From where I sit, the upcoming year will present many challenges and opportunities for those in health care. Nurse practitioners continue to gain public awareness as expert providers of high-quality health care services, as well as becoming an increasingly visible part of the health care community. However, there is more work still to be done in educating the public on the role of the NP. Some new topics to monitor include the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree transition and how it may impact education, training and patient care. NPs also must keep a watch on evolving health IT efforts, federal and state rules and regulations, and pay-for-performance programs, to name a few future issues.

As for events, next year promises to provide another exceptional AANP National Conference -- to be held June 26 through July 1 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center on the Potomac near Washington, D.C. Visit the AANP Web site for full details.