b'2023 ISSUE TWOMessage from the PresidentJason W. Smith, MD, PhD, MBA, FACSAs we enter a new academic year, and many academic meetings and congresses cross our news calendars and appointment books, I am often A SD RV E asked, Why do we do all this? Why do we attend A EN R conferences nationwide and spend our limited free ACCIN time engaging in academic surgery?G S NG E A S T E R N A S S O C IAT I O N C F O R T H E S U R G E RYDI First, the domain of trauma surgery stands out IE O F T R AU M A IL as one of the most intricate, fast-paced, and N UC BE continuously evolving areas within the broaderS FO IP scope of medicine. Given traumas immediate and unpredictable nature, STERINGTIONSHRELA trauma surgeons must remain at the cutting edge of knowledge, innovation, and technique.Academic conferences are about shaping this specialtys In This Issue future, navigating the complexities of patient care under often challenging circumstances, and ensuring the disciplines relentless advancement. Multicenter Trials Beyond clinical acumen, it demands real-time decision-making, innovationCall for Proposals under pressure, and a commitment to lifelong learning to adapt to theEAST Practiceunpredictable nature of traumatic injuries (Riall et al., 2017). Clinical Management Guidelines conferences can provide real-time, up-to-date information and affordEAST Trauma Centersurgeons their own skills but also the collective capabilities of the trauma Message community.37th Annual ScientificSecond and more importantly, attending academic conferences is about Assembly being a part of a community that can foster individual collaboration and support not just the surgeons growth but also the professions Strategic Goals development. In the era of increasingly digital communication, the essence LEADERSHIP of in-person interactions, especially in a field as demanding as trauma surgery, remains paramount. When surgeons come together at academic conferences such as those organized by EAST, they engage in dynamic Prepare early andmid-career surgeonsdiscussions, hands-on workshops, and real-time case analyses, experiences to become leaders that digital platforms struggle to replicate entirely (Misa et al., 2019). Such DEVELOPMENTtangible interactions offer surgeons the invaluable opportunity to share Promote unique their expertise and learn from others experiences, enhancing their skill programs for the careersets and broadening their perspectives. Being a part of these organizations development of earlyand participating in clinical conferences offer tangible connections to theand mid-careerlarger trauma surgery world. This human touch is crucial for building trust, surgical leaders establishing collaborations, and creating lasting professional relationships SCHOLARSHIP that often translate into better patient outcomes and forward-thinking Provide education andtrauma care approaches (Smith et al., 2020).The Eastern Association fortraining across thethe Surgery of Trauma (EAST) is a beacon for young and developing trauma continuum of acute surgeons. EAST offers a platform for knowledge dissemination, fostering a surgical care community committed to evidence-based care, and setting benchmarks for FELLOWSHIP excellence in trauma management. The organization champions research and innovation and serves as a hub for networking, mentorship, and Encourage a sense ofcommunity for personalcollaboration (Sakran et al., 2015).For trauma surgeons, involvement in professional growth organizations such as EAST is not a mere optionit is an obligation to their COLLABORATION profession and the patients they serve. Work with ourstakeholders to advance patient care and trauma systems'