b'6 EAST news | 2020 Issue 3Message from Dr. Babak SaraniDear Colleagues,When I last wrote you in March, it was difficult to foresee the challenges we would be facing, both professionally and personally, as the pandemic began to unfold. 2020 isnt the year any of us had planned, but the support of our community is as critical as ever. As EAST President A. Britton Christmas, MD wrote, during these difficult times, never has the need for leadership and collaboration within our discipline and our communities been so great.For many of us, myself included, the EAST community has been, and always will be, a safe place to visit with colleagues and seek support and mentorship. In many ways, while we are all struggling during this time, we must always know that our EAST colleagues will be there for us.The fellowship of our members is one of EASTs core strengths. During these challenging times, many of you have continued to invest in our peers by donating to the EAST Development Fund. Thank you! Your support allows us to continue to fund scholarships and awards such as the Trauma Research Scholarship, which provides seed money for investigators to commence a lifelong career in insightful research, and the Multicenter Trials Junior Investigator Award, which assists junior investigators in conducting and publishing multicenter trials with the goal of answering novel questions in the practice of trauma, acute care surgery or surgical critical care that will change or significantly affect the care of injured or critically ill patients.As we continue to adapt to these unprecedented circumstances, we are committed to staying true to our mission of developing the next generation of trauma leaders while advancing the science needed to save lives. In this environment of scarce funding opportunities, your investment can make a profound and lasting impact on the career of one of your peers and the future of trauma care. Please continue to advocate for EAST by sharing our mission with a family member or friend. Even a quick mention on social media would be appreciated. From one EAST member to another, thank you!Babak Sarani, MD, FACS, FCCM Development Committee ChairShop EAST and support the EAST Development Fund, which supports Shop EAST initiatives designed to reduce the incidence of trauma and improve the care of the injured patient. Visit the EAST Shop to browse a range ofEAST-branded merchandise from apparel to housewares to gifts.'