Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President for the 2009-2010 Chapter year.

I must admit that I am an eternal late bloomer. Just ten years ago I bought my first computer. When considering the specifications and brands, I consulted with an engineer friend who worked with AutoCAD, the business manager of the perioperative department where I was a case manager/specialty service manager and my sister – corporate businesswomen. She probably gave the best advice –“ buy xyz brand, you know you will need technical help”. Never did I imagine that within a decade I would be so computer dependent and web-based on a daily basis.

But life is always tossing curve balls.

Before relocating to Switzerland four years ago, I was balancing three part time jobs - agency per diem staffing in an ASC, educator and instructor for perioperative interns at a suburban trauma center and consultant to a medical device company for new product launch.

Now, living internationally, I continue with peer reviewed writing and consulting with medical device industry. All with the benefit of web based resources!

I am truly appreciative of eChapter as an option for active membership in AORN. Keeping abreast of professional issues and trends, establishing relationships with colleagues around the world and bringing ideas and contributions to the profession is invaluable.

I remember my initial thoughts when eChapter was first being conceptualized. Would there be enough members willing to join a ‘virtual’ Chapter? Here we are 3300+ strong and growing! eChapter is maturing into a fully actualized Chapter that is truly a cross sectional representation of AORN membership – domestic and international members, working in every imaginable capacity and practice setting – traditional and non-traditional.

Tschuss! (Schwietzer Deutsch for Bye for now!)

Best regards,

Cynthia
President, eChapter

PS: In case you are wondering about the technical help – yes, I am still in need and probably quite a ‘hack’ in many respects. But, fortunately, I have ready access to a ‘help desk’ – my techno geek husband. So, not to worry.