It is important to look at all types of professional groups within your field of work as you are attending classes.  Many times, organizations have student tracks that will assist you in your journey to finding the career of your dreams.  By becoming a student member of these organizations, you will have the opportunity to gain inside knowledge and meet some of the “heavy hitters.”

As you start to interview for positions within your field, employers will not only be looking at the degree that you hold, but also what sets you apart from every other applicant.  Belonging to various organizations brings an added benefit to hiring you over someone else.

One of these organizations is ACHE – the American College of Healthcare Executives.  An excerpt taken from the ACHE website:

The American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of more than 40,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. ACHE offers its prestigious FACHE^® credential, signifying board certification in healthcare management. ACHE’s established network of more than
80 chapters provides access to networking, education and career development at the local level. In addition, ACHE is known for its magazine, Healthcare Executive, and its career development and public policy programs. Through such efforts, ACHE works toward its goal of being the premier professional society for healthcare executives dedicated to improving healthcare delivery.

Dr. Barimo attended this years ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership and brought back these videos:

Diana Smalley, FACHE,  regional president, Mercy in Oklahoma, made her first address as ACHE’s 2013–2014 Chairman at the Congress Opening Session. In her inspiring presentation, Smalley shared her leadership advice and what it means to be caring leaders. The Opening Session also included the Gold Medal Award presentations.

Diana Smalley, FACHE Video

Thomas C. Dolan, PhD, FACHE, CAE,  president and CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives, presented “Aspirations of a Servant Leader.” Dolan revealed important self-discoveries and experiences that have guided his leadership journey.

Thomas C. Dolan, PhD, FACHE, CAE Video

Ramanathan Raju, MD, FACHE,  presented “Healthcare Is Better by Inclusion.” From firsthand experience both as the CMO of New York City Health and Hospitals and now as the CEO of the Cook County Health and Hospitals System, Raju illustrated how a culturally competent workforce can deliver better results and bridge the healthcare disparities gap.

Ramanathan Raju, MD, FACHE Video

Widau's clutch hitting won the game for the Cardinals

Complete Recap

Game Stats

The Cardinals actually got out to an early lead for once and looked poised for an easy upset victory over Indiana Tech before the bullpen struggled late and gave up four runs in the last three innings to force the game into extra innings. Second baseman Mitch Widau hit a walk-off single with the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the tenth inning to win the game for the Cardinals. Ball State travels to Indiana tomorrow for a non-conference game at 3:00 pm.

The Good

• Freshman Scott Baker made his first start and it was a solid one, lasting four innings in which he allowed two runs on four hits while striking out four.
• Designated hitter Brandon Estep, Widau, and center fielder Wes Winkle each had two hits apiece.
• First baseman Cody Campbell, Widau, and Winkle each drove in two runs at the plate.
• Relievers Devin Wilburn, Ross Overstreet, and Chris Marangon combined to throw 3.2 scoreless innings and also didn’t allow a hit among them.

The Bad

• Ball State left 12 men on base.
• Reliever Matt Johnsen allowed two runs on four hits in 1.1 innings of relief. He did slightly redeem himself by striking out three batters.
• Reliever Jon Cisna allowed two runs on three hits in the ninth inning, sending the game into extra innings.

Game Notes

• Third baseman Elbert Devarie stole his second base of the season.
• Five Cardinals had extra base hits in the game.
• Winkle stole his sixth base of the season.

Go Cards!!

T.J. Baumet was hit by a pitch to win the game for the Cardinals

Box Score

Ball State posted a 2-1 victory against Indiana Tech after shortstop T.J. Baumet was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to force in a run and win the game for the Cardinals. The Cardinals improved to 8-23 on the season with the victory.

Indiana Tech took the lead in the fifth inning when they scored a run off of starter Kyle Raleigh, Ball State tied the game with a run in the bottom of the eight inning off of Indiana Tech starter Daniel Puckett. Puckett pitched the entire game and was a formidable foe, allowing only four hits. Pinch hitter Blake Beemer hit his first home run of the season, scored a run, and drove in a run at the plate for the Cardinals; right fielder Sean Godfrey, first baseman Kenny Mahala, and infielder T.J. Weir had a hit apiece for the Cardinals.

Kyle Raleigh made his first career start for the Cardinals and had an excellent debut as a starter. He went 5.0 innings and allowed the one run in the fifth inning and allowed only two hits while striking out three.  Relievers Tyler Jordan and Michael Sandman combined to pitch the final four innings and allowed four hits and struck out five. Sandman picked up his first career win.

It was a good game for the Cardinals, it’s encouraging to see the team rally to win a close game. It would have obviously been nice to get some more hits and post some more runs, but the only blemish on the game for the Cardinals is that the Cardinals committed three errors in the game. Fortunately none of these errors led to any runs, but it is a cause for concern. The Cardinals return to action this weekend in a three-game series at Buffalo. The Bulls are 7-23 overall and 0-7 in MAC play, so it could be an excellent opportunity for the Cardinals to post another series victory and possibly pick up their first sweep of the season.

Go Cards!!

Kenny Mahala's 3 RBIs weren't enough for a W today

Box Score

Ball State was one out away from pulling off the upset victory over Purdue, but Cody Elliott loaded the bases in the ninth inning and Scott Brothers gave up back-to-back two-run singles to allow Purdue to take a 8-5 lead and win the game. The Cardinals then went down in order in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Nestor Bautista got the start for Cardinals and struggled, giving up four runs, all in the second inning, on seven hits while issuing a walk and striking out one in four innings. Jacob Brewer took over from Bautista and only allowed one hit in 2.2 innings, but walked five Boilermakers. Justin Warrington and Michael Sandman combined to pitch 1.1 innings without giving up either a run or hit. Elliott started the game in center field and came in to the game to close out the win for the Cardinals but picked up the loss after allowing three runs in 0.2 innings and striking out one.

Kenny Mahala continued his strong offensive month, going 3-for-4 with three doubles and knocked in three runs. Shortstop T.J. Baumet, right fielder Blake Beemer, designated hitter Kirby Campbell, third baseman T.J. Weir, and second baseman Mitch Widau had one hit apiece. Baumet also stole his sixth base of the year and Weir stole his second.

It’s obviously a disappointment to see the Cardinals lose after looking like they were going to pull off the upset, but it’s impressive that Ball State was in the game despite using so many young pitchers. Purdue was lucky to win this game, in another year or two they’ll need more than luck to pull out a victory. Ball State faces off against Indiana Tech tomorrow at Ball Diamond and looks to snap a two-game losing streak. Indiana Tech is 21-15 overall and 4-6 in their conference, so they’re a tough, but beatable opponent.

Go Cards!!