The AAMA Board of Trustees continues to work on ways to open the paths of communication with decision makers of medical office hiring practices. In September 2007, AAMA President Linda A. Brown, CMA (AAMA), and Vice President Kathryn Panagiotacos, CMA (AAMA), met with managers at the PAHCOM (Professional Association of Health Care Office Management) meeting in Portland, Oregon.

"We were welcomed by all," says President Brown. "PAHCOM and the AAMA need to work together for patient safety."

"By attending this meeting," notes Vice President Panagiotacos, "we were provided the opportunity to re-establish a connection with the members of PAHCOM, AMA, and several exhibitors of PAHCOM who expressed a desire to exhibit at our national conference in Chicago." Furthermore, says Vice President Panagiotacos, "Great interest was expressed by the members who are CMMs (Certified Medical Managers)—the individuals who hire—for information on how to know whom to contact in regards to finding a CMA (AAMA)."

President Brown and Vice President Panagiotacos were asked to have an article prepared for publication in the Journal of Medical Practice Management to explain the role the CMA (AAMA) can play in the health care delivery setting. Executive Director of AAMA, Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, wrote and submitted a manuscript. The article is slated for publication in the March 2008 issue.

View photos of the AAMA booth.