<i>CEO Digest</i>

CEO Digest - monthly digest from ADA CEO Ronald S. Moen

CEO Digest - May 2008 - Volume 7, Issue 5

May 2008 - Volume 7, Issue 5

Food for Thought from your Chief Executive Officer …
If you want an effective way to improve your communication, read Made to Stick (Random House 2007) by Chip and Dan Heath. Whether talking with your clients, patients, colleagues, supervisors or family, this book offers an entertaining, practical guide to effective communication.

Ronald S. Moen, MS

NEW ON WWW.EATRIGHT.ORG

Add Variety to Your Learning Portfolio … ADA's 2008 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo will offer a variety of educational sessions covering a broad range of topics. To give you a head start on planning your portfolio, ADA has developed tracks in several areas including Research, Disease Management and Lifecycle Nutrition. Learn more by accessing the online Program Preview at www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/7540_15446_ENU_HTML.htm.

Diabetes Type 1 and 2 Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline for Adults … ADA's Evidence Library, which is free to ADA members, contains systematically developed recommendations, based on scientific evidence, designed to assist practitioners on the appropriate nutrition care for adult patients with diabetes. The intent of ADA's guidelines is to support the integration of evidence-based dietetics practice and improve the quality of care. To view ADA's Diabetes Type 1 and 2 Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline for Adults, go to www.adaevidencelibrary.com/default.cfm?library=EBG. Use your member number as your username and enter your password to log in.

State Licensure Board Links Updated … ADA provides a state-by-state reference sheet with Web links for every state board of licensure, as well as links to states' licensure statutes and regulations. If you are moving or have clients in a state other than where you live, you should be familiar with statutes and regulations regarding licensure in that state. Members can access the updated State by State Dietetics Boards and Laws Links at www.eatright.org/ada/ada/files/State_Licensure_Contact_Info_3_25_08.pdf. If you have questions about interpreting state statutes or regulations, contact that state's licensure board for the most accurate information.

May's Book of the Month … is The Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements 3rd ed. by Allison Sarubin Fragakis, MS, RD, with Cynthia A. Thomson, PhD, RD. Purchase this title during May and receive a 16% discount. For more information and to buy this book, visit www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/shop_16486_ENU_HTML.htm.

Job Descriptions: Models for the Dietetics Profession 2nd ed. … is now available. This updated version moves beyond traditional roles to include new and creative positions in the dietetics field as well. Each model position description contains a job summary, list of major responsibilities and knowledge and skills required. The new lower member price of $35 includes a CD-ROM with all job descriptions, which can be customized for your own use. To order, call 800/877-1600, ext. 5000, and request catalog number 317708 or order online at www.eatright.org/catalog.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Abstract Deadline … is May 23 for the 11th annual meeting of the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics. The meeting, titled "Genetics and Common Disease," will be held September 4 to September 5 at the Bethesda, Maryland, Hyatt Regency. For more information, visit www.nchpeg.org/.

 

NEWS AND NOTEWORTHY

Effective June 2008: ADA's New Strategic Plan … The response from ADA members and non-members to a survey about ADA's new strategic plan was extremely positive. They agree our new vision, Optimize the nation's health through food and nutrition, and the new mission, Empower members to be the nation's food and nutrition leaders, reflect the Association's desired future. The new Strategic Plan expands ADA's external focus while emphasizing our members' expertise. For more information about ADA's Strategic Plan, visit www.eatright.org/ada/ada/files/Strategic_Plan__final_3-08_pdf.pdf.

ADA's New Organizational Identity Program … As an element of ADA's new Strategic Plan, a new logo will be used exclusively by ADA and its entities starting June 1. The new logo clearly identifies all entities within the organization and creates significantly greater visual presence for the Association. Part of the new Organizational Identity Program is ADA's new statement of purpose: The American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. The new Organizational Identity Program demonstrates the breadth of ADA's capabilities, services and contributions. It signifies a multidimensional but unified organization and also gives external stakeholders and the public a better understanding of ADA, its components and its magnitude. More information to come in June.

Timing Is Everything … Thanks to all members who submitted their 2008-2009 dues payments by April 18 and were entered in a special drawing for great prizes. The response was tremendous; congratulations to the winners of Apple iPods: Olivia A. Martino; Maria V. Ragin, MS, CDN, RD.; and Emily W. Takeuchi, RD. The winner of an iPhone is Stephanie Nunes, RD, CSSD. Next year's drawing will feature even more prizes for early membership renewal.

Help Wanted … As the American Dietetic Association seeks strong leaders, visionaries, advocates and troubleshooters, your Association also needs members who are enthusiastic fund raisers for ADA's causes such as our political action committee ADAPAC. If you excel in this important work, or know members who do, please contact rsmith@eatright.org.

  • Easy, Direct Involvement in Political Action … ADAPAC makes it possible for members to support election campaigns for pro-nutrition federal candidates. Visit www.adapac.org/ for much more information on ADAPAC's role in helping ADA achieve our ambitious legislative priorities and how you can become involved.

Dialysis Centers Rules … The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released long-awaited (and overdue) new rules specific for dialysis centers. The original rules were published in a single set combined with rules for kidney transplant centers and for organ procurement. However, several years ago, CMS made the decision to split those areas and create a set of rules that were exclusive to dialysis centers. These are the first major revisions made since the rules were introduced in 1976. The rules feature important updates to the minimum standards that dialysis facilities must meet in order to participate in the Medicare program. The new rules also require a renal dialysis center to have a credentialed RD who has a minimum of one year professional work experience in clinical nutrition. For more information, visit www.cms.hhs.gov/CFCsAndCoPs/downloads/ESRDfinalrule0415.pdf.

Virginia Tech Wins ADA Education Award … At ADA's 2008 Public Policy Workshop, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University was awarded the first Public Policy and Advocacy Award in Dietetics Education. ADA's Political Action Committee and Legislative Public Policy Committee reviewed nominations from across the country. Nominees were then evaluated for program content and outcomes. Virginia Tech was recognized for its depth of educational content on policy advocacy at state and national levels, projects aimed at practical application of advocacy and documentation of the effectiveness of the projects in the beliefs and practices of students. Dietetic educators may get additional information for submitting their public policy program for the award by contacting Jennifer Teters at jteters@eatright.org.

Congratulations to Stephanie Patrick, ADA's Vice President for Policy Initiatives and Advocacy … on her election as president of the National Coalition for Food and Agriculture Research, or National C-FAR. Ms. Patrick has been ADA's representative to this coalition for a number of years and was vice president for the past two years. National C-FAR focuses on support for research in food and agriculture, with members including associations, colleges and universities and others organizations. Her selection as president is a tribute to Ms. Patrick's work and effectiveness and to ADA's role in this most important public policy arena. For more information, visit www.ncfar.org/.

A New Web Site … called www.licensetosnack.com/ has been developed by Frito-Lay North America, a division of PepsiCo, in collaboration with ADA. License to Snack is a non-branded Web site and education program designed to enhance understanding of how a healthier diet can incorporate snacks. The site will offer components for registered dietitians and consumers with resources based on the theme of driving: RDs are featured as the key "drivers" in nutrition education, helping consumers navigate the "roadways." Consumers are students seeking to earn their "license to snack," learning how to make healthier choices. The section of the Web site geared to RDs launched in late April. The consumer section is expected to launch in August.

 

RECOGNITION FOR ADA MEMBERS

Lucille Beseler, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, has been invited by US Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida) to join a working group of health-care professionals and corporate leaders to draft an "ideal" health-care plan for the state of Florida. The group's members have agreed that any plan must include a wellness and prevention package. The working group will meet six times in 2008 and will draft a position paper. Ms. Beseler is a member of ADA's Political Action Committee Board of Directors and is the current president of the Florida Dietetic Association. ADA is interested in locating members who are working on health-care policies at a state or national level; if you are involved in such work or if you know of a colleague who is, please contact Ron Smith, ADA's director of government relations, at rsmith@eatright.org.

Mary Lee Chin, MS, RD; and Jennifer Schmidt, MS, RD, are featured in What's For Lunch? This new video produced by the International Food Information Council offers an entertaining look at issues related to the various ways food is grown prior to making it to our plates. Watch the video at www.ific.org/videos.

Michele M. Gottschlich, PhD, RD, CNSD, is the recipient of the 2008 Curtis P. Artz Distinguished Service Award from the American Burn Association. The annual award recognizes outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of burn care by a non-physician member of the association. Ms. Gottschlich is the first RD to receive the award and she has been the only RD to serve on association's board of trustees.

New Leaders of the National Society for Healthcare Foodservice Management for 2008-2009 … include a number of ADA members. Congratulations to President-Elect Kristin W. Schroeder, RD, CD; Treasurer-Elect Col. Maria A. Worley, RD, LD; Secretary Alice M. Pollard; Board Members for the Class of 2009: Mary B. Gregoire, PhD, RD, FADA; Dexter V. Hancock, MS, MHA, LD, RD; Daniel H. Henroid Jr., MS, CFSP; Mary N. Jaskowski, MS, RD. For more information, visit www.hfm.org/.

 

REMINDERS AND DEADLINES

Last Chance to Renew with No Late Fee … ADA's benefits, products and services are designed to support your continued professional growth and career enhancement. ADA membership is an investment in your future. Dues invoices for the 2008-2009 membership year have been mailed to all current ADA members. To ensure receipt of all your favorite member benefits without interruption, your payment must be received by May 31. Payments postmarked after May 31 are subject to a $25 late fee. Renew at ADA's Online Business Center at www.eatright.org/obc or call the Member Service Center Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central) at 800/877-1600, ext. 5000. You may choose to use ADA's three-payment installment plan. See your dues statement for more details. And check your dues confirmation e-mail for verification that ADA has received your renewal.

Reminder … ADA's offices will be closed for holiday observances on Monday, May 26, and Friday, July 4. If you have a question on one of those dates, e-mail membrshp@eatright.org and you will receive a response upon the Headquarters Team's return the day after each holiday. Remember: ADA's Web site is always available, 24 hours a day, to meet your needs.

 

Mark Your Calendar …

Upcoming Dates for ADA's Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo …

  • 2008 — Chicago, Illinois; October 25 to October 28
  • 2009 — Denver, Colorado; October 17 to October 20
  • 2010 — Boston, Massachusetts; November 6 to November 9
  • 2011 — San Diego, California; September 24 to September 27

ADA's Public Policy Workshop …

  • 2009 — Washington, D.C.; February 8 to February 10

15th International Congress of Dietetics …