b'2 EAST news | 2020 Issue 3EAST Mission StatementEAST is a scientificEAST Cancels 34th EAST organization providing lead-ership and development for Annual Scientific Assembly young surgeons active in the care of the injured patient through interdisciplinary collaboration, scholarship, After careful consideration of the ongoing spread of COVID-19and fellowship.(Coronavirus), the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) Board of Directors has decided not to conduct the 34th EAST Annual Scientific Assembly, which was scheduled to beEAST held in Lake Buena Vista, Florida in January 2021. Ultimately, theVision Statementongoing health concerns regarding the Coronavirus, travel and other restrictions, and compliance with public health guidelines, prevents orEAST seeks to improveotherwise renders it impracticable for the Assembly to proceed. care of the injured by provid-Despite this setback, EAST looks forward to continuing to engageing a forum for the exchange with our speakers, exhibitors, attendees, and others in connectionof knowledge in the prac-tice of trauma surgery; to with EASTs activities and events, including various virtual offerings. promote trauma prevention, This year more than ever we are relying on the strength ofresearch, and improvedconnection- from a distance. Everyone across the globe is seekingtrauma systems design;a sense of community and searching near and far to find it. Into encourage investigationand teaching of the methods these unprecedented times, we rely on that sense of community-of preventing and treating partnership, friendship, collaboration to keep us connected. trauma; and to stimulateEAST is always a place that delivers that sense of community. Nowfuture generations of sur-is the time we typically are ramping up for the Annual Scientificgeons to meet the challenge.Assembly. While we cannot convene in person, this year more than in years past, we can look to EAST to provide mentorship, and allyship. As we work to form plans to unite, while not in conference rooms or physically in the same space, we keep our focus on continued learning- especially in such unprecedented times.Join EASTEAST is the only professional association dedicated to the development of the early career trauma surgeon. Encourage your colleagues to join the more than 2,600 members who already participate in EASTs unique leadership, education, and career development programs. Our multidisciplinary membership includes trauma and acute care surgeons, emergency physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and medical students, among many others, from across the globe. Learn more about the benefits of joining EAST from EAST member Libby Schroeder, MD here and encourage your colleagues to Join today. Applications are being accepted now through November 15, 2020.'