Refine (rĭ-fīn‘ 
v.
To reduce to a pure state; purify.
To remove by purifying.
To free from coarse, unsuitable, or immoral characteristics
I was able to attend the annual TEPR show this week in Dallas. TEPR has attempted to differentiate itself by focusing on the quality/quantity of its educational sessions and not so much on the [...]
Conceptualize (kən-sĕp’chū-ə-līz’ v.
The mental process of considering, developing, or forming ideas, thoughts, or notions
The ability to interpret new ideas from specific instances or occurrences in a conceptual way
I have thoroughly enjoyed my foray into the new world of healthcare consumerism as part our changing healthcare landscape. I began down the Health 2.0 path initially [...]
Agenda (ə-jĕn’də) n.
A temporally organized plan for matters to be attended to
An organized list, as of procedures, activities, or events
A grouping or program of things to be done or considered
Several people have asked me about the [...]
Summit (sŭm’ĭt) n.
The highest point or part; the top.
The highest level or degree that can be attained.
A conference or meeting of high-level leaders, usually resulting in a call to action
As mentioned previously, I was fortunate to visit with the Matthew Szulik, the CEO of Red Hat last fall. We discussed a wide [...]
Empower (ĕm-pou’ər)
To invest with power, especially legal power or official authority.
To equip or supply with an ability; to enable.
I am attending The Consumer Driven Health Care Conference this week in Las Vegas (I also stopped by for a few minutes at the Healthcare Blogging Conference as well). It is great to see [...]
Inevitable (ĭn-ĕv’ĭ-tə-bəl) adj.
An unavoidable event
Incapable of being prevented
Invariably occurring or appearing
I am looking into attending the Health Blogging Conference in Las Vegas on April 30. It has been an interesting and enjoyable experience for me to step out into the blogosphere, and engage the ether in a free exchange of thoughts and ideas [...]
Globalization (glō’bəl-lā’shən) adj.
The process by which the economies of countries around the world become increasingly integrated over time.
Tendency of businesses to move beyond domestic and national markets to other markets around the globe, thereby increasing the interconnectedness of different markets.
The fat lady has finally sung in New Orleans. The last day of the HIMSS [...]
Inspiration (ĭn’spə-rā‘shən) n.
Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.
Something that stimulates the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.
The quality of inspiring or exalting
The act of drawing in
I have been to HIMSS for the last five years. I [...]
Underwear (ŭn’dər-wâr’ n.
Clothes worn next to the skin, beneath one’s outer clothing.
Clothes that typically cover private areas to avoid exposure.
On Tuesday night, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Athenahealth private party at Uptown Cajon in New Orleans. The restaurant is owned by a cousin (Vinny?) of one of the senior sales executives [...]
Apply (ə-plī’ v.
To put to into action or adapt for a special use.
To devote (oneself or one’s efforts) to something.
Steve Ballmer, the enigmatic CEO of Microsoft gave the keynote address today at the HIMSS conference in New Orleans. While he wasn’t at his Monkey [...]
Crossover Healthcare