2012
UPFRONT
A Time For Change
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect: Former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala was appointed in March—along with former Sen. Bob Dole—to lead an investigation into problems at the nation’s military and veterans’ hospitals. Quality Progress’ assistant editor, Dave Nelsen, had a standing telephone interview with Shalala the day following the appointment. To our delight, Shalala—despite a presumed barrage of interview requests—honored her commitment.
“We’re very effective at saving lives, not limbs,” said Shalala of the veterans’ healthcare situation. “And we have a very large number of disabled soldiers coming over for their rehab. I think the veterans’ hospital system just didn’t have the capacity to absorb it.”
Shalala’s appointment comes just before a scheduled speaking engagement at this year’s World Conference on Quality and Improvement, April 30-May 1 in Orlando, FL. Given the current focus on quality of care for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, she’ll have plenty of material for her keynote address.
Read Shalala’s comments on quality, as well as those from the other keynote speakers, Jim Carroll and Adam Kahane, beginning on page 16.
Just like you, Quality Progress editors are always looking to improve our processes and product. Many of the changes and improvements we’ve made over the years have occurred behind the scenes, or were subtle enough that they went unnoticed on first glance. Rest assured, we’re constantly examining reader feedback and opinions to improve the product we deliver.
Which leads us to a major initiative—one that will be highly visible: a redesign of the magazine.
Over the next few months, we’ll be gathering reader and advertiser feedback, and rolling it all into a new and improved Quality Progress. To help us, and to fulfill your role as “voice of the customer,” visit www.asq.org/mr/quality-progress-survey.html and complete our short online survey (you’ll be eligible to win one of 10 $25 ASQ gift certificates). Best of luck to all, your opinions will translate into exciting changes to the magazine. Stay tuned.
