In his 1974 exploration on quality, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Persig explores our world through the allegorical story of a motorcycle trip. The book evolves to identify two main philosophical schools of thought. Some people, he argues, are focused on being in the moment, avoiding rational analysis, and consistent- ly eschewing “romantic viewpoints” of life. Other people, Persig suggests, seek to master a more classical viewpoint, applying rationale analysis to situations to understand the fine details of life. Many of us would suggest that these two view- points are in direct opposition to each other. We all know people who live in one of these two worlds, and our initial assumption is that they cannot relate with the inhabitants of the other. But Persig argues that we must embrace both of these viewpoints, blending the rational and the romantic. In fact, Persig suggests that rationality and a Zen-like “being in the moment” can harmoniously coexist. Ultimately, he sug- gests that the combination of rational thought and romanticism can work to bring a higher quality of life. What fascinates me is how Persig’s dichotomy coexists within the fabric of EAST’s Annual Scientific Assembly. The 2018 meeting, which is to be held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, is the embod- iment of Persig’s bifurcated world. Attendees will revel in the details of the science - I can guarantee that we will all walk away with a deeper understand- ing of the intimate, rational details of the science of care of the injured patient. At the same time, however, I am certain that all of the attendees will take great joy in “the moment:” talking to their colleagues about the innate joys of patient care, relishing in the camaraderie of their peers, seeing the magic of their injury prevention and outreach efforts, and feeling the thrill of inspiring others. In fact, our meeting is perfect Zen: the combination of rationality and romanti- cism working to bring us all a higher quality of life, resulting in sensations of joy and happiness. As I am sure that you would agree, there is nothing else quite like it. I look forward to seeing everyone in January. With respect, Bruce A. Crookes, MD, FACS EAST President Leadership. Development. Scholarship. Fellowship. Collaboration. Message from the President 2017 ISSUE FOUR Bruce A. Crookes, MD, FACS In This Issue Strategic Goals E A S T E R N A S S O C I A T I O N F O R T H E S U R G E R Y O F T R A U M A news LEADERSHIP  Prepare young surgeons to become leaders DEVELOPMENT Promote unique programs for the career development of young surgical leaders SCHOLARSHIP  Provide education and training across the con- tinuum of acute surgical care FELLOWSHIP  Encourage a sense of community for personal professional growth COLLABORATION  Work with our stakehold- ers to advance patient care and trauma systems •  Thank You •  EAST Milestone Donors •  31st Annual Scientific Assembly Overview •  Community Outreach •  EAST is Going Green in 2018 A D V A N C I N G S C I E N C E • FOSTERING RELATIONSHIPS • B U I L D I N G C A R E E R S