PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Get Involved in Society Activities

Rafi Avitsian, MD
SNACC President

Rafi Avitsian, MD

The countdown to the 47th SNACC Annual Meeting has started and I have registered, reserved my room and arranged my travel details. It seems I am not the only one; the regular reports that I get from our most efficient management company, Ruggles Service Corporation regarding the number of registrants, show a rapid growth, and I am happy to say that at this pace, we look forward to a very successful meeting.

The Board of Directors usually arrives earlier during the Annual Meeting to participate in the BOD assembly. But this is not the only meeting and only responsibility of the directors. You cannot imagine how much work our directors do in the background. Preparations for our Annual Meeting, running the committee tasks, preparing for the newsletter, communications with ancillary and other organizations are only to name a few. The backbone of this society is its members, but the driving force is the directors. This year the term for four of our directors is ending; some of them have completed a second term and some are up for re-election. What strikes me is the number of members who want to “throw their hat in the ring.” I have been a part of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee long enough to realize that in recent years the enthusiasm of our members to be more engaged has grown exponentially and more members are showing their readiness to help advance our mission. I have reviewed the personal statements of all candidates and find them all most qualified; if elected, each and every one of them would be an asset to our board. I encourage all members to participate in the voting process. On the same note, I want to thank all members of the nominations committee led by Dr. Pasternak, who have put their valuable time and effort in to reviewing the applications and providing us with this brilliant list of candidates. Not all members who announce their willingness move on to become candidates, and this year was not an exception. But I have been told by the committee that all applications were from members who have shown enthusiasm, engagement and significant contributions to the society. It has been very difficult to choose a list for the ballot. I invite all members to continue their support and involvement within SNACC, as it is with their efforts that our society succeeds.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Neuroanesthesia and Critical Care Society of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting. This was a fantastic meeting and I learned a lot. I also noticed how much commonality we have and see the potential in further collaborations. I discussed this with their Executive Council and their newly elected President Dr. Roger Lightfoot, and we agreed to extend partnership specifically in educational arenas. We all see the International Council on Perioperative Neuroscience Training (ICPNT) as a very good opportunity on this path.

On the subject of ICPNT, I can see significant advancements in fulfilling the first year objectives. The three pilot programs are being reviewed and the results will be available soon. The application process will be opened for all other programs internationally and we may need more reviewers. The ICPNT has already made international news and we are getting many emails showing interest. Our Trainee Engagement Committee is also getting emails from residency program directors for more information in regard to neuroanesthesiology fellowships.

In closing, I want to again invite all members, especially our young neuroscientist clinicians and academicians to come forward, express their interest and get involved in the activities of the society. I look forward to meeting you all in Phoenix during our 47th Annual Meeting.