Secretary's Update, June 2016
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| Victor J. Bernet, MD Secretary/Chief Operating Officer |
Dear ATA Colleagues,
For those of you paying close attention, yes, you are hearing from me two months in a row. Tony will be back again with the July message. Since the May Signal, an important ATA leadership event took place in the form of the 2016 Strategic Actions Planning Sessions. A diverse group of 47 dedicated ATA members and staff convened in Miami with our facilitator, Dr. Frances Baldwin, to spend time considering how we can best achieve our strategic goals to:
- Promote visibility of ATA as global leader in thyroid health
- Establish ATA as patient preferred Resource for Thyroid education and information
- Catalyze meaningful, fundable thyroid related research
- Increase financial resources to support and expand ATA initiatives
The group started by revisiting results of a previous SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) related to the ATA as well as discussing what makes our entire membership so dedicated to society efforts. Dr. Baldwin then led us through a process called the "World Café" which stimulated wide open, free flowing discussion about a broad swath of topics including ATA member and patient needs; the impact of technology on society in general as well as the practice of medicine and medical societies; the need for continued research in the field of Thyroidology while encountering funding challenges; and the need for the ATA to identify increased financial resources to support all of these efforts.
The four workgroups came up with many great ideas, some even framed as "exciting", although so characterized by a group of self-described "nerdy" Thyroidologists. In general, I believe many of the ideas tend to play to the strengths of the ATA, expanding our reach and impact on members, patients, colleagues in other specialties as well as a component of international outreach. Final reports from each group have been submitted for review by the Board of Directors who will determine a priority for the various proposals and the best course for reaching overall success for our strategic goals. At the end of the process, the group was energized and uniformly felt meaningful progress had been achieved over the busy weekend. The membership can expect further updates on the action steps and progress of initiatives moving forward.
In other news, the 86th annual meeting grows ever closer. It appears that a record number of abstracts were submitted and the short call will open July 27 and close August 10, 2016.
Plans are also afoot for the ATA President's Reception to honor our donors as well as focus on raising funds to move further along to the goal of $250,000 for the Ridgway Legacy Fund. The Ridgway Trainee Conference continues to educate clinical, basic, surgical and pediatric fellows in the tradition started by Chip over two decades ago. See the press release on the impact of the 15th ITC Ridgway Trainee Conference.
ATA candidates running for office have submitted statements for the upcoming election which will be formulated in an election guide – coming soon!
Finally, As I complete this message, word has just reached me on the untimely passing of Peter Laurberg. Peter has been an active contributor to ATA endeavors, a wonderful scientist, clinician and most important valued colleague. We will miss his presence and remember him when we are together in Denver.
Sincerely,
Victor J. Bernet, MD
Secretary/Chief Operating Officer