Spreading Kindness: Small Acts, Big Impact in Rheumatology Practices

At NORM, we know that kindness has the power to transform workplaces, strengthen teams, and uplift patients navigating chronic illnesses. Since 2021, our Caring Committee has embraced Random Acts of Kindness Week as a special time to spread joy and positivity within our rheumatology practices. This year, from February 11–17, 2025, we invite all NORM members to join us in making a difference—one small act of kindness at a time.

Why Kindness Matters in Healthcare
February is a month associated with love and appreciation, making it the perfect time to focus on intentional kindness. In healthcare, where both staff and patients often face challenges, a simple act of kindness can have lasting effects. Whether it’s a warm greeting, a note of encouragement, or an unexpected gesture of generosity, kindness fosters a culture of support and gratitude that benefits everyone.

In rheumatology practices, where patients are often managing chronic pain and long-term treatment journeys, these small gestures can:
– Reduce stress and burnout for both staff and patients.
– Build a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued.
– Create a welcoming environment that enhances the patient experience.
– Strengthen team morale and collaboration.

Join the NORM Random Acts of Kindness Challenge!
We’re inviting you to participate in this year’s Random Acts of Kindness Challenge by:
– Performing one act of kindness each day—big or small, every effort counts!
– Sharing your experiences on social media using #NORMKindness and tagging NORM.
– Encouraging your team to do the same to build a culture of kindness in your workplace.

Ideas to Spread Kindness in Your Practice
Need inspiration? Here are a few simple ways to make a difference:
– For Patients: Offer a cup of coffee, provide a comforting word, or spend an extra moment ensuring they feel heard and cared for.
– For Colleagues: Leave an anonymous note of appreciation, acknowledge someone’s hard work, or bring in a small treat to brighten the office.
– For Yourself: Take a mindful break, express gratitude for your team, and acknowledge your own contributions to patient care.

Let’s Make Kindness Contagious
We want to hear from you! Share your stories and moments of kindness with us on social media or in the NORM community forum using #NORMKindness. Whether it’s a thoughtful gesture for a coworker, an uplifting moment with a patient, or a creative way your practice is spreading joy, let’s inspire each other.

How will you spread kindness this February? Drop a comment, tag us, and let’s make kindness a movement in rheumatology!

Need more inspiration? Head on over to https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/ for more ideas on how to help NORM make spreading kindness the norm.

 

-The NORM Caring Committee

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  • As a speaker at the first ad hoc meeting of rheumatology practice managers gathered in a single small room at its infancy a decade ago, I’m amazed to see how NORM has blossomed into a high energy organization of depth and professional meetings with parallel break-out symposia between plenary sessions. NORM has truly come of age. This is where the “business” of rheumatology gets learned. The ”guildmanship” for rheumatology practice management is now strong.- Paul H. Caldron, DO, FACP, FACR, MBA, Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates
  • In a time of demanding changes in the management of medical practices in the US, NORM has been a lifesaver to the community of Rheumatology practices.  NORM has allowed our practice to stay ahead of the many demands of CMS and others payors and has ensured that our practice remains cognizant of new issues that arise in HIPPA compliance, human resources and medical billing to name a few. Sending our Practice Manager to NORM's conferences has been cost-effective and beneficial to our practice because she returns to our office with an abundance of information that otherwise would have taken months to compile. Every Rheumatology practice that wishes to stay on top of emerging issues in practice management should consider sending a member of their staff to NORM's conference.- Michael S. Rosen M.D., Chester County Rheumatology PC
  • Thanks to all those wonderful people in the NORM Network who respond to emails, offering their advice, experience, time, and support ... I haven't even been a member a full year yet and I am amazed at the dedication of everyone who responds to helping via emails and the NORM Organization itself! I have barely had a chance to explore the resources and I have yet to really dive into requests for help still I am silently learning so much and do occasionally offer what I can! Thank you all!- Cheryl Piambino, Kenneth E. Bresky, DO

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