PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Welcome to the Spring 2021 Issue

Chanannait Paisansathan, MD, MHA
SNACC President

Chanannait Paisansathan, MD, MHA

As I write this message, it reminded me that it was around this time a year ago on March 11, 2020, that the US placed a restriction on international travel. I still cannot believe that the tiny RNA particle would create avalanches worldwide. It has been a long, challenging year for all of us.

With that note, SNACC has continued to move forward with our missions. The Research Committee has started the new online series of Coffee and Research. The innovation and enthusiasm from people around the coffee table are contagious. I can not wait to be around friends and SNACC colleagues again for the next series on Friday, May 21. Be on the lookout for more information regarding the May Coffee and Research in SNACC’s weekly announcements that are sent every Monday morning.

Also, our website has been renovated and welcomes the new change post-COVID era. We hope that you will be pleased with the aesthetic and ease of navigating the new website. The content is robust and current. We will continue to update projects on the website so SNACC members can get direct access and receive all benefits. The two upcoming projects we are currently working on are the new Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and the Peer Career Coaching Program. We will announce the details and enrollment in SNACC’s weekly Monday announcements soon.

There are several loose ends that SNACC is addressing after the COVID crisis. The world became restricted but broader at the same time. I found it ironic. The service and responsibility that our global SNACC members provided to our patients and community were tremendous. As I reflect on the year 2020, I was grateful for being a healer and recovering myself. SNACC will do what we can to help our members dealing with what’s next. One of the new SIGs is the Wellness Group lead by Dr. Peggy Wheeler, the Chair of the Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists Wellness Committee. I am looking forward to all activities we will host for our members in the upcoming months.

Another mission that SNACC would like to assist our members with is navigating a career after the stressful year is called the Peer Career Coaching Program led by Dr. Linda Aglio. This is the program that SNACC thought leaders and leadership team volunteers think will connect most with our members. We all need different sets of eyes to look at the issues at hand. Your coach would be there to help you stay curious about the possible alternatives.

Lastly, we will soon conclude whether to host the 2021 Annual Meeting virtually or in-person format. We are optimistic that SNACC and our partners will reach an agreement that best fits our global members’ needs and safety.

Regardless, one thing I know is we are going to have an extraordinary meeting. Dr. Flexman has already organized the Annual Meeting program that is packed with scientific innovation and sessions that address your career/professional development. So whether I see you on my computer or in-person, I am determined to connect with you. Don’t forget to say hello to us. See you in September!