By Dr. Samantha Walker, RN, DNP, CCM

Did someone say National Case Manager of the Year (CMOY)? What is that? How does someone become one?

Is a CMOY made of sugar and spice and everything nice? Perhaps snips and snails, or puppy dog tails? That may be up for debate; however, a CMOY is someone who serves as a role model for the case management profession. That individual is someone who leads by example.

The prestigious CMOY award recognizes an individual for their ongoing contributions that make a positive impact on those we serve. The award also recognizes the commitments made that shape the industry. The CMOY award is a symbol of the dedication that an individual has given to the practice of case management. A CMOY is a case manager who provides a positive vision for the future of the field. They emanate both professional and personal leadership qualities which encourage others to develop their own gifts of leadership. I am proud and honored to be named the 2023 National Case Manager of the Year.

Personally, CMOY means being a lifelong learner who is never too old to learn something new. A CMOY loves helping others. Let us leave the world in better shape than the way we find it.

Professionally, CMOY means learning from experts in our field and turning that knowledge into ways to serve others. Let us give to others to enhance their quality of life while meeting their needs in a timely and cost-effective manner. Let us develop new things and share that knowledge in professional publications and blogs. Let us be the person we wish that we had by our side, especially in times of need. Let us continue to be the experts who can create the world that we wish to live in.

Your friends or colleagues can nominate you as the CMOY, too! The Case Management Society of America opens the application process annually. Watch for the email announcement and pursue your opportunity for recognition! The National Awards Committee reviews applications and the successful candidate receives their award during the next Annual Conference. For more details, contact our National Chapter, and if there is anything that I may personally assist you with, please feel free to reach out to me.

Best of luck and thank YOU for all your hard work for those we serve! Whether you are the next CMOY or not, your dedication and contributions do not go unnoticed! All of us see you and appreciate you!

Have you felt the pull to get more involved with CMSA? Volunteering your time to work with case managers in your local community is incredibly rewarding. Learn more about local CMSA chapters and how you can serve here: https://cmsapmg.wpenginepowered.com/membership/chapters/

Bio: Samantha (Sam) Walker holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, Master of Science in Nursing Education, Bachelor, and Associate degree all from Indiana State University. She is a certified case manager with an extensive background working with seniors and in managed insurance. Currently, she works as a Vice President of Business Development & Managed Care. Her scholarly project was focused on improving the lives of seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Sam was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, Lambda Sigma Chapter. Sam is also a member of the American Nurses Association, Indiana State Nurses Association, American Health Care Association, Indiana Health Care Association, and Case Management Society of America (CMSA). She serves as an elected national CMSA board member and the local Chapter President for Central Indiana CMSA. She is a mother of two, a grandmother of two, and was a certified volunteer pet therapy team with her American Pit Bull Terrier for nearly 10 years. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, house projects, yard work, the outdoors, helping others, and continuing her education.