, Laurel Humbert, and the ABSAME board have been working diligently to finalize the details of this exciting event. I travel to Savannah Georgia quite frequently and it’s a wonderful city full of quaint restaurants, active nightlife, southern charm, and numerous surprises. If you are an art collector or admirer, head to The Market where art galleries abound. If you are looking for dinner recommendations, I’ll see what I can do to advise. Perhaps the Sapphire Grill... Also, we’ll be staying at The Avia which is one of the best boutique hotels in America and has much to offer. There will be copious activities within walking distance from the hotel but if you need to get anywhere more distant, simply grab a Pedicab. They resemble a rickshaw but with a bicycle. The cost for the transportation is whatever you feel is reasonable. Seriously! I would highly recommend it! (in fact, I’m friends with the owner of the company)

Despite these tough economic times, this organization continues to work toward achieving our mission. Our coffers are far from full, but the organization perseveres and has maintained its focus on its mission, not on taking an easier road. Your continued membership and your attendance at and contribution to our annual conference are vital to our survival. Tell everyone you know! The Annals, the Annual Conference, and the collaboration are invaluable to anyone in our fields.

This is my last column as president of ABSAME. We will be welcoming in Dr. Al Eaton as our next president and will be electing his successor this fall. ABSAME continues to need your help. Maintain your membership. Promote the conference. Tell others. And join a committee. Teach us what you know!

Take care and I look forward to seeing each of you in Savannah!

Jeff Kingley, D.O.
ABSAME President 2009-2010

ABSAME Annual Meeting - 2010

This year’s 2010 ABSAME Annual Meeting will provide a lively, interactive forum for behavioral scientists, other health care professionals, and community leaders to brainstorm about forming partnerships to create novel educational and service opportunities for trainees. The meeting will showcase instructional models based on community initiatives outside the familiar health care arena. Our goal is to capitalize on the power of non-traditional experiential learning to increase knowledge, enhance skills, heighten awareness, and -- most importantly -- change attitudes.

Primary care has placed increased emphasis on the “medical home,” where the focus is on accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family-centered, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally effective care. Beyond Cognitive Competence: Linking Community Experiences to Advocacy and Professionalism examines how authentic experiences provide a real-world purpose and context for learning and require students to demonstrate complex abilities in situations that demand collaboration, problem solving, research, and communication skills. Our goal is to take trainees, literally, beyond cognitive competency--a necessary but insufficient level of preparation for the health provider of the 21st century.

ABSAME has long believed one of the best ways to improve medical education is through sharing ideas. The 2010 Annual Meeting continues that tradition, as we look forward to a host of exciting, engaging, and motivating presentations that highlight highly effective evidence-based practices in integrated health care.

We are honored to bestow this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award to one of ABSAME’s most beloved and cherished members – Ed Eckenfels. His tireless and enthusiastic advocacy for this organization and for community-integrated medical education spanned decades. It is more than fitting that he receive this award during a year when ABSAME’s conference theme focuses on community integration. In fact, to exemplify a small part of the work that has been so important to him and to us over the years, he and his colleagues will present a panel about the Rush Community Service Initiative – a voluntary, student-run program of Rush University Medical Center that has, over nearly 20 years, implemented two dozen clinical and social service programs in poor urban communities.

Another truly groundbreaking effort in this field comes from Florida International University, where John Rock has spearheaded NeighborhoodHELPTM (Health Education Learning Program). This unique program immerses students in community activities that foster interdisciplinary partnerships and cultural awareness as a means to improve health outcomes. The goal is nothing less than developing socially responsible physicians.

In fact, that goal is shared by all three of our invited speakers. Last but not least, Lloyd Michener has been working at Duke University and with the National Institutes of Health to build an academic health center that now boasts literally hundreds of projects co-led by community and faculty members, with a collaboration underway that should improve health care across the county. Dr. Michener will discuss the Principles of Community Engagement – particularly, community trust.

This Annual Meeting marks 40 years of intellectual stimulation and peer-to-peer give-and-take in a highly unusual environment that blends the ideas and perspectives of anthropologists, sociologists, psychologists, physicians, nurses, social workers, and others for whom teaching medical students and residents is a calling. What a great joy it has been to help plan such an event!

Christine Seen, MA & Dennis McNeilly, Ph.D.

Savannah, Georgia - Location of 2010 Meeting

Come for the Education and Enjoy the Hospitality!

Throughout the years, I have made short day trips to Savannah while in the region for vacation or business. Recently I had the pleasure of an extended stay in downtown Savannah while working for a group of software engineers. During my 11 days there I found ample time to explore and enjoy the city and made several discoveries:

1. You can’t get a bad meal there. With so many good restaurants, it is difficult to make a decision on a dinner venue, but, as renowned “foodies” my colleague and I were delighted with each and every selection we made. From shrimp and grits at the world-renown Pink House to a fish taco at a little seaside bistro on Tybee Island, each menu was more enticing than the last. Yummmm!
2. You can shop till you drop. And I did. River Street is lined with boutiques and souvenir shops but the upper side of town is teaming with antique shops, specialty stores, clothing shops, galleries, and unique gift shops galore. Oh, and how could I forget the irresistible candy kitchens where you can sample fresh pralines and salt water taffy being made before your eyes.
3. You have to bring your sense of adventure. Regardless of your interests, there is something for everyone in Savannah. Beauty and nature abound in the squares scattered throughout the town. There are walking tours for nature lovers, history buffs, and ghost seekers. For beach bums, beautiful Tybee and Hilton Head Islands are short car rides away.
4. Southern hospitality and charm are alive and well in Savannah! From servers in restaurants to hansom cab drivers, Savannah’s residents are waiting to welcome ABSAME 2010 meeting attendees with open arms. As a meeting planner who has worked in just about any city of note in this country, I find Savannah to be the ultimate in “can do” attitude. You will definitely feel the love.

To learn more about what there is to see and do in Savannah visit http://www.savannahvisit.com/.

We hope that you are planning to join us at the beautiful AVIA Savannah hotel. Reservations are now being accepted by calling 866-664-2842 or 912-233-2116 and referencing the group code, “ABSAME 2010” to receive the group rate of $179. Don't delay in making your reservation, this hot new hotel sells out quickly to leisure and business travelers.

Looking forward to seeing you in October in Savannah!

Laurel 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 current issue of the journal has been mailed to all members and will soon be posted online. There has been a complete redesign of the journal that makes it easier to read and access. We hope you enjoy the changes. Your feedback and comments are welcome.

We are currently actively reviewing manuscripts for the Fall 2010 Issue of the Annals. A wide range of topics are being reviewed including issues of medical student stress, specialty selection, and several aspects of communication skills. We welcome manuscripts on any topic related to medical education and the relationship of behavioral science to the practice of medicine. We encourage ABSAME members and non-members alike to submit manuscripts for consideration for publication. When a manuscript is received after the deadline for a given Issue, it is simply considered for the next issue.

On-line Format

The journal is in the process of transitioning to an online format. The first issue of 2010 was sent out in both print and online versions. (Thanks to Texas A&M for sponsoring the print version). We will continue to move to online version with an option for a print version.

The online version will begin with open access of all issues initially. Member only access for current issues will be initiated with the Fall 2010 issue. Eventually all back issues will be posted with full PDF version of the articles.

CALLING ALL REVIEWERS!! ATTENTION ALL AUTHORS!!

The Behavioral Sciences and Health Care, ed 2, a text for medical students Hogrefe & Huber, publishers of The Behavioral Sciences and Health Care (Sahler & Carr, Eds.), report that the second edition is continuing to have an even better sales run than the first edition. As a result, they have asked us to plan for a third edition to be published in 2012. The success of the text is due in large part to the expertise of the contributing authors, many of whom are members of ABSAME. as well as members and colleagues who contributed ideas and editorial feedback, enabling us to update and improve each edition.

ABSAME is the sole recipient of royalties from sales of the text, so we all, as members, have a vested interest in its economic success. More importantly, as an organization dedicated to advancing the contribution of the behavioral sciences to health care and improving integration with biomedicine, ABSAME should seek to insure that each edition of The Behavioral Sciences and Health Care reflects the cutting edge strategies to integrate bio-behavioral education throughout medical training.

We are asking members to devote some time this summer to reviewing the second edition and sharing impressions about how to improve the next edition. Are there important topics that should be added? Are there topics that are no longer relevant? Are there important updates that should be noted? Are there areas that have been overlooked? Are there new breakthrough developments that should receive more attention? Are there other questions we should be asking?

We would also welcome impressions from about the second edition students and your fellow faculty members – what suggestions would they make? What are the pros and cons that they can identify?

A few hardy souls have already agreed to help. But we could all use more ideas.
Your efforts will be invaluable as we construct the next edition. In addition, you will be making a direct and important contribution to ABSAME and its continuing mission.

We look forward to hearing from you. For the sake of coordination, please send your written comments and commentaries to OJ, but feel free to contact either one of us at any time.

PS: We have a few complimentary copies of the 2nd edition available and can send you one for your review if you wish.

O.J. Sahler, MD (oj_sahler@urmc.rochester.edu)
Jack Carr, PhD (jcarr@u.washington.edu)

ABSAME Financial Planning Committee Report

ABSAME Business Plan

What attracted you to ABSAME? What kept you interested? What kept you involved? What unique “value” does ABSAME bring to the landscape? If you have not asked these, or similar, questions, perhaps it is time. In my last column I presented the work-to-date on the ABSAME Business Plan. I requested comments and invited participation in the process. No one responded.

Dr. Kingsley and I have occasionally talked about a concept he called “risk tolerance.” For us this has sometimes involved activities that could cause us bodily harm (hiking into the wilderness, climbing a rock, etc.). It also includes the risk of speaking new ideas, persevering when others want to stop, or reassessing options when goal has changed. What is your risk tolerance? What are the “risks” associated with participating in ABSAME and what are the risks of not participating. I believe ABSAME finds itself at a crossroads. We are no longer a “think tank” sponsored by someone else and our vision must expand beyond being a small group of friends who gather once a year for a small scientific and business meeting.

In my opinion, ABSAME has traditionally been more about the behavioral sciences role in educating physicians more than the role of behavioral sciences in the education of all those who practice medical arts and, equally important, the roles of the behavioral sciences as they form an interactive continuum from molecules to societies, from the micro to the macro in the prevention and treatment of human ills. This broader frame of ABSAME makes us unique. We are not a single-focused organization, nor one that only welcomes a particular “ologist.” Rather we are truly inclusive and dynamic. It is this strength we need to build on. I know that you are busy and that other commitments are daunting. However, I believe ABSAME has something unique and critically important to offer. We need to use our varied insights and skills to expand ABSAME so that the integration of the behavioral sciences in knowledge and skill is as ubiquitous as the stethoscope and hand washing. I invite and encourage you to participate. What is your risk tolerance?

Albert H. Eaton, Ph.D.
Committee Chair

As Chair of ABSAME's Nomination Committee it is my responsibility to encourage ABSAME's membership to nominate people to run for the leadership positions that will become vacant at the end of the year. This year we will need to nominate candidates for the following positions.

President-elect
The president of ABSAME has a 6 year responsibility which consists of;
1. Serving 2 years as President-elect during which he or she assists the current president with various projects and serves on committees which prepares the president-elect to assume leadership by familiarizing him or her with the issues and procedures of the organization:
2. Serving 2 years as the sitting President, during which he or she provides leadership to the organization as a whole and especially to the Board of Directors:
3. Serving 2 years post-term as the Chairman of the Nomination Committee, during which he or she works with the Nomination Committee to solicit nominations for election of officers and board members.

Board Member at large (Physician)
The physician board member serves a term of 3 years. Responsibilities include;
1. Attending monthly board meetings via conference call:
2. Attending board meeting held at the annual meeting:
3. Providing leadership to committees, either as a chair or as an active committee member.

Board Member at large (Non-Physician)
The non-physician board member serves a term of 3 years. Responsibilities include;
1. Attending monthly board meetings via conference call:
2. Attending board meeting held at the annual meeting:
3. Providing leadership to committees, either as a chair or as an active committee member.

Please send your nominations to Jeff Kingley., Interim Chair of the Nomination Committee at jeff@serrg.com

A Word from the Membership Committee

The Annual Meeting will be here before you know it! One of the best ways to introduce ABSAME to colleagues is to invite them to attend. Since many institutions now require presentation at a meeting to qualify for travel reimbursement, we are delighted to announce that, again this year, there will be a "late breaking" session for poster presentations on projects and programs that were not ready in time for the regular submission deadline.

Our theme this year highlights community partnerships developed especially to extend medical education into the real world. This unique emphasis spotlights how academic institutions, health care agencies and communities can work together to prepare the health professionals of tomorrow better understand their lifetime role as advocates for programs and projects that enhance the non-medical as well as medical care of the people we serve.

As a review from our ABSAME website: “Medical school faculty representing sociology, psychology, anthropology, pediatrics, internal medicine, family medicine, preventive medicine, and psychiatry formed ABSAME as an interdisciplinary professional society dedicated to strengthening behavioral science teaching in medical schools, residency programs, and in continuing medical education.” ABSAME’s membership remains interdisciplinary and continues to welcome colleagues additionally from nursing, social work, public health, and dentistry, who are dedicated to educating trainees and students in the social and behavioral sciences. With lifestyle choices continuing to be highlighted as either contributing to health promotion or to disease progression, improving the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care through the implementation of social and behavioral science knowledge is more critical than ever. Providing future academicians, researchers, and clinicians with excellent social and behavioral sciences skills and best practices will help us all meet the increasingly complex needs of diverse health care consumers.

As individuals, health care professionals' personal values may vary, but as members of their professions, they are expected to share and uphold those values that characterize the practice of healing and medicine. Three major features of medical professionalism -- the ethic of service, clinical autonomy and self-regulation -- benefit society. Those in the health care professions are
characterized by a strong commitment to the well-being of patients, high standards of ethical conduct, mastery of an ever-expanding body of knowledge and skills, and a high level of autonomy.

If you know someone whose passion is imbuing trainees and students with these values, bring them to the Annual Meeting. Introduce them to like-minded educators and practitioners from a myriad of disciplines, all of whom share these values and goals.

We look forward to seeing you in Savannah! Remember to let us know how ABSAME
can help you in your quest to expand your expertise as behavioral and social science faculty, trainees, students, clinicians, and researchers. As a member, your ideas are valued and help to determine the future of the organization and the services we provide.

Please forward the attached membership application to someone you think would find ABSAME to be the welcoming professional home they've been seeking.

Please contact: OJ Sahler, OJ_Sahler@urmc.rochester.edu
Barbara Moquin, tieda@aol.com

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