New Year, New WOA President, New Resolutions
Happy New Year!
I would like to start by thanking Dr. Lisa Slaby for her dedication and great insight in leading the WOA in 2011. Working with Dr. Slaby and the rest of the WOA board is and will continue to be a very productive and satisfying experience for me, especially as I work to fulfill my responsibilities as your 2012 President. The doctors I work with on the WOA board are a dedicated group of volunteers, YES, volunteers. I did not wake up one day and decide that I wanted to be President of the WOA, but given the chance to give something back to the profession that has given me so much was an easy decision. I encourage you to look for opportunities to help at any level possible. We are a volunteer organization. Our success depends on the level of our member involvement and activity.
In regards to membership, this is the fuel that keeps the WOA moving forward. We have a very small dues increase this year, and I am asking you to pull out your dues statement today and send in your renewals. With health care reform still in play on the national and state levels, optometry must continue to have a seat at the table and influence with decision makers. We can only do this if we have a strong, active membership!
New Year’s is a time for resolutions. The following are my professional resolutions for 2012, and I would be honored if you choose to adopt these resolutions as well.
1. Visit as many eye doctors’ offices as possible. I find it very enlightening to see what other doctors are doing in their office that is unique and sets them apart. Optometrists are always very welcoming and are proud of their offices and willing to share ideas.
2. Thank my staff more often. You can really make someone’s day great by thanking them for a job well done. Use a specific example, when possible, in order to let them know they know you really do care!
3. Thank and LISTEN to my family more. They truly have a unique perspective and often have many great ideas that we can all use in our practices.
Later this month, I will travel to New Orleans with WOA President Elect Dr. Kellye Knueppel to attend the AOA Presidents’ Council meeting. We will collaborate with other state optometric association leaders to share ideas and keep abreast of what is happening nationwide.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve, and may you all have a peaceful and productive 2012!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jeff Sarazen
WOA President
