Having recently joined FCEP, this is my first submission to EMpulse. I hope it does justice to the thoughtful and inspiring sentiments from our FCEP President and ACEP President-elect, which appear before and after my message, respectively. They speak of a new chapter in our profession — one that we can shape as we re-engage with one another, using our experiences and newfound sense of purpose gained from the pandemic as a catalyst for transformation. I will focus my message on letting it be known that healers have a story to tell. It is one informed by the trials, tribulations and lessons gained from the 50 years of your specialty, and through the impactful and lifesaving care rendered during this global pandemic.

My 15-year career as a long-term care trade association executive in two states culminated in 2020. The early impact of the pandemic in New Jersey was significant and tragic, and Missouri is feeling it now as well. I never thought my sector and states would be so impacted. Nor did I expect my military and government affairs experience would help me assist members and the state in mortuary services, PPE acquisition and distribution, and operational plans for emergency staffing by the National Guard. I never thought highest reimbursement gains and testing dollars would be achieved, only to leave us with enormous challenges such as the unstoppable spread of a deadly virus and sector impacts that will be felt for years to come. Yet, I found a sense of purpose and passion for healthcare and association service that was unmatched previously.

As I learned about the specialty of emergency medicine, I realized everything I was doing paled in comparison to what healers like you were doing, and are still up against, on the front lines. You see it all and work 24/7 to make sure patients get the care they need most, despite having tragically lost colleagues during this fight against COVID-19. It is inspiring. When the number of cases and transmissions subsided for a time and help arrived in my state, I knew it was time for me to join you and serve your awesome group of physician leaders.

I have immersed myself in the assessment of the systems, operation, plans and programs which, when combined with our leadership, will deliver member and industry value in 2021 and beyond. One way this can be achieved is by telling your stories through our 50 Years 50 Voices campaign, which will consist of personal interviews with those who were there at the beginning of our specialty, those who have proved vital to our success since, and the newest leaders serving today. Through digital media and a culminating program during Symposium by the Sea 2021, we will learn from our history and tell our story — the real story of emergency medicine in Florida.

In a world of digital media and information overload, sometimes the most useful and accurate information is buried under the noise of others who simply have the resources to tell a better story. Our mission is to ensure we balance the playing field and bring the most credible and meaningful information to all stakeholders. FCEP leadership and staff are here to be the focal point, strategic planners and coordinators to execute for you. From Tallahassee to Washington, from main street to Miami Beach, you have a story to tell, and you deserve more from the government, healthcare systems and insurers. From workforce and training issues to reimbursement and policy solutions, we are here to help elevate your specialty, assist you in telling your story, and provide solutions to stakeholders that best serve you and your patients.

May the pandemic end, our experiences empower us, and may you find some peace through a 50th celebration year that reflects a better and brighter future for healers and patients. ■

About:
Jonathan Dolan joined FCEP & EMLRC on November 1, 2020 as CEO and Executive Director. He has served as chief executive for two healthcare trade associations over the past 15 years, most recently as President & CEO of the Health Care Association of New Jersey and previously as Executive Director of the Missouri Health Care Association. Prior to this, he served nine years as a state legislator in Missouri, first as a State Representative and then as a State Senator. Dolan has an MA in Security Management from Webster University and a BA from the University of Missouri at Columbia. He is a former Army Major, having served as a Military Police and Public Affairs Officer in the Army National Guard, serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. He began his career as a Special Agent in the Office of Security at the Central Intelligence Agency. Mr. Dolan brings a wealth of knowledge and extensive skillset in healthcare association management, government affairs, reimbursement, managed care and emergency planning to the College and its foundation.