b'2023 ISSUE THREEMessage from the PresidentJason W. Smith, MD, PhD, MBA, FACSDear Esteemed Members and Colleagues,news As I pen this farewell message as President of A SD R the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma V EA E (EAST), I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. N RACOur journey this year has been nothing short of CIN remarkable, and as we look forward to our upcoming 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 meeting in Orlando, the air is palpable with excitement IE O F T R AU M A IL and anticipation. This years meeting promises to be N UC EB Sexceptional, showcasing the groundbreaking work FO IP and innovations in trauma surgery. It is a testament to our collective dedication STERINGNSHREL TIOA and expertise, and I am thrilled about the opportunities it will offer for learning, networking, and collaboration.In This Issue I am particularly excited for our new members. Your expertise, enthusiasm,Call for Proposals and fresh perspectives are invaluable to EAST. You are joining an organization deeply committed to fostering the growth and development of young traumaRenew Your Membership surgeons. Your induction marks a milestone for you and the entire associationDevelopment Fund Recap as we continue to thrive and evolve.Reflecting on the year, I am awed by the fantastic work produced by our members. Your contributions have significantly advanced our field, impacting Strategic Goals the academic community and the patients we serve. This year has been a LEADERSHIP testament to the critical role of academic societies like ours in nurturing and Prepare early and developing future leaders in trauma surgery. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible staffyour tireless efforts and unwavering support have been the mid-career surgeons to become leaders backbone of our successes. Your dedication has not only enabled smooth DEVELOPMENToperations but has also helped in shaping the future of trauma surgery.Promote unique Our focus on member engagement and the specialties of acute care and programs for the careeremergency general surgery has yielded substantial progress. The research and development of earlyinsights gained in Acute Care Surgery over the past year have been pivotal,and mid-careerand as we move forward, our commitment to these areas remains steadfast. surgical leaders Looking ahead, our communication with the membership will be a key priority. SCHOLARSHIP We aim to keep you informed and engaged with our findings and plans.Provide education andTransparency and collaboration will be our guiding principles as we strivetraining across theto strengthen our organization and enhance our service to our patients and continuum of acute members.surgical care As I bid farewell, I am filled with optimism for the future of EAST. Together, we FELLOWSHIP have built a robust platform for growth and innovation. I am confident that the association will continue to flourish, driven by our shared passion for improving Encourage a sense of community for personalpatient care and advancing the field of trauma surgery.professional growth Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve as your President. It has COLLABORATION been an honor and a privilege.Work with our Warm regards,stakeholders to advance patient care and trauma systemsJason W. Smith, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS President, Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma'