Message from the EAST President
Sunday, September 20, 2020
A. Britton Christmas, MD, FACS
President, Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma
Why EAST?
Dear Colleagues,
I provided an answer to this seemingly rhetorical question in the second issue of EAST News for this year. As we enter the final quarter of 2020, I wanted to take a moment to reflect and add to the answer. This has been an extremely difficult year especially for healthcare providers. As the pandemic swept across the globe, while a majority of the world stayed at home, trauma physicians and other care providers continued to both show up and step up for our respective communities. Many of our centers experienced an unprecedented surge in trauma volumes during the summer months. Few will ever understand what occurs within the walls of our nation’s trauma centers and the toll that 2020 has taken on our healthcare providers.
Once again, I will refer to the mission of this great organization as the foundation for this quarterly message: “EAST is a scientific organization providing leadership and development for young surgeons active in the care of the injured patient through interdisciplinary collaboration, scholarship, and fellowship.” Truly one of the greatest attributes of EAST is the fellowship among our members and the welcoming atmosphere for all those who desire to become involved. The comradery and support that we provide one another is one of our greatest strengths. We strive to make one another better…we seek to mentor and develop young leaders who will continue to grow this great discipline.
While we will not be able to meet in person for the 34th Annual Scientific Assembly, we will continue our mission of promoting leadership development, collaboration, and scholarship. However, it is that simple, yet so powerful, final word in our mission statement that sets EAST apart as a truly great and enduring organization…”fellowship.” For many, EAST symbolizes a home to which we can always return knowing that our brothers, sisters, and friends will be there to support us. EAST is more than an organization; it is a family and for that I am truly grateful.
