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Volunteering is defined as contributing time, work and knowledge without receiving financial compensation. That definition, while accurate, fails to reflect the benefits you receive in return. So we asked MGMA and ACMPE members to tell us the benefits of volunteering for the Association. Here are their top six along with advice for getting involved.
1. It expands my network of professional colleagues.
Resoundingly, members told us this was the main benefit of volunteering. Serving alongside and interacting with a group of your peers gives you a chance to make important connections and even build lifelong friendships. This network can become a great resource for ideas, advice and laughs.
One of the best ways to get involved is to simply reach out and let someone know you're interested, says Genie Blough, MBA, FACMPE, principal of G Blough Associates LLC, Mobile, Ala. "If you have an idea of an area that's of particular interest to you, contact somebody you know who's been a mentor to you or who's involved in MGMA." Simply saying you're interested is the first step toward bringing many new opportunities and friends into your life.
Get started by filling out our volunteer form
2. It expands my perspective.
Many volunteer positions in MGMA and ACMPE allow you to work with people across the nation and in other types of healthcare organizations. Your peers can offer ideas that help you bring a broader perspective back to your practice, giving you additional credibility with your physicians.
"I feel like my physicians respect [my volunteering]. It gives me stature in my practice," says Shena Scott, MBA, FACMPE, executive director of Brevard Anesthesia Services, Melbourne, Fla. "What I've learned in my volunteer positions has expanded my thinking beyond my immediate practice. I am able to bring that broader thinking back to my day job."
3. I contribute how – and how much – I want.
When you volunteer for MGMA and ACMPE, you choose how you want to get involved. The volunteer opportunities throughout the organization are numerous and varied, from writing a guest post on this blog to serving on the Board of Directors. Tell us what your passions, interests and skills are and we'll find a position to fit. Have an hour a day to give? Or an hour a year? Every contribution counts.
"People are always worried about the amount of time that it takes to volunteer," says volunteer Rick E. Weymier, MBA, FACMPE, administrator, Metrocrest Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Carrollton, Texas. "What it comes down to is the value that you get out of it. And the value you get out of it is always greater than the time put into it."
See all your opportunities, from writing to participating in MGMA surveys
4. I can influence outcomes.
When you volunteer, you bring your opinions (and those of your physicians) to the table. If there's a pressing issue you're dealing with, help us create solutions and resources that meet yours and your colleagues' needs. You can also share your ideas on pending healthcare legislation through our Government Affairs committee, legislative liaison program and a number of eGroups in the MGMA Member Community.
5. I learn new things and develop new skills.
Almost every volunteer position provides you with ways to expand your skill set. Reading professional papers, reviewing articles and grading essay exams ensure that you're constantly exposed to new ideas and new ways to solve problems. Serving as a committee chair can help hone your management and leadership skills. Overall, volunteers told us what they do for MGMA and ACMPE made them better at their "day job."
6. I give back to my profession.
Volunteering gives you the opportunity to build a stronger profession and to use your experience to help shape its future. If you received help, advice and encouragement from other members as you began your career in healthcare administration, there are many volunteer positions that allow you to "pay it forward" and help the next generation of administrators learn and grow.
MGMA member Mona Reimers, CPC, CMPE, director of revenue services, Orthopaedics NorthEast, Fort Wayne, Ind., began volunteering when the time was right, both personally and professionally. "There's different times in our lives that we have the energy and time to spend to volunteer," she says. When you know it's your time, don't be afraid to ask how you can help. "The truth of the matter is there aren't enough volunteers for the work that needs to be done," she says. "There's a place for everybody."
Ready to raise your hand and get involved? We'll help you find the right opportunity.