b'2020 ISSUE THREEMessage from the PresidentA. Britton Christmas, MD, FACSWhy EAST?news Fellow EAST Members,A SD RV EA EN R I provided an answer to this seemingly ACI C rhetorical question in the second issue of NG S NG E A S T E R N A S S O C IAT I O N EAST News for this year. As we enter the final DIC F O R T H E S U R G E RY IE O F T R AU M A IL quarter of 2020, I wanted to take a moment N U to reflect and add to the answer. This has C EB Sbeen an extremely difficult year especially for FO IPSTERINGNSH healthcare providers. As the pandemic swept TIORELAacross the globe, while a majority of the world stayed at home, trauma physicians and other care providers continued to both show up and In This Issue step up for our respective communities. Many of our centers experiencedPresidents Message an unprecedented surge in trauma volumes during the summer months.Annual ScientificFew will ever understand what occurs within the walls of our nations trauma Assembly Announcement centers and the toll that 2020 has taken on our healthcare providers.EAST Development Fund Once again, I will refer to the mission of this great organization as theScholarship Deadlines foundation for this quarterly message: EAST is a scientific organization providing leadership and development for young surgeons active in the careDates to Remember of the injured patient through interdisciplinary collaboration, scholarship, and fellowship. Truly one of the greatest attributes of EAST is the fellowship Strategic Goals among our members and the welcoming atmosphere for all those who desire to become involved. The comradery and support that we provide LEADERSHIP one another is one of our greatest strengths. We strive to make one another Prepare young surgeonsbetterwe seek to mentor and develop young leaders who will continue toto become leaders grow this great discipline. DEVELOPMENTWhile we will not be able to meet in person for the 34th Annual Scientific Promote unique Assembly, we will continue our mission of promoting leadership programs for the careerdevelopment, collaboration, and scholarship. However, it is that simple, development of young yet so powerful, final word in our mission statement that sets EAST apart surgical leadersas a truly great and enduring organizationfellowship. For many, EAST SCHOLARSHIP symbolizes a home to which we can always return knowing that our Provide education and brothers, sisters, and friends will be there to support us. EAST is more than training across thean organization; it is a family and for that I am truly grateful.continuum of acutesurgical careFELLOWSHIP Encourage a sense of community for personalA. Britton Christmas, MD, FACSprofessional growth EAST PresidentCOLLABORATIONWork with ourstakeholders to advance patient care and trauma systems'