by Katherine Du Fresne, RN, MSN, CPHRM, FASHRM
Hello Friends,
It may not feel like spring yet in many parts of the US, but March marks the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere, so whether we feel it or not, we are moving towards longer, warmer days! Even though I am one of those strange people who loves winter, this year I am ready for spring!
With spring, like with any change, there can certainly be storms. The storms of spring remind me a little of the risk management profession. Events sweep in that demand our immediate attention, just like a storm. And much like a storm, there may be clean up in the aftermath, but there is often the uniting of a community as well, and the rebuilding of something even better and stronger than it was before. If you happen to be weathering a risk management storm right now, know that you are not alone. You have community in your ASHRM colleagues. Not only can ASHRM offer timely resources, but ASHRM colleagues can offer a sounding board and trusted advice through the Exchange. And maybe, when things seem to be at their darkest, an ASHRM colleague can offer the reminder that the light is indeed equal to the darkness!
I want to extend a sincere thank you to the ASHRM volunteer faculty and the ASHRM staff who have been hard at work updating and redesigning the HRM Essentials program! The inaugural session will be delivered in Dallas May 12th through the 14th. The Essentials program will provide foundational knowledge and skills aimed at professionals who are newer to risk management. Thanks to the dedication of our faculty and staff, ASHRM is able to ensure this program is dynamic and really provides the comprehensive content needed in today’s rapidly changing health care environment. More information is available here: https://www.ashrm.org/hrm-essentials-course.
Also, this spring there are two virtual learning opportunities. The CPHRM Exam Prep Course and the Health Care Risk Financing Certification Program will both be offered. Registration is open and more information is available here: https://web.cvent.com/event/1de6c5e6-b7fc-4c30-a215-33e24c84adad/summary.
Finally, in case you missed it, look here for some great Patient Safety Week resources and webinars: https://www.ashrm.org/resources/patient-safety-week.
Happy spring, and here’s to remembering that the brightest sunshine often comes just after a storm!
-Katie Du Fresne, RN, MSN, CPHRM, FASHRM
2026 ASHRM President