SEP 13, 2022
Tips for AAO 2022—Ms. Loyacano: "Make Sure You Plan Your Agenda"
Natalie Loyacano, COMT, ROUB, OSA, OCSR, (F)ATPO, is the practice administrator for a solo vitreoretinal clinic that has nine employees and two locations in Biloxi, Mississippi. She also is Secretary for Certification on the Board of Directors for the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology.
My first annual meeting—1986. My first meeting was at New Orleans in 1986. Since then, I’ve been able to share my knowledge and experiences by participating on panels and presenting lectures.
My tip for getting the most out of AAO 2022—arrive with a plan. It is best to plan your day’s agenda before you arrive at the convention center. If you don’t, you may find yourself wandering. Know the courses that you want to attend and set aside a day for the exhibits.
Best lessons I’ve learned at AAOE presentations—too numerous to list! The work environment is constantly changing, which means I must keep up with the times, and the meeting gives me that platform to stay informed and educated. I always learn something new every time.
Guilty pleasure at annual meetings—the AAOE Lounge. Refreshments, foot massagers, and comfortable sofas in the AAOE Lounge (Room S104b, Level 1).
Biggest rookie mistakes. #1: Uncomfortable shoes. #2: Not taking time to network and socialize. It is rewarding to network with fellow practice administrators and put faces to the names that I see on AAOE-Talk!
This content is excerpted from the Subspecialty Day edition of AAO 2022 News, the newspaper distributed at the convention center.
Read more news about Subspecialty Day and AAO 2022.