For our 40th Anniversary, we asked our Past Presidents for their thoughts regarding the following:

1. What has been your biggest lesson learned in your career or as a leader?
2. What is your fondest memory of TSMSS?
3. What is your first memory of TSMSS?
4. What did the organization do for you?
5. What were/are some of your struggles in the industry?
6. What would you tell new MSPs?

Below are the responses from our first TSMSS President, Cindy Gassiot, and our most recent President, Kelsey Goughnour.  Click here to view the responses from the remaining past presidents.

Biggest Lesson Learned:

I had a career that was immensely satisfying and rewarding.  Sometimes it could be very frustrating, but looking back, it was a wonderful way to spend a working life that spanned almost 50 years.  

Fondest Memory of TSMSS:

My fondest memories are of the wonderful friends and colleagues I met and enjoyed throughout the years.  My dearest friend to this day is a person I met in TSMSS and we are like sisters.  Some of the best times I’ve had in my life were at TSMSS seminars with groups of friends and colleagues.

First Memory of TSMSS:

Trying to convince a hospital administrator to put in a good word for the formation of the society at the Texas Hospital Association.  Colette McGinley and I convinced her administrator, who held some leadership position at that time at TSMSS, to support the formation of a brand new affiliated society.  The rest is history.  Some years later, TSMSS left THA and became an independent organization.

What the Organization did for me:

Inspired me to be the best I could be.  Brought recognition to the role I played, inspired me to write text books, and to teach and mentor people who were new to the field.

Struggles:

There were times in my career when I was no longer happy in my position and I wanted to find a more fulfilling one.  Sometimes it took a few years to find just the right job and to make the change.  The most rewarding part of my career was teaching medical staff services online for El Centro College, which I did for 17 years.

Advice to New MSPs:

Learn all you can about your role.  Study and become certified.  Be the best that you can be.  Reach out to your colleagues for help and advice.

Biggest Lesson Learned:

That many people are qualified to do the work but only a few are "called" to do the work we do.  I think it takes a special type individual to stick to our work and make sure that it is done properly and appropriately.  

Fondest Memory of TSMSS:

The many friends I have met across the state and seeing them each year at Conference...and, knowing I can call on them if I have questions or issues with work and they can offer advice and knowledge!

First Memory of TSMSS:

Attending an East Texas Chapter meeting with Mrs. Bobbie Fry.  I had only been in the position for about two weeks.  She became a close friend and a wonderful mentor!

What the Organization did for me:

Helped me learn a new world and gave me so many resources that I did not know existed.  

Struggles:

I didn't even know there were two facilities in the town when I accepted the position of Medical Staff Coordinator.  I had no idea there was such a job either.  And, it had never crossed my mind that someone would want to pretend to be a doctor or that a doctor might let their license lapse...I think a big struggle for me was just simply awareness.  Now I find it humorous when people try to explain to other people what we do but then I correct it and explain the importance of it because what we do is so valuable and I feel it important for others to know about it! 

Advice to New MSPs:

Attend your local Chapters and join TSMSS as soon as you are able so that you can have the resources available and a multitude of individuals with knowledge so you don't have to re-invent the wheel...there are others out there who have paved the way...you just have to follow it!

CONFERENCE SPONSORS:

We had an outstanding 40th Anniversary Conference and we could not have done that without our sponsors!  A special thank you to all our sponsors, but especially to our Advertiser, Gold, Ruby, and Elite sponsors!

Elite:

Ruby:

Gold:

Advertiser: