Physician leadership will be highlighted at the summit , and in the weeks leading up to the meeting , we will share additional details about our inaugural and annual physician leadership development program . The WVSMA has repeatedly heard from members about the interest in a leadership development program for physicians . As a result , the WVSMA is teaming up with multiple hospitals and health systems around the state to offer a unique four-weekend annual leadership development program . This program is designed by physicians for physicians . It will be robust , flexible , and the first of its kind in our state to bring physicians together from across WV to learn how to better lead and collaborate to help move the Mountain State ’ s health forward .
In Kouzes and Posner ’ s book , “ The Truth about Leadership : The No-fads , Heart-of-the-Matter Facts You Need to Know ,” the authors present 10 truths of leadership . The first truth , and everything you do as a leader , is based on the assumption that you matter . Before you can lead others , you have to lead yourself and believe you can have a positive impact on others . You have to believe your words can inspire and your actions can move others . The truth is that , as a physician leader , you make a difference . It is not a question of “ Will I make a difference ?” Rather , it ’ s a question of “ What difference will I make ?”
As a young girl growing up in Weirton , WV , I aspired to be a physician because I wanted to help people and make a difference . Early on , I realized that a person ’ s health impacted every aspect of their life — the ability to learn , work , and enjoy life . The health disparities impacting our state and its people are profound , but through leadership and advocacy we will continue to face these head on .
Today , more than ever , I am proud to be a pediatrician and proud to be a member of the WVSMA . I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and want to thank my family , friends , and the countless individuals I have worked with since my time as a medical student member of the WVS-
MA . Their support and collaboration have enabled me and inspired me to help others , and I look forward to contributing as much as I am able as president .
The WVSMA ’ s work is possible thanks to dynamic leaders , passionate members , and dedicated staff and partners . Thank you to our outgoing president , Dr . Shafic Sraj , for his leadership to transition to a new executive director and modernize our association with the adoption of a new governance model and bylaws . Thank you to our board of trustees , committee chairs , and members for their ongoing service . Current and former WVMSA staff help members implement our vision and pursue our mission in all we do , and for their efforts , I am grateful and look forward to ongoing work together . If you are not already , please consider getting more engaged in our association .
Through the hard work , determination , and commitment of our members and staff , the WVSMA will continue to grow and make a difference for our patients and profession . To net this goal , we will exhibit the hard work needed to learn from our members and partners to advance the practice of medicine , the determination to be leaders in our profession and community , and the dedication to further advocate for the health of all children , families , and communities . After all , “ the three-point goal is good .”
Stay Safe ,
Lisa M . Costello , MD , MPH , FAAP President , WVSMA
West Virginia Medical Journal • September 2022 • 9