Lance A. Talmage, M.D. - Teamwork
My Personal Teamwork Philosophy
The personal credo I live by is, “learn and serve”. I have belonged to many organizations where I have strived to learn the intricacies of the mission, goals and the problems of the clients served. I have often found that seeking a committee chair or an officer position is a natural goal to advance the agenda. The Federation is one of those. As a serving State Medical Board member, I learned about Osteopathy and its examination process, the trials and concerns of IMGs, and the plight of recovering, no longer impaired physicians, to name just the top three. I felt a need to join the Board of Directors to serve the Federation and use what I have learned.
In the last three years I have added knowledge of our fiscal issues, relationships with ECFMG, NBME, ABMS and others. I have also learned even more about other Medical and Osteopathic Boards and their need for best practices and budget challenges. Within the Board I have chaired the Governance committee for two years. I have used my organizational training to help the Board function more effectively, efficiently and economically.
I have always embraced the teamwork approach. In the military you are only as good as your team no matter how good you think you are individually. Your team must have confidence in you and you in them. It is important to know your limitations and delegate tasks to those who have special skills and just as importantly to help them develop leadership skills so one day they can lead. Our team consists of different medical caregivers and the public members who sharpen our sensitivities to the public needs. Our Federation is a coalition or team of individual State Medical and Osteopathic Boards. As a team we must assist one another , strive to understand our differences, and establish high standards with viable alternatives to fit our legal status so that we truly protect the public.
I know and have worked with leaders of the AMA, NBOME, ECFMG, ABMS and many State Board leaders. I will continue to work with these people and maintain the relationships established by my predecessors in this office. Teamwork with them makes us all stronger and can limit needless duplication.
I have now reached the point that I feel my leadership skills, knowledge of issues, and a feeling of being part of the team can benefit the Federation as Chair elect and then Chair of the Board of Directors. I have learned much and will continue to learn more to continue the rise in prominence of the Federation. This is a service I would gladly accept with the permission of the membership.