b'2021 ISSUE THREEMessage from the PresidentJeffrey A. Claridge, MD, MS, FACSDear EAST,news It is so hard to believe that 2021 is coming to an A SD RV E end so quickly. This will be my last newsletter as A EN R President, and it is so great to see what Dr. Stein ACCIN will do during her year as President of EAST. G S N Thank you for allowing me to serve such an G E A S T E R N A S S O C IAT I O N DIC F O R T H E S U R G E RY IE O F T R AU M A IL incredible organization. We have seen our beloved N UC EB organization grow to become more than 2,700S FO IP members.STERINGNSHTIORELAYou should be receiving a ballot to vote on the Bylaws changes. These suggested changes are a result of EAST leadership working to modernize the language of our bylaws and to remove restrictions In This Issue of office based solely on age. The key mission of EAST is as follows:Presidents Message EAST is a scientific organization providing leadership and Development Funddevelopment for [early career] surgeons active in the care of Recap the injured patient through interdisciplinary collaboration,Donor Stories scholarship, and fellowship.Holiday WishesI have discussed the proposed Bylaws changes with Past Presidents and leaders as well as many other members who are also supportive of the changes. We look forward to continuing to move EAST forward to be the best trauma organization in the world. This can only be done through Strategic Goals transparency and involvement from membership.LEADERSHIP I would like to personally thank all of you for providing care for our patients, especially during these past two years. We have witnessed two major society Prepare young surgeons to become leaders events which have pushed our profession to new highs and some new lows: DEVELOPMENTa viral pandemic and gun violence epidemic. Many of us have stepped up Promote unique to care for patients outside of our comfort zone to help patients, our health programs for the careercare system, our communities, and humanity. At the same time, we have development of young experienced personal loss of family, patients, and even colleagues from surgical leaders COVID. Healthcare professionals have given the ultimate sacrifice to help SCHOLARSHIP others. Several of us have also experienced skyrocketing numbers of trauma Provide education andpatients after gun violence. I would like to thank you for all that you do. training across theIt is evident that providing care to these patients in the current environment continuum of acutesurgical care wears on our souls. I encourage you to find things to recharge and FELLOWSHIP rejuvenate yourselves. For me, it is family activities and having purpose in what I do. One fantastic recharging event is attending the EAST Annual Encourage a sense of Scientific Assembly. I really hope to see people there and cant wait to community for personalrecharge with you.professional growthCOLLABORATION Work with our stakeholders to advance patient care and trauma systems(continues on page 2)'