Candidate Questions and Responses

What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing surgical technologists today, and how can AST help?
I believe that the most pressing issue facing surgical technologists today is the level of our foundational education.  We have grown as a profession in so many areas in the past 40 years, yet our education level has remained essentially the same.  Our foundational education must grow to reflect the complexity of today’s practice.  I believe that AST can help by facilitating and energizing the existing cooperative efforts with the ARC-ST and NBSTSA to jointly support a mandatory resolution for the associate degree as the required minimum level for entry level education in surgical technology.

How do you motivate surgical technologists to become involved in AST?
The best method I’ve found to motivate surgical technologists to become involved in AST is to share my enthusiasm and passion for our profession with them as a role model and mentor.  Enthusiasm and a positive attitude are infectious, in the best sense of the term!  I don’t waste time bemoaning the low turn-out for a meeting.  Instead, I celebrate the commitment of those who care enough to show up.  We must never underestimate the power of a few dedicated, positive and eager surgical technologists working together as a team!

How will your past experiences help you to function as a member of the
Board of Directors?
My experiences serving AST at all levels have uniquely prepared me to function in a highly competent manner.  There is a significant difference in function and responsibility between committee service and serving on a board of directors.  My understanding of that difference has had a positive impact in my service to AST.  The AST Board is charged with determining the strategic vision for our profession.  I believe that competent directorship empowers the great talent AST has at national headquarters and on our national committees to do the work that is uniquely theirs, which is to bring that vision into being.