Leadership: A Farewell, Not a Goodbye: Continuing the Journey

As Outpatient Surgery Magazine closes, AORN steps up to fill the void.

As I reflect on the past few years contributing to Outpatient Surgery Magazine, I cannot help but think about my career as a whole and how this moment feels strikingly familiar. OSM began in 2000 as an independent voice for the outpatient surgery community. Over the years, it evolved in its offerings, grew with the market and kept a sharp eye on future trends while connecting vendors, leaders and clinicians in meaningful ways.

Honestly, writing for the magazine has been one of the highlights of my career. I have looked forward to every issue, every article and every opportunity to share insights with colleagues across the country. So yes, while I am disappointed that this is my final piece for OSM, I am also excited to continue engaging with readers through new, dynamic avenues that AORN is developing — avenues that promise to be even more interactive, innovative and impactful.

Change can be good

Throughout my career, I have experienced change in ways I could never have imagined. Clinical advancements through evidence-based practice have improved the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the care we provide. Technological innovations have empowered healthcare professionals to deliver care with greater accuracy and speed.

It reminds me of the fax machine, once a staple in every office, including mine. I remember the hum of the machine, the anticipation of waiting for a confirmation, and the occasional panic when a transmission failed. It was essential, dependable (when stocked with paper) and oddly comforting. Then came email, secure portals and cloud-based document sharing. The fax machine slowly faded into the background. Today, I would be hard-pressed to even find one. I have fond memories of receiving a long-awaited fax, but I wouldn’t trade the speed and efficiency of modern communication for anything.

I also cannot forget the challenges of managing X-ray films — not electronic images, but the actual physical films. Once an X-ray was taken, it was sent to a processing room, then returned to the OR and placed on lighted boards for viewing. It met the need at the time but had lasting effects. Storing the films securely and privately became overwhelming. As a patient, I remember transporting X-ray films to appointments just to avoid repeating exams. Today, X-ray images are managed, stored, viewed and shared electronically — providing convenience and allowing immediate access by multiple providers when evaluating care. Patients also benefit from the innovation with their own access to view the X-ray images through their patient portal.

Although the closing of the magazine brings a sense of loss, the information, resources and perspective remain — and they continue to evolve.

Honoring legacy

Outpatient Surgery Magazine has been more than a publication — it has been a trusted voice, a source of inspiration and a vital connection point for professionals across the ambulatory surgery landscape. Whether you were flipping through its pages in your breakroom, posting articles on the communication board or clicking through its latest digital issue, this magazine has stood beside you, offering insights, innovations and a sense of community.

Its legacy is rich and enduring. It has elevated voices from every corner of the outpatient world including nurses, managers, surgeons, techs and administrators, each contributing to a vibrant dialogue about what it means to deliver safe, efficient and patient-centered care. It has celebrated innovation, challenged norms and helped us all grow.

New paths, same commitment

AORN is committed to continuing the work of Outpatient Surgery Magazine. We are expanding resources to meet the evolving needs of this community whether you’re leading a freestanding ASC, managing a hospital-based outpatient department or navigating the complexities of perioperative leadership.

From evidence-based toolkits and clinical guidelines to leadership development and peer networking, AORN is here to support you. Our goal is to bolster confidence and competence in outpatient care, share evidence-based practices throughout the ambulatory community and ensure that the spirit of the magazine lives on.

OR Excellence returns

And for those who have missed the energy and connection of the OR Excellence conference, we have exciting news: It’s coming back in 2026.

This beloved event will return with renewed focus, fresh content and the same commitment to excellence that made it a must-attend for so many. The conference will once again be a place to gather, learn and celebrate the incredible work happening in outpatient surgery centers across the country. Stay tuned — we cannot wait to welcome you back.

Together, we move forward

Transitions are never easy, but they often lead to growth. As we say goodbye to Outpatient Surgery Magazine, we invite you to stay connected with AORN and explore the new opportunities ahead. We’re listening, we’re learning and we’re building something even stronger together. Thank you for being part of this journey. The best is yet to come, and I am honored to be an integral part of it! OSM