AAMA : Blogs : I am a Fellow: Colonel John R. Kirk

Your full name and any title(s) you would like us to use in the article (Dr., Major, etc.)

Colonel John R. Kirk

Current position, professional organization name, city and state

ANG Medical Forces Advisor

Office of the Air Force Surgeon General

Defense Health Headquarters 

7700 Arlington Blvd, 4N437

Falls Church, VA  22042-5158

Number of years with the Academy

Member since 1992 (20 years), first Certified in 1999

Previous and current Leadership position(s) in the Academy (If any)

Member, Credentials/Advancement Committee

Current Credentials/Designations (Diplomate, FAAMA, FACCP, FACCA)

FACHE, CFAAMA, FACCP and Diplomate

What prompted you to become a Fellow?

The Air Force supports certification and credentialing with one of several agencies as a key element to career progression.  When it was time for me to look at board certification, I researched all the choices and felt that AAMA matched my needs for professional development and networking.  About the same time I was interested in becoming a Fellow, the American College of Contingency Planners (ACCP) was in an embryonic stage and several military members attended a meeting I was at to discuss the benefits of becoming a Fellow.  I completed the requirements a few years later and agree with their statements that the credential does distinguish you as a leader in the field.  Over the years, the instant recognition of the credentials in my signature block has opened numerous doors for leadership opportunities including a deployment to Afghanistan and positions at the Major Command and Headquarters Air Force level.  At the time I was ready for Diplomate the only Fellow that was eligible was the AAMA so I completed those requirements as well and feel that it provided me with another perspective of healthcare administration.  I am pleased that Fellows in the ACCP are now eligible for the culminating title of Diplomate.  At this point in my Air Force career I am less than 2 years from retirement and spend the majority of my time mentoring numerous young healthcare administrators.  I encourage them to pursue the certification and status as a Fellow in the AAMA because I believe strongly that it demonstrates competencies and excellence in our chosen profession. I have no doubt that the training and networking I have accomplished in the AAMA  over the last 20 years will be beneficial in my next career as a healthcare administrator and educator in the private sector.           

What benefits have you recognized by becoming a Fellow? (Not AAMA benefits – but benefits/recognition received outside the organization)

The most significant benefit to me has been the instant credibility I am afforded when military and civilian healthcare leaders note that I am a Fellow in the AAMA.  It lets them know that I have taken the necessary steps to demonstrate competency and quality in our chosen profession.  It’s an immediate fellowship when I meet other fellows – a distinct group of like-minded individuals that advance the ideals of healthcare administration.

What does being a Fellow mean to you?

Being a Fellow means taking the time and devoting the energy to meet a set of professional standards set forth by your peers.  It recognizes previous achievements and predicts future successes.  It’s being part of a distinguished group of members that share your commitment to advancing the practice and profession of healthcare administration. 

Do you have any recommendations for Members who are considering becoming a Fellow? (Lessons learned or personal experiences with the process)

It is important to work closely with the headquarters staff to understand the standards. This is not a time to “guess” at what something means.  That wastes time and energy.  Choosing a seasoned, credentialed mentor in the AAMA is also valuable for navigating the criteria and recommending the best choice (PAD, Case Studies, Thesis, etc.) for earning Fellow status as well as overall career advice.  Sometimes, just by hearing about your current situation and future goals they can provide suggestions that save time and money.