STFM Examines its Governance Structure

Task Force Members

Victoria Gorski, MD, Montefiore Medical Center, Governance Task Force chair

Stacy Brungardt, CAE, Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, Leawood, Kansas

Dan Castro, MD, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California

Sam Cullison, MD, Swedish FMR Cherry Hill Campus, Seattle, Washington

Scott Fields, MD, MHA, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon

Melly Goodell, MD, Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland

Larry Halverson, MD, Cox Health FMR, Springfield, Missouri

Jeri Hepworth, PhD, University of Connecticut St. Francis Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, Hartford, Connecticut

Ben Miller, PsyD, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado

Beat Steiner, MD, MPH, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Rick Streiffer, MD, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Mary Theobald, MBA, Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, Leawood, Kansas

STFM has not begun this project because of any major problems or concerns. Just as it is good practice for patients to receive periodic check-ups regarding their health, it is also a good practice for STFM to assess its organizational health. The present moment was chosen for this analysis because, in fact, STFM is quite healthy and thinking about how to best take advantage of this in light of some organizational transitions (eg, losing one CAS representative on the board).

Just as we compare a patient’s health to a set of standards and goals, STFM will be comparing its governance structure to a set of standards referred to as “performance requirements.” The performance requirements were recently developed by the governance task force and approved by the STFM Board of Directors. They are informed by STFM’s mission and values and highlight the need to be responsive to STFM’s strategic plan.

The next step for the governance task force will be to compare STFM’s current governance structure (what is) with the approved performance requirements (what should be). This will identify problems or gaps: critical differences between what is and what should be. The gaps will be presented to the Board when it meets in May 2013.

After the gaps are identified and agreed upon by the Board, the task force will develop potential solutions to the identified gaps. Those solutions will be shared with the STFM community: elected and appointed leaders and the general membership. By allowing for broad-based input, STFM will increase its chances for developing the best solutions to the identified problems.

STFM is committed to make those changes that will result in the most responsive and effective organization possible. While change for change’s sake will not happen, STFM will not shy away from making change where needed. The process will be improved with thoughtful input from STFM’s leadership and its members.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me at vgorksi{at}montefiore.org or STFM Executive Director Stacey Brungardt, CAE at sbrungardt{at}stfm.org.