In July 2023, we changed our name from AACC (short for the American Association for Clinical Chemistry) to the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM). The following page links to resources that were written prior to the rebranding and/or mentions events that took place prior to the rebranding and that contain mentions of the association’s old name.
SEP.28.2015
Dear Colleagues:
A few months ago I shared with you efforts under way to examine AACC’s governance framework. This review has the goal of ensuring a system that works for the needs of AACC and today’s laboratory medicine professionals. Tremendous progress has been made in this important endeavor, and we should see some exciting changes begin to take shape in the coming months.
An effective governance structure is one that aligns with AACC’s Strategic Plan, supports its ambitious goals, and provides AACC members rewarding opportunities for meaningful engagement in leadership positions. The preliminary recommendations of the Governance Review Advisory Task Force indicate that the Task Force members have risen to the challenge to create such a governance structure for AACC. The rigorous process of envisioning a new governance system, which included input from dozens of AACC members and a few professional governance consultants, has resulted in a bold, visionary plan to take AACC into the future.
One of the most exciting features of the new structure is that it is intended to enhance the ability for members to become more actively engaged in the leadership of AACC. The revised framework will feature new committees and other governance bodies that work together to guide various program areas in a cohesive way. Some current committees will likely be eliminated to improve efficiencies, but members of those committees will be eligible for appointment to new committees. Under the new system, all governance bodies will have clear roles and responsibilities, objectives, and well defined reporting relationships. Additionally, there will be periodic gatherings of all AACC committees and leadership to aid in communication, foster collaboration, and ensure alignment across governance groups.
Before the end of the year, I will share with you the new AACC governance framework, due to be considered and voted on by the Board of Directors in November. Those of you who know AACC’s structure well will see some significant changes, but I assure you that great care was taken to make certain that AACC’s governance is designed for the future, while at the same time honoring its history. As with any transformative venture, there will be a period of transition to roll out the changes needed to ensure that AACC’s critical programs and services are carried out. Some of these changes will require revisions to the bylaws, and you will be asked to vote on the bylaws early in 2016.
As members of AACC, we are part of a vibrant organization in a critical field of medicine. We and our field are at a crossroads, as healthcare delivery and reimbursement are taking new directions. Perhaps more than at any other time in recent history, we have the opportunity to contribute to high-quality, value-based medicine. Ensuring that AACC has the right resources to give laboratory medicine professionals the tools needed to thrive in this environment and improve patient care is key. With this in mind, I am confident that AACC’s new governance framework will support AACC’s efforts to better serve members and lead the profession forward.
Thank you for your continued support of AACC and your commitment to the profession of laboratory medicine.
Sincerely,
David D. Koch, PhD
President, AACC