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EW MEETING REPORTER 70 May 2018 Reporting from the 2018 ASCRS•ASOA Annual Meeting, April 13–17, 2018, Washington, D.C. innovative, whether it's adopting new technologies, providing a better patient experience, or any other sit- uation that would move the practice forward. Physicians and practice ad- ministrators face a lot of pressure in the modern healthcare environ- ment, Mr. DeGraff explained, and that pressure comes from multiple angles: from patients, insurers, the government, industry, and others. But he thinks physicians can overcome this pressure and move their practices into the future by being innovators. And the key to innovation, he said, is creating con- structive conflict. In constructive conflict, indi- viduals come together to redefine or strengthen their relationship for the greater good of the parties involved. "It does not mean we talk disrespectfully to people; it does not mean we marginalize people," Mr. DeGraff said. "It does not mean that we undermine people. What it does mean is that we talk about it. We en- gage. We have the difficult conversa- tion in a respectful way to get to the higher place." Conflict naturally arises when different personalities work together, but Mr. DeGraff suggested organi- zations can harness that tension to create innovation through what he calls the competing values frame- work. The framework identifies and issue. Kathryn Fair, COE, Colum- bus, Ohio, received the 2018 Pin- nacle Award for Volunteerism, and Elizabeth Parrott, COE, Raleigh, North Carolina, and E. Ann Rose, Duncanville, Texas, were bestowed the designation of ASOA Fellow, the highest membership status within the society. Attendees spent the next hour laughing and learning how they could "stop global whining," improving their attitudes and as a result, those of the ones around them. Christine Cashen, an induct- ee into the Council of Peers Award for Excellence Speaker Hall of Fame, shared a variety of tips and anec- dotes for how to accomplish this goal. Constructive conflict key to innovation When it comes to being innovative, Jeff DeGraff, the speaker for the 2018 ASCRS Lecture on Science, Medicine and Technology, has a sim- ple message: Just do it. "Decide that you're going to be the innovation you want to see at your organiza- tion," Mr. DeGraff said during his address to attendees at the Sunday Summit general session. Mr. DeGraff, a business profes- sor, speaker, author, and consultant to multiple Fortune 500 companies, spent time giving attendees pearls on how to make a medical practice ASOA Opening General Session inspires crowd to 'stop global whining' ASOA's Annual Meeting kicked off with a lively Opening General Session. Laureen Rowland, ASOA executive director, Fairfax, Virginia, welcomed the crowd to Washing- ton, D.C., and assured attendees that they were in for an exciting and innovative program throughout the next few days. She encouraged members to take advantage of the various opportunities to network with each other and highlighted other features of the meeting, such as a second general session with a keynote speaker occurring Sunday morning. Bonnie Henderson, MD, Bos- ton, outgoing president of ASCRS, spoke about the important relation- ship between ASCRS and ASOA. "I think our relationship is very similar to a marriage. It's a harmoni- ous union, trying to coordinate with common objectives," Dr. Henderson said, adding that she is proud to partner with ASOA, the "most re- spected administrators' organization in medicine." Karen Bachman, COE, incom- ing ASOA president, Saint George, Utah, described the founding history of ASOA, now in its 32nd year, that has grown from 300 members at its start to more than 2,700 strong. Ms. Bachman said her goals for the next year will focus on team- work, a "critical element in man- aging our practices and also what makes ASOA a very vibrant society." "Through teamwork, network- ing, sharing best practices, and top- notch education, ASOA members will exemplify ASOA's mission," she said. Ms. Bachman presented sev- eral awards and honors to ASOA members. The 2018 AE Editor's Choice Awards resulted in a tie this year with the winners being Ellen Thompson Harbin, Montgomery, Alabama, for "Active Shooter? How to Respond" in the January/February 2017 issue of Administrative Eyecare and John Pinto, San Diego, for "Your Indispensable Role in Helping Doctors Master Their Inner Game" in the November/December 2017 View videos from ASCRS•ASOA 2018: EWrePlay.org Kevin Miller, MD, discusses reasons for patient dissatisfaction with toric IOLs. Sponsored by

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