Transforming Health Care
Alberta was in a transition time, and still is in terms of health care in my opinion. I think we’re leaders at looking at different models and different ways of doing things.
One of my more enjoyable contracts was working for the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) some years ago. It was a new area. The AMA, in conjunction with Alberta Health and Wellness and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, was developing clinical practice guidelines. And so it was full campaign development, from the point of conducting situational analysis and doing public relations to trade shows and talking with physicians. It was the full promotional package. They wanted to decrease costs and improve quality, and they were prepared to challenge some of the traditional beliefs in terms of ways of doing things. And the leaders just said, you know, everything was fair game.
You feel appreciated after doing something like that. Alberta was in a transition time, and still is in terms of health care in my opinion. I think we’re leaders at looking at different models and different ways of doing things. I can look back now and say, "Oh yeah, I was a part of that." It’s a small stepping stone on the path to where I am today, and I look back with some fond memories.
I try to get people to think about the things in life that are the most important. As a marketer I try to add value to people’s lives. If people want me to promote something and I feel it’s not helping the well-being of people, I'm not going to get involved. I’m fortunate in that I'm in a position where I can do that.
Where Next?
Jim Swaffield
Jim Swaffield is a marketing instructor at the University of Alberta and the Edmonton campus of the University of Lethbridge. He is also an active marketing consultant and past president of the Alberta Society for Marketing Professional Services.
