Society committees have been reorganized to comply with our updated comprehensive strategic plan, and they remain very active. The Public Relations Committee, under the leadership of Dr. Harry Papaconstantinou, facilitated an innovative CBS HealthWatch Webcast presentation from the exhibit floor during our meeting. We also partnered with the Colon Cancer Coalition (http://www.getyourgear.com) to hold a very successful “Get Your Rear in Gear” event Sunday morning, as the meeting started. In addition, we’re working with the Colon Cancer Alliance (www.ccalliance.org) to sponsor Undy 5000 5K races throughout the country.
The Society will continue to expand its specialty branding efforts. This includes the development of a new logo to help achieve a better Internet presence.
Dr. Connor Delaney, with the assistance of representatives of several Society committees and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, is spearheading the development of a case log system. This process will be a critical component of Maintenance of Certification and support our ongoing efforts toward quality reporting.
Members of your Society are also very active in other important activities. The second edition of the ASCRS Textbook has been revised, rewritten, and submitted to our publisher. After completing the editorial process, the textbook will be available at our Annual meeting in May 2011.
The Website Committee, under the direction of Dr. David Margolin, is working toward expanding our Internet and social media presence.
Program Chair Dr. Charles Whitlow and Vice Chair Dr. Alan Herline are working hard with our Program Committee to plan a superlative meeting in the exciting city of Vancouver, Canada (May 14-18, 2011). Major themes of the meeting are quality metrics and improved efficiency through technology. Online submission of abstracts will begin September 15, 2010.
The ASCRS Annual Meeting will be followed by the Tripartite meeting in Cairns, Australia, July 3-7, 2011. As in previous years, oral presentations and posters can be submitted for both meetings.
The rollout of health care reform, the stubborn economic recovery, and other potential challenges suggest we face an eventful year. With the continued hard work of our many members, I am confident that our Society and specialty will continue to prosper. |
