A Time to Come Together and Reinforce Community

Throughout this bar year so far, I have told a number of stories about how different members of the Section came into the Section and what it means to them. The common themes from those stories are the community, collegiality, and impact of the Section on each individual. Consistently, leaders and others who get connected to the Section talk about the relationships and friendships made through the Section that are enriching both professionally and personally.

Those stories will continue to be highlighted as we slide into the second half of the bar year. It is especially timely to remember these important connections and what the Section means to each of us. With all of the chaos swirling in the broader world, we can work together to create connections and bridge divides. Those relationships will help foster an environment that is respectful of not just each other, but the legal system that we are all a part of.

As the relationships are established, confirmed, and expanded, the Section will continue producing educational content and interactive opportunities to delve into the issues and concerns facing the healthcare industry. It is an essential part of our mission to inform not just our members, but all connected to the healthcare industry of the legal landscape and how to operate within those parameters. That content has and will tackle issues that may be viewed as controversial. The Section cannot and will not shy away from those issues because all of us encounter them in our professional lives and need to be prepared to help not only our clients, but the entire system framework at times.

All of that becomes easier when it is done with friends. That is why it is key to focus on the benefits of the Section and acknowledge what it means to all of us. We get to control the story and where it goes. Knowing the impact the Section and everyone I have met within it has had for me so far in my career (and I very much hope for the rest of it), I am challenging all of us to keep the heart and meaning of the Section at the front of our minds and work to expand the impact.

With that in mind, one of the best ways to experience the power of the Section is to attend one of the Section’s in-person events. Luckily, the Emerging Issues in Healthcare Law Conference is coming up April 2-5 in Long Beach, CA. As I wrote about in my first chair's column this year, attending my first EMI got me hooked on and into the Section. I hope a lot of you out there can get a similar experience by attending for the first time or deepening existing connections. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Long Beach at EMI and growing the Section family.