Those who know me well realize how much a certain part of me would rather be anywhere else now, doing almost anything else. Yet, another part of me realizes that what we celebrate tonight is larger than my or Dr. Wensel’s accomplishments. Indeed, we celebrate the callings and service by hundreds of PACE medical professionals, executives and other leaders. These work tirelessly to deliver and improve care to vulnerable and complex patients, senior community, and caregivers. Dr. Wensel is the proverbial tip of the iceberg of dedicated, competent and innovative PACE medical providers and I am deeply honored to be associated with an award such as this.

Janet and I recently celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with a tour of ancient Greece. We visited several sites during our tour and each featured the public gathering place known as the Agora (which Romans called the Forum). In each agora was a spot called the “Bema”, which was a slightly raised stone where speakers stood to address fellow citizens. We learned that, over time, rules developed around the bema. For example a speech should last no longer than six minutes. And the speeches should follow a pattern known as the “logos”, which included at least five elements: reason, wisdom, expression, persuasion and truth. Now I think I have about 4.5 minutes left, so may not get all five of those in!

A number of years ago, I received a teaching award and had to give some remarks. A priest friend gave me advice that I’ve heeded ever since. He suggested in such situations that I should keep it simple and remember only three things:

1. Give God the glory
2. Give others the credit
3. Then I can take home the joy

So how do we actually glorify God? It’s probably easy for a priest. But for the rest of us, a favorite author, John Piper, expressed it in a most helpful way ‐ he said that “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” I exhort you to use that concept in your conversations ‐‐ instead of asking “how are you?”, try asking, “what’s been satisfying to you lately?” Take the effort to name your satisfactions.

For me, the chief source, the headwaters of satisfaction over the past few years have been the relationships that have accompanied my work. These relationships with clients and colleagues have built me up, challenged me, and spurred me to do good. And they continue to satisfy so. I trust each of you have found similar satisfactions during your sojourn in PACE.
I must acknowledge one person without whom I could not be here. She has been beside me throughout my journey in PACE, Capstone, and Tabula Rasa. She truly has been the wind beneath my wings and equally the tether that keeps me grounded. Please join me in appreciating my wife, Janet.

You’ve heard of Bernard of Chartres in the 12th century, who introduced the notion of us as dwarfs perched on the shoulders of giants. He pointed out that we see farther than our predecessors, not because we have keener vision, but because we are lifted up and borne aloft on their stature. So also have I benefited from medical director colleagues such as Adam Burrows, Matt McNabney, Bruce Kinosian, Steve Ryan, Donna Raziano, Verna Sellers, Mary Gavinski, Gwendolyn Graddt‐Dansby, and Fred Sherman. These men and women and many more are my heroes.

And lest you think that Drs. Brett, Wilner are here to make me look good, I must remind you of the tremendous contributions both of them have given to the NPA Primary Care Committee and PACE community at large through their ongoing work in Capstone.

But not only doctors ‐‐ I’ve learned most of what I know from my clients ‐‐ executives, nurse practitioners, nurses, quality directors and others ‐‐we could be here all night naming them. Their talents and creativity have both taught, challenged and inspired me. Additionally, my consulting colleagues: Ronda Hackbart, Patty Bailey, Dorothy Ginsburg, Mandy Hurley, John Stolze and more have been a tremendous source of knowledge and support over the years.

I must give credit to my bosses. Most of you know how challenging it is to employ physicians ‐‐ we are a wild bunch, suffering from the “MDeity” syndrome. But I’ve had smart bosses, such as Deno Fabbre, David Reyes and now Cal Knowlton, who have largely been responsible for any good that I’ve managed by putting me in position, winding me up and letting me go; providing course corrections when needed. Truly, I’d be nowhere without them.

Finally, there are those for whom we each labor ‐‐ our raison d’etre ‐‐ our participants. Who of us working in PACE has not been impacted by a participant or parade of participant characters, who have directly stimulated us to love and good works? Those are the stories that should be the source of our celebrations. I hope you’ll have many more of them.

And with that, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to take home the joy. Thank you again. 

Richard O. Schamp, MD
On the occasion of the inaugural presentation of the Richard O. Schamp, MD, Award
CareVention HealthCare PACE Appreciation Dinner
October 21, 2018
Portland Hilton Downtown Hotel
Portland, Oregon