Vonda's Vlog

People are going to extraordinary lengths to ensure that everyone who delivers, receives and supports medical care can do so safely. I joined Dr. David Mayer, his wife Cathy, and two more safety awareness advocates (Lisa and Barbara) for a walk from the American Family Fields to Peoria stadiums in Pheonix, AZ. Dave and several others are walking 125 miles over ten days, raising donations and awareness to support everyone influencing and influenced by medical care. My pals Marty and Tracy are walking in Chicago and on Peletrons. I could go on!

May every person's mile lead us closer to zero preventable medical harm - which helps absolutely everyone!

Do you walk, bike or run? You can make your miles matter for medical safety here. 

Check out the press about Dave's Epic Walk

As I zigzag across the U.S.A., this House of Representatives gallery pass keeps my purpose for doing so in my line of sight. What I hear from people I interview and the people hosting me along the way will inform what I say to congressional leaders in September. 

What is most important to you as recipients, deliverers, and supporters of medical care? 

My first stop of dozens between SoCal and Capitol Hill has introduced me to a grey fox. Did you know that a grey fox can climb trees? Each night I practice in front of a glass door overlooking the meadow where I've seen one of these mysterious beings two times so far. I hope to catch it gliding by again tonight. 

The one I've seen is much darker than this grey fox featured in a photo by Jessica Snoek on Unsplash

Why do we prioritize some issues and not other issues; Covid-19 for example? People use numbers to alarm and call attention to issues. But, do numbers really motivate us? 

Take a moment to notice your Point of View (POV) on any topic. Chances are it's due for a refresh. Your POV could even be getting in the way of your POF (Point of Focus), your ultimate aim. 10th Dot helps people and organizations go beyond opinions to reach outcomes through engagement.

If you don't know what you want to experience above all else, what your Point of Focus is, try one of these suggestions:

1. Begin to take notice of what you don't say and why. 
2. Speak about your mistakes with someone you trust. 
3. Be honest with yourself when you know what you want but try to deny it. 

I can usually tell when I've lost my POF. I'm usually distracted from my Point of Focus when I find myself unconsciously swiping my phone or checking email unnecessarily. When I find myself easily frustrated I ask where is my attention right now. Is it directed toward my ultimate aim, my Point of Focus? If not, I take a pause, bringing my attention to my breath to recall what matters most, then proceed with momentum toward what will help me stay very present to the intersection of what is happening alongside my POF.

What are your clues that you're not keeping your Point of Focus in play?

2020 is looking epic for Vonda as she travels from the west coast to the east coast. Three points of focus are driving this trip.

1. Peer Review I'll be asking colleagues to watch me work publicly over the next several months and provide a transparent public peer review. I aim to get on Zoom with every person who worked with Yogiraj or me and invite them to publicly review the way I use methods from Gestalt Organizational Development, The Tradition of Himalayan Sages, Theatrical studies, as well as several Facilitation and Convening models. This is my next learning step and I'm excited to begin. Take note of my public engagements and writings over the next several months and chime in at any point about the integrity of my utilization of skills and tools for which you have lifetime achievement. More on this in future vlogs.
2. Model transparency as an individual leader seeking massive systemic change. 
3. Invite conversations about Patient Safety.

Do you see a different side of yourself during doctor appointments or when you are advocating as or for a patient? Too many people have described what my dear friend and I have decided to call hospital fog. It shows up as forgetfulness, a feeling of intimidation even if someone is thoughtfully listening, or a sense of anxiety. This medical fog may happen at any medical juncture, not just in a hospital (so perhaps we need to keep working on the name.) What's your experience with medical fog?

I make house calls for Patient Safety

2020 will be spent mobilizing everyone to keep us all safe in health care. Many find it surprising that medical error is as prevalent as it is. Harm and death occur far too often while giving and receiving medical care. We can do something about this. It starts with honest conversations from households to the White House. 

Please invite me to your place of employment, worship or hold a house party for all your loved ones. Together we can make health care safe for everyone providing, supporting and receiving medical attention.