By Way of Introduction
For 19 years I’ve had the privilege of getting to do the “behind-the-scenes” work on Repertoire Magazine. When our longtime editor Mark Thill called to say he was closing out his last issue with the publication, it was a bittersweet moment for me. Mark has been an incredible example and mentor. Each issue I’ve gotten a chance to see how one of the best business editors around goes about his work: the way he interviews, the stories he thinks are important, and the dedication to his craft.
It’s hard to believe my first issue working on Repertoire was almost two decades, three kids and three 529s ago. My hair now is a little grayer and my steps a little more mindful due to a few weekend warrior mishaps, but my curiosity in all things med/surg has only increased after watching Mark cover the industry.
Now it’s my turn. I’m a little nervous for obvious reasons. Following Mark is a tall task. But I’m also excited, because it means reaching out to more Repertoire readers and industry veterans and asking for them to help us make sense of the changing landscape of med/surg distribution.
And boy is it changing. Like you, I’ve witnessed the chaotic nature of the pandemic, recessions, healthcare legislation and shifting consumer attitudes toward healthcare. I’ve been both incredibly frustrated at times with the challenges our industry continues to face, and incredibly grateful to the work our frontline caregivers have provided – as well as your focus and dedication to providing products and services to those caregivers.
Never was this more apparent than during the pandemic. The work that distributors and manufacturers put in amid chaotic conditions was nothing short of inspiring. I mean that. It was an honor to go to work (albeit behind the home office desk for a time) and tell the stories that we hoped would encourage, educate and embolden you.
That task holds true today. Although the bylines may be changing, our mission of providing you timely content won’t.
Here’s to a bright future for all of us.
Graham Garrison
Editor