By Jenny Quigley-Stickney, MSN, RN, MHA, MA, CCM, ACM-RN, CMAC, CPHM, FCM
As September arrives and the season begins to change, we are reminded that change can bring new opportunities. Fall gives us a natural moment to pause, reflect on where we have been, recognize what we have learned, and look ahead to where we are going. For case management, this is an opportunity to fall forward—taking what we have learned, embrace what is changing, and continue moving our profession forward with purpose.
Healthcare is evolving at an extraordinary pace. Artificial intelligence, telehealth, digital health, population health, new care delivery models, and an increasingly complex healthcare environment are changing the way we provide and coordinate care. Yet, despite these changes, one thing remains constant: the essential role of the case manager.
Case managers are the connectors who bring together patients, families, caregivers, providers, healthcare organizations, and community resources. We navigate complexity, advocate for individuals and families, coordinate services, educate, problem-solve, and help people find a path forward. Technology may change how we work, but it cannot replace the compassion, critical thinking, advocacy, and human connection that define case management.
Education Prepares Us to Fall Forward
Education is one of the most important tools we have as we prepare for the future. In a healthcare environment characterized by constant transformation, continuing education allows us to refine our knowledge, strengthen our skills, and remain prepared for the challenges ahead.
At CMSA, we recognize that professional development must support case managers throughout every stage of their careers. Whether developing emerging leaders, strengthening the skills of experienced professionals, pursuing competency-based credentials, or creating opportunities for specialized practice, education helps us remain confident and prepared.
Our upcoming October 3 Second Annual Virtual Leaders Conference is one example of how CMSA is investing in leadership development and creating opportunities for case managers to connect, learn, and grow. Likewise, MVD Day provides an opportunity to enhance the knowledge and skills of our military case managers while recognizing the important work they do.
These initiatives reflect an important part of CMSA's mission: providing case managers with the tools, knowledge, resources, and community they need to navigate an ever-changing healthcare environment.
Embracing Innovation Without Losing Our Humanity
Falling forward means embracing change rather than fearing it. Artificial intelligence can help us identify trends, streamline processes, and support decision-making. Telehealth can expand access to care and connect individuals with services regardless of distance. Population health strategies can help us move beyond treating illness to addressing prevention, wellness, social needs, and the broader factors that influence health.
But innovation alone is not enough. As we adopt new technologies and models of care, we must ensure that the person remains at the center of the process. The future of case management should not be about technology replacing relationships—it should be about technology strengthening our ability to build those relationships and improve outcomes.
Growing Our Workforce, Growing Our Profession
Workforce development is essential to the future of case management. We need to invest in education, mentoring, leadership development, professional credentials, and opportunities for case managers to share their expertise.
Every case manager has something to contribute. A seasoned professional can mentor someone beginning their career. An emerging leader can bring new ideas and perspectives. A colleague working in a different practice setting can help us see challenges through a different lens.
When we invest in one another, we invest in the future of case management.
Leadership is also not limited to those who hold a formal leadership title. Leadership can be advocating for a patient, speaking up when a process needs improvement, supporting a colleague, volunteering within CMSA, mentoring the next generation, or having the courage to bring forward a new idea.
Falling Forward Together
As CMSA enters this new season, let us continue to build on the incredible work of those who came before us while creating new opportunities for those who will follow. Our profession is strongest when we come together, share our experiences, learn from one another, and use our collective voice to advocate for patients, families, caregivers, and communities.
This September, I encourage each of you to fall forward.
Take what you have learned. Embrace what is changing. Be open to new possibilities. Invest in yourself and in those around you. Find one opportunity to learn, one person to mentor, one idea to share, or one change you can help advance.
The future of case management will not simply happen around us. We have the opportunity and the responsibility to help shape it.
As we move into this new season, let us fall forward together—with purpose, with courage, and with a continued commitment to the heart of case management: People caring for people.
Bio: Jenny has been active with CMSA/CMSNE for over 25 years serving currently as CMSA President Elect 2025-2026 and prior to this role, served as CMSA Treasurer, Board of Director for CMSA from 2021-2023. Worked as CMSA National she served as the President of CMSNE & Chair for both CMSA and CMSNE Public Policy Committees. Jenny is active in the CMSNE New England states serving as co-chair for Public Policy promoting the advancement of the Nurse Licensure Compact, and Telehealth legislation for health care professionals. She has a passion for public policy and believes that legislation helps advance the field of professional case management. Jenny expanded her role, working on the National Board to becoming a member of CMSA Editorial Board 2021-current, CMSA Strategic planning committee for organizational development, Chair CMSA Finance Committee 2023-2026 and CMSA Sponsorship Committee 2022-current. Jenny has been employed at all levels of the transitions of care, working with traumatic brain Injury, stroke and spinal cord for over 25 years in acute rehabilitation hospitals, hospital at home program and Outpatient Program Director for traumatic brain injury. She recently has shifted her work in professional case management back to her first love, acute care, focusing on vascular and trauma care in ICU and step-down unit for Cape Cod Healthcare.