SAHRI

For those trained in management and finance, you must excuse my lack of knowledge of theory, practice of management and finance.  The goals of this page is to brain storm on how to accomplish our goals.

What does the term "management" or "operations" mean to a physician.  For most physicians it is the same as "the pain medication conversion table" for the rest of the world.  A few might think it mean managing patients and operating on the patients. 


To me, it meant, I was out of my league.  My experience in management involves managing a team 3-4 (an attending :-), an intern and one or two medical students) for a month at a time.  Prior to medical student, I worked as a systems engineer at Telcordia Technologies (formerly Bell Communications Research).  In my two years there, I certainly was responsible for specific tasks, but due to the smaller team sizes, never really managed personnel. 

So, how do I start and sustain an organization, a Non profit organization none the less?  I certainly have the ideas (don't know if its too much, can't tell you exactly what it will take to get it done, can't tell  you how many people will join and will want to work).  I think its a good idea and because it is for the community, the "good will" of people across the globe make them want to contribute (intellect, time, monies).  Oh yes!  then there is the thing about finances?  I can manage my check book... but is that what finances for an organization look like?  What will a budget for a newly formed organization look like? 

So, let's define some terms. 

First review the goals of the organization.  Actually, the ultimate goal is to improve health of south asians across the globe.  Breaking it down to what gets us to the goal is: Research, and then translation of the research into the daily practice of physicians and the community.

First and foremost, an organization can't accomplish these lofty goals alone.  So, the key is Collaboration. 

RESEARCH:
-  Collaboration with those individuals interested in research and performing research. 
-  Collaborating with the next generation of researchers (encouraging new generation of researchers to focus on the needs of the south asian community). 
-  Collaboration with other public health organizations and others who have complementary goals, providing an infrastructure for better communications.

TRANSLATION OF RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE
- collaborate with professional organizations to distribute the findings that are important for the community to the comunnity physicians and patients.
- collaborate with community organizations and help them accomplish their goals with

TAKE HOME: So, what' s the key to collaboration?  Well, internet has provided us with the tools.  Blogging, Wiki, and other tools that may be helpful.  But by collaborating with those with technology and management background we can accomplish that. 

Successful organization:
How will success be measured? 
- getting a research database constructed where anyone can access uptodate evidence based information on
- performing an epidemiological study to understand the various risk factors
- creating the next generation of researchers (hard to measure)
- creating an effective infrastructure to enable others to collaborate (everything doesnot and should not go through SAHRI). 

SUSTAINABLE organization:
- Needs funding
- needs organizational structure to continue to fulfill the above success measures.

Based on these needs now, we need to find a business model. 

Few thoughts: 
1.  University based models... those studies and research done through SAHRI may be a source of funding.
2.  Asking for donations.

But these are all traditional models, I think for this unique organization, we might need a newer model. 

Appreciate any comments/further thoughts. 
Hey, am I even thinking this the right way?

Biren