Hafa Adai from Guam!

This year has taken off, and our healthcare community on Guam is faced with many challenges. Most of these challenges of course revolve around funding and adjusting to new Federal policies. This is also an election year so those dynamics are engaging the public as we sort out our future.

As I mentioned in the December Newsletter, I look towards passing the leadership of the Guam Local Program Chapter (LPC) to someone else, as I have applied for Lifetime FACHE status and look forward to retirement. We have recently called for nominations, if you are interested in assuming a leadership role on Guam please voice your interest or nominate a colleague! Nominations were to be submitted by March 15, 2018 and we hope to have the election process completed by the end of March.

I would especially encourage our military members to seek a position in the GLPC. As I have found that our small organization is a great vehicle for the military members to explore the challenges the civil sector has on a small remote island. It is a valuable real world experience for your career and will expose you to what you may face once you decide to hang up the uniform. Who knows, maybe you will stay on Guam!

Last year and for the first couple of months in 2018 we held our bi-weekly “Junto” meetings. I enjoyed these meetings and felt the relaxed atmosphere and laissez-fare agenda generated some great discussion.  Unfortunately the participation fell off after the New Year and the time commitment given competing events lead to the decision to discontinue them. It was a good run though, and maybe in the future someone will re-start them! 

I reiterate from the December Newsletter, that practicing in healthcare administration on a small Pacific island, seemingly far from mainstream is both a great and frustrating experience. You are truly tested to become innovative and work with the team you have. It is important to maintain linkages with other professionals and that is what the GLPC offers with our friends in Hawaii.

Chuck and his beloved dog "Puppy" wish everyone a Happy Easter from Guam.

In closing, as this is my last contribution to the newsletter and as the President of the Guam Local Program Chapter, I want to thank the Hawaii Chapter current and past leaders for their support and encouragement for Guam. It is my hope that the next group of Guam leaders will grow and take the GLPC to higher levels and push forward on improving the care we give our community. God bless you and God bless Guam. 

Regards,
Chuck