Scott Adams
Can you believe it’s December? This month is stacked with some of my favorite moments. Celebrating my birthday (December 30) is a pretty good one, but having my first granddaughter Ivee Grace Adams born last December 30 certainly surpassed that. Now, all the birthday celebrations can be focused on her.
I also love this month because the holidays bring us together with friends and family that we may only get to see once or twice a year. And, December is a great time to reset, reflect, and prepare for a new year of opportunities. As I look over the past 11 months of Repertoire cover stories, here are a few highlights:
- We started 2018 facing the PAMA challenge, while the beginning stages of MACRA were taking shape. Both initiatives caused reimbursement stress on providers. However, just like our industry always does, we fought through it and are still educating America’s care givers on healthier practices and better outcomes for patients.
- In the spring, we inducted Paul Julian to the Medical Distribution Hall of Fame, while at the same time celebrated two new Excellence in Sales award winners – Dianna Hundl of Quidel and Mike McGoldrick of Henry Schein.
- During the summer, we examined our new reality, “Point and Click” ordering, and what we found is that providers still value their relationship with the field sales rep. Reps continue to make all the difference in shaping our industry, year in and year out.
- And, as we rounded the third quarter and started looking to the fourth, it was apparent we needed to address flu season. Based on the record year we had in 2017, everyone was determined to be prepared.
All and all, it’s been a pretty typical year. We faced some major issues thanks to DC, had some amazing people recognized in the industry, dealt with changes to technology and the way customers are buying, and like always, started another selling season with flu.
As I reflect on 2018 Repertoire’s 25th year in print, I want to thank you for reading the magazine. Thank you to the advertisers for their continued support of the channel. And thank all of you for what you do, day in day out, for the caregivers and patients of America.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,
R. Scott Adams