By Maryann Ott, BSN, RN, CCM, CPC
As Case Management Month 2026 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on how I became interested in CMSA and pursued my Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential.
It was the early 1990s, and I had made a career change to work as a Catastrophic Nurse Case Manager. I felt my diverse nursing experiences would serve me well in this new role. Around the same time, a friend introduced me to a social group of medical professionals, including social workers, nurses, vendors, and physicians. They met monthly to collaborate on ways to improve their patients’ lives while also socializing and networking.
At first, I felt intimidated by this intelligent and experienced group. However, as I got to know each member, I began learning from their case management experiences. It was through these meetings that I was first introduced to the profession of case management.
Eager to expand my knowledge, I ventured to the CMSA National Conference on my own. There, I met so many individuals who shared the same goals: advancing the role and profession of case management while reconnecting with friends and colleagues from across the country. Like many others, I left the conference with a wealth of new information and friendships that would last a lifetime.
Most importantly, I developed a strong desire to become more involved with CMSA and eventually earn my certification. I was enthralled by the educational sessions and energized by being surrounded by so many dedicated professionals. After years of working in a variety of nursing settings, I had finally found my professional niche. My goal was now to learn as much as possible about case management. Once I returned home, I began introducing my coworkers to CMSA, and eventually, several joined me in pursuing their certification.
We all passed the CCM certification exam and looked forward to growing in our roles as case managers. The next 33 years proved to be the most fulfilling of my nursing career.
As a Catastrophic Nurse Case Manager, I gained valuable knowledge and tremendous personal satisfaction from helping individuals who had sustained life-altering injuries. I worked with patients and their family members to help them rebuild their lives and establish a new normal. I also became a Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC) so I could help create adaptive living spaces tailored to their needs.
Over the years, some of these patients became close friends who still reach out to me when new obstacles arise in their lives. Those lasting relationships have been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Although I am now a retired nurse case manager, my involvement with CMSA continues. I co-founded my local CMSA chapter and served as its president. Today, I serve as President-Elect and Treasurer. I have presented at CMSA National Conferences and chapter events, and I serve as an editor of articles for CMSA Today and case management journals.
My case management marathon continues through my service on several CMSA committees. I currently serve on the CMSA National Board of Directors as the CPC Representative.
Who knows what the future holds for me within CMSA and the case management profession? One thing I know for certain is that the journey will continue to be worthwhile. I always look forward to reconnecting with the many friends I’ve made at conferences and during Zoom meetings.
My advice is simple: Get involved and share your case management knowledge. You never know where the journey will take you, the lives you will touch, or the lifelong friendships you will make. You’ll never regret it!
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Bio: Maryann Ott, BSN, RN, CCM, CPC. Maryann is a retired Catastrophic Nurse Case Manager from the State of Ohio, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. MaryAnn has 45+ years of diversified nursing and case management background. She has presented several times at the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) annual and chapter conferences. Maryann is a co-editor for articles in CMSA Today and Professional Case Management. She served on the CMSA National Educational Committee, CMSA Today’s Editorial Board, and was Co-Chair of the CMSA Bylaws & Governance Committee. Currently, she serves on the CMSA Finance & Audit Committee and the CMSA BOD as the Chapter President Council representative. Maryann is the Co-founder and 3 term Past President of the Cleveland Chapter of CMSA and currently is the Chapter Treasurer and President-elect.