November 1, 2024
For Azlan Tariq, DO, vice chair of the Membership Committee, being an active PALTmed member is a no-brainer. “This is the only organization that focuses on the providers and patients in this challenging but very satisfying practice setting,” he said, adding that the association and his fellow PALTmed members “speak my language and understand my pain points and challenges, and they have real solutions.”
Whether you are new to the association or renewing your membership, there are so many reasons to make sure you are part of PALTmed in the coming year. Here are 5:
- Practical answers and information from those who know the field best. PALTmed programs—such as the annual conference and the PALTtalk podcast series—offer real-world, practical solutions, answers, and support for even the most challenging questions or concerns; and members get information from trusted colleagues, as well as leading national experts. “Most people who work in the post-acute and long-term care setting tend to be on an island, for instance, quite often you are not part of a big hospital system where you have a doctor's lounge; so, the need for a sense of community is stronger. You get that community by being a PALTmed member,” said Dr. Tariq
- Resources for any need. PALTmed has something for everyone. For instance, said Dr. Tariq, “If you’re looking for cutting-edge research and data behind that science, nothing beats JAMDA.” Elsewhere, Caring for the Ages, he said, offers up-to-date information about policy, regulatory, and other issues, as well as insights and opinions from a wide array of practitioners and other stakeholders. The PALTtalk podcast series offers a great opportunity, he said, for learning on the go. “I do a lot of driving, and the podcasts let me learn while I drive,” Dr. Tariq said. The annual conference, he observed, “is an unbelievable opportunity for me because there is where I really make connections and meet people who’ve been in this industry for years.”
- Next-level networking. “Networking is an important part of health care,” Dr. Tariq said, and PALTmed membership is key to making connections for answers, ideas, solutions, and information. Networking also opens doors to job and prestigious volunteer opportunities. “Nothing beats in-person networking, and you get so much of that at the annual conference,” he noted. “The connections you make are invaluable, often leading to great opportunities you don’t hear about on job sites or other sources.” However, he said that the association’s PALTconnect member forum is a great way to reach out to colleagues anytime.
- Opportunities to engage with interdisciplinary team colleagues. “This is absolutely essential. We live in this collaborative interdisciplinary environment where we all have the same goal of quality care,” said Dr. Tariq. Engaging with PALTmed members from various disciplines enables insights, support, and viewpoints that allow a true interdisciplinary approach promoting the best care and outcomes. “Patient acuity in post-acute and long-term care settings is rising, and you can’t just count on one practitioner or specialty. You need a multidisciplinary approach,” he observed.
- A community that gives you a voice on important issues. Whether it’s a pandemic like COVID or a natural disaster that crosses state lines, practitioners face challenges that impact many people. “What really mattered to me, especially during COVID, was the fact that there are people around the country dealing with the same issues, and many are innovating and finding amazing solutions,” said Dr. Tariq. Through PALTmed, you get that mutually supportive community. At the same time, you amplify your voice on regulatory and legislative issues. “Our voices combined are stronger and bring greater attention to the issues that matter to our patients and our profession,” he suggested.
“If you work in PALTC, PALTmed is a very unique organization that is truly there to help with anything related to practicing in this setting. It goes all the way from clinical to policy to reimbursement and leadership. It’s a complete package that will help you become the best possible practitioner,” said Dr. Tariq.
Click here to learn more about member benefits and join or to renew your membership.