Secretary’s Report December 2011
In my first report as Secretary of ATA, I wish to begin by thanking and congratulating our out-going Secretary, Rick Kloos. During Rick's 4 year term and under his guidance the ATA enjoyed substantial growth in total membership, diversity of gender and specialty representation, and inclusion of fellows and younger members that has enriched our society greatly. Our guidelines for Thyroid Nodules and Cancer, Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy, Hyperthyroidism, and Medullary Thyroid Cancer are generally recognized as gold standards. While many ATA members, committees, editors, officers and our capable office staff have certainly been instrumental in these forward-reaching efforts, Rick's guiding hand, encouragement, attention to detail and gentle reminders are clearly evident in each one.
The month of November, which as usual follows closely after our annual meeting, is typically one of recovery and reorganization for ATA, because the tremendous work of preparing for the meeting is completed. During this month we begin to implement adjustments in the office, composition of committees, and leadership of the organization for the upcoming year. In some ways it is quieter as the large effort of planning the meeting is now behind us, but there remains much work to be done. I had the pleasure of visiting the ATA office for a day in early November, just after assuming my new role as Secretary. I am pleased to report that under Bobbi Smith's expert direction the office functions as an efficient and highly tuned instrument. Shirlyn Barger, Sharleene Cano, Adonia Coates, and Kelly Hoff each have a defined set of responsibilities (which include support of specific ATA committees and task forces). However each of them also understands the big picture and is ready to pick up the phone or complete a task which may lie on another's desk if the situation requires this to better serve our membership and the organization. I am sure you will recognize and appreciate this if you have the opportunity to interact with the office by phone or email and I encourage you to do so if you have a question, comment, or problem that needs solving.
Much work is ongoing within our organization — here are some highlights. The Program Committee, led by Elizabeth Pearce and Doug Forrest, is beginning its deliberations for our Annual Meeting in Quebec City in 2012. The Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer guidelines taskforce, led by Bob Smallridge, is completing its work and anticipates finalizing their document over the next few weeks and its publication later next year. A relatively new task force charged with reviewing Thyroid Hormone Replacement and Use of Thyroid Hormone Analogues is being re-tasked to also work towards future development of Hypothyroidism guidelines. It is being co-chaired by Jacqueline Jonklaas and Tony Bianco. The ATA, with the help of the Public Health Committee and its chair, Jim Hennessey, has endorsed a letter to the White House from Representative Markey's office that calls to overturn a previous decision that blocked distribution of KI within 20 miles around nuclear power plants. The events in Japan earlier this year have increased radiation awareness and if accepted this recommendation will further ATA's position regarding KI protection from nuclear disasters.
Perhaps most importantly, Peter Kopp is chairing the search committee for a new Editor-in-Chief of THYROID. Charles Emerson's term will come to an end next year and selection of a new EIC that will carry forward the progress and excellence of our journal will be critical for ATA's continued success and growth. THYROID is clearly the worlds' leading publication of thyroid-related clinical and basic science and under Charles'direction has experienced a significant increase in its impact factor this past year. Applications for EIC will be accepted through the end of 2011 and can be forwarded to Peter Kopp, c/o Bobbi Smith bsmith@thyroid.org. I encourage all who are interested in this position to consider it carefully and to submit your name as a candidate for consideration by the EIC search committee.
As this year draws to a close, we can be proud of the growth and progress of the ATA and look forward to a great new year. I hope you enjoy the best of Holiday Seasons with your families and loved ones.
Sincerely,
John Morris, MD
Secretary/Chief Operating Officer
