By Mindy Owen, RN, CRRN, CCM, FCM
Launched in 2021, the Case Management Fellow (FCM™) program from the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) honors distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the professional practice of case management through leadership, innovation and scholarship. With a total of 24 FCMs inducted, CM Fellows represent a diverse and accomplished community of thought leaders who actively identify future trends and address critical issues affecting case management.
Case Management Fellows (FCM™) are dedicated to advancing the profession, mentoring the next generation, and sharing their knowledge through publications and presentations. FCMs are not only influencers but also stewards of the profession, ensuring that case management continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. As they champion the highest standards of practice, they make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities, leaving an indelible mark on the professional practice of case management.
The program is designed to acknowledge the vital role that thought leadership plays in advancing the field of case management. By identifying and celebrating these accomplished individuals, the program not only recognizes their achievements but also encourages others to strive for excellence in their professional journey.
Benefits of the FCM™ Designation
Being named a Case Management Fellow carries numerous benefits both for the honoree and the profession. Here are some of the advantages:
- Prestige and Recognition: The FCM™ designation is a prestigious honor that acknowledges an individual's outstanding contributions to the field, making them a recognized leader within their professional case management practice.
- Leadership Opportunities: FCMs have the opportunity to take on leadership roles in shaping the future of case management, influencing policy, and driving innovation.
- Networking: Fellows become part of a distinguished community of impact-makers, allowing for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and networking with peers and stakeholders who share their passion and commitment.
- Professional Growth: The FCM™ designation encourages ongoing learning, research, and publication, fostering continuous professional growth and development.
- Advancing the Profession: By recognizing excellence, the program helps raise the standards of practice in case management, the Code of Conduct, benefiting both professionals and the individuals they serve.
FCM Minimum Qualification Criteria
- Hold a case management certification from a nationally recognized certifying body.
- Be a current member in good standing of CMSA for the most recent five (5) years.
- Minimum of ten (10) years in the professional practice of case management.
- Possess professional licensure or hold an advanced health and human services degree.
The easy-to-use online application process consists of five sections, in addition to the required uploads. These focus on your leadership, contribution to and impact on the professional practice of case management.
- SECTION 1: APPLICANT INFORMATION
Key demographic information, verification of professional licensure or advanced health and human services degree, case management certification, and membership in CMSA are provided.
- SECTION 2: SCHOLARSHIP ACTIVITY AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FIELD
This section allows you to share the contribution and impact you have made on the professional practice of case management as part of and outside of your structured employment, through presentation, publication, professional standards, research and improvement, as well as any special awards or recognition you have received.
- SECTION 3: LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION
Here you share innovative leadership achievements, mentoring activities, community service and volunteerism to showcase your impact.
- SECTION 4: APPLICANT STATEMENT
A brief applicant statement allows you to illustrate your commitment to the field of case management.
- SECTION 5: CM FELLOW ESSAY
This expanded written opportunity allows you to share why becoming a CM Fellow is important to you and to convey your passion for the professional practice.
Join your peers and be recognized for your passion for case management and your contributions to the professional practice of case management. To apply to become an FCM, visit https://cmsapmg.wpenginepowered.com/about/fellow/. Completed applications and the program fee must be received by January 15, 2024.
Bio: Mindy Owen, RN, CRRN, CCM, FCM began her career in health care as a critical care specialist in neurosurgery and rehabilitation. She spent three years as the Charge Nurse of a Neuro ICU, and the step-down unit at Milwaukee County Medical Complex. She then joined the team that designed, developed, and implemented a SCI-TBI rehabilitation program affiliated with Wesley Regional Medical Center in Wichita, KS. Mrs. Owen was instrumental in preparing the program for both CARF and JACHO accreditation, as well as serving on the national board of ARN during the eight years she directed the program. Her case management career began in 1984, as the Midwest Regional Director of C.M. for Intracarpal leader in disability, UR, and CM services nationwide. She was asked to be one of the Founding Board members of CMSA, helping to establish the organization and became its second President. Mrs. Owen has served on the CMSA Task Force (Outcomes and Accountability), the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCM Chair--1996 and 2005), ACCM Leadership Council, the Editorial Board of The Case Manager magazine and Lippincott's Case Management Journal, the Case Management Standards of Practice Task Force sponsored by URAC, and advisory boards for NMHCC, Contemporary Forums, Mosby's, Ortho Biotech, and Glaxo Welcome. Currently, Mrs. Owen is the Principal of Phoenix Healthcare Associates, LLC, Coral Springs, FL, a consulting firm specializing in education and development of case management and disease state management programs. She completed an extended assignment as the Interim Director of Case Management Services University of NC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC. Previously, she was the lead Consultant to the State of FL and Pfizer in a DSM initiative to implement a new DSM program for Medicaid recipients. Mrs. Owen is presently serving as the lead consultant for a Case Management Integration and Implementation initiative at a large academic medical center in AZ. Mrs. Owen has published numerous articles, monographs, and curriculum; and is acknowledged as a contributing author of Case Management in HealthCare-2nd edition, 2003. She is a much-requested speaker, serving on several health care national speakers bureaus. DISCLOSURE: Presenter discloses that she had advisory board membership with ACRP as a public member. She also has been an honorarium recipient of CMSA; and had editorial board involvement with the "Professional Case Management," a Lippincott publication.