Physical Therapists and Moving Forward

What's beer got to do with it?  A lot. 

Michigan Brewing Company does it right.  Greater success and growth happens the more you rely or network with others.  This company is an excellent example of how creating beer can be so much more than creating beer.  This company has embedded itself in the community and win-win relationships have occurred.  At the same time, this company also forged a relationship with an individual who was instrumental in changing Michigan law.  The change is better from a business perspective for this company and others like it.

As physical therapists "Move Forward," who have we networked with?  Who do we have win-win relationships with?  Are we moving forward alone in hopes for success?  Should we have fear in creating a foundation of moving forward WITH others with similar agendas?

What about nurse practitioners...  here is an opportunity for some mutual networking where together a better solution occurs:

During their “Raise the Voice” campaign, the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) stated that the role of community-based nurses should be reexamined during the healthcare reform debate, given the growing shortage of primary care physicians across the country. According to Tine Hansen-Turton, CEO of the National Nursing Centers Consortium (Philadelphia), “Now may be the time to "think outside the box" and increase reliance on non-physician groups and physician assistants and expand to non-traditional settings such as nurse-managed health centers and convenient care clinics.” HealthLeaders Media reports that 85,000 nurse practitioners – of about 145,000 – are currently providing primary care and that NPs are one of the fastest growing groups of primary care professionals nationwide. Donna Shalala, former HHS Secretary and a speaker for AAN's “Raise the Voice” campaign, noted that more recognition is needed for the role that NPs play in expanding access and providing primary care. She stated that nurses “need a seat at the table” during healthcare reform debates and additional federal funding for nurse-managed health centers. (Simmons, Janice. Group Says Community-Based Nursing Model Could Boost Primary Care Coverage, HealthLeaders Media, May 11, 2009)

We are an "outside the box" potential and we are a non-physician group.  Wouldn't they love to have us on board WITH them?  What are your thoughts?

Cheers!

~Selena