October 19, 2023
Many AMDA leaders are alumni of the Futures Program, and they have vivid memories of the experience and how it touched their lives and helped guide their careers. For instance, Suzanne Gillespie, MD, RD, CMD, AMDA's immediate past president, said, “It afforded me the opportunity to meet leaders and peers and get to know them. I also gained role models who inspired me and helped me envision my own career path and professional development.”
Current President Milta Little, DO, CMD, noted, “I remember two things distinctly about Futures. One was a session about A Day in the Life of a Medical Director. [Former AMDA President] Cari Levy talked about what going into a nursing home as a medical director was like. I could really picture myself in that role as she spoke.” The second, she recalled, was a session about medical malpractice, where the presenter talked “so plainly” about how to develop relationships with patients and families, as well as the importance of communication and documentation, in preventing liability issues and maximizing quality.
These kinds of reflections are common among Futures participants. “The Futures Program literally helps people see PALTC as a viable practice space. They get a great introduction to this care setting,” Dr. Little said. “The program also brings people in who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to explore this space and see the opportunities it presents for rewarding careers.” In addition, the program is distinctive in its ability to build relationships. As Dr. Gillespie noted, “Futures was a pivotal point for me in terms of having role models and people who took me under their wings.” These relationships helped her see how she could grow and thrive in her work.
The program has evolved over the years, and one important development is the growing involvement of interdisciplinary practitioners—including nurse practitioners and physician assistants. In fact, the current onsite co-director of the Futures Program is Victoria Nalls, PhD, GNP-BC, ACHPN, CWS. She was among the first such practitioners to participate in Futures. She said, “It gave me an appreciation for the field and my medical director. I walked away with a better understanding of the role and how to partner with them and work as part of the care team.” Today, she added, “The program is an excellent opportunity to connect with people from other disciplines who share your passion. It enables you to start conversations and make connections early in your career. Coming as a voice representing your profession is empowering in itself.”
While many Futures participants are already interested in or committed to PALTC, the program clarifies their vision and helps light their path. Their younger selves, in fact, might be surprised and impressed with what the program enabled them to accomplish. “’Young Suzanne’ would be very surprised about the opportunities I’ve had in this sector. I never thought I would become AMDA president someday or that I would represent PALTC at the White House,” she said. “If I hadn’t done the Futures Program, there is a good chance I wouldn’t be where I am today. I was so fortunate to find early on a professional society where I was invited in and welcomed.” Dr. Little said that although she would likely still be in PALTC without Futures, she stressed, "The program helped in my path to be more involved with AMDA and become president.”
It’s not surprising that Futures alumni continue to promote and support the program long after their participation. Dr. Little observed, “I often tell my personal story and those of the people I have mentored who have gone through the program. I encourage people interested in the field to consider Futures, and I continue to support the program.” Dr. Gillespie said, “I interview geriatric fellowship program participants, and I recommend Futures for those who are intrigued by PALTC and like the patient-centered focus of this practice. I explain that this is a unique opportunity to be sponsored and supported to attend an excellent program and meet so many amazing people who are invested in seeing them reach their potential.”
Dr. Nalls noted, “The best way to move professions in this setting forward is to support people interested in the field and ensure they get the best possible education and training to care for their patients. They also get a phenomenal network and meet amazing people who will be colleagues and friends for years.”
Applications are being accepted through November 20, 2023, for the 2024 Futures Program taking place at PALTC24 in San Antonio, TX. Learn more here or contact Christine Ewing. Since 2001, the Foundation for PALTC Medicine has funded the Futures Program. If you would like to support a Futures participant, you can make a contribution on the Foundation’s website or contact Victoria Hann, director of the Foundation.
