Greetings, It’s natural at the end of the year to reflect on all that’s occurred in the past twelve months. Without a doubt, the medical travel industry gave us plenty to consider in 2011. Fortunately, the good news over the past year, including broader acceptance of medical travel among consumers and employers and significant new partnerships, outweighed the bad. But it’s from the unfortunate, and even tragic, events that we hopefully learn our lessons. So what did we learn this year?

1. It’s not enough to promise stellar care and service. Consistent, quality delivery is what ultimately matters. No pretty promise or package or lovely lobby will save you if the patient isn’t safe or satisfied.
2. Perception is reality. What consumers are told about an industry is what they believe. If they believe it’s unsafe and disorganized, then that’s what it is. It’s our job to consistently project and protect the right message about who and what we are.
3. Cooperation is key. Be it between governments, hospitals, insurers, employers, publishers, and organizations, cooperation is essential to our mutual success. It’s a big, big world out there filled with potential patients and partners in every single country. If we all play nice, fair and honestly, success will be plentiful.

As always, we welcome your comments, story ideas and press releases. Wishing a safe and happy Holiday and New Year to all,   Amanda Haar, Editor [email protected]