President's Update, August 2015

Robert C. Smallridge, M.D. ATA President

Dear ATA Colleagues:

As the end of summer approaches, we are less than two months until the 15^th ITC in Orlando. The Program Committee, with representatives from all four world societies, has organized a wonderful educational event that is broadly based and should offer exciting new information as well as scholarly updates covering every aspect of thyroidology. In addition to the plenary sessions, prize lectures, symposia, and discussion/debate sessions, there were 870 regular abstracts submitted from 50 countries, and the short call abstract submissions will end in late August.

I would like to call your attention to the 2nd Annual E. Chester Ridgway Trainee Conference, named in honor and memory of Chip Ridgway, who founded and led the Endocrine Fellows' Conference at ATA meetings for 20 years. One hundred forty-six (146) grants have been awarded to trainees from 18 countries. The program begins on Sunday, October 18, with four trainee tracks---basic/research; clinical; surgical; pediatric. Day 1 has a full agenda, while Monday through Thursday include complimentary luncheon sessions and selected other meetings in parallel with the regular ITC. Benefits of registering for the Trainees Conference include: meeting new colleagues from around the world, discounted Banquet tickets, trainee poster contest, trainee welcome reception, trainee ultrasound course (limited capacity-first come first serve), trainee case presentations to a panel of thyroid experts, and round table discussions with leaders in the thyroid field. So to all ATA, ETA, AOTA and LATS members, reach out to your trainees---encourage them to come to the ITC and to register also for the E. Chester Ridgway Trainee Conference. Now is the perfect time to introduce them to our societies so they will become life-long members and the leaders of our future.

I would also encourage you to bring your family to Orlando, where the weather should be spectacular and the entertainment opportunities boundless---outdoor sports, all the Disney theme parks, a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center, and lots more. The ITC also has exciting evening events including the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception, the Banquet, and a special event at EPCOT, where our meeting coincides with the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Highlights include nearly 30 international food and beverage marketplaces, world-renown chefs, and culinary demonstrations and beverage seminars. And to end the evening, ITC members will have a private viewing area for a Reception (8:30-10 pm) that will feature the spectacular "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" laser and fireworks show. You won't want to miss this special afternoon and evening event, so sign up now !

As you can see, there are many reasons to come to the 15^th ITC , from reacquainting with old friends, meeting new ones from around the world, introducing your trainees to the collegiality of all our thyroid societies, treating your family to a grand vacation, and most importantly, expanding (and sharing) your knowledge of all things thyroid.

On behalf of the ATA Board, Committees, and dedicated office staff, we look forward to seeing you soon.

Robert C. Smallridge, MD
President, American Thyroid Association