President's Message
As we move forward into 2025, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and upcoming events with you. This year has already been incredibly productive for SEA with another successful Workshop on Teaching, and I am confident that our momentum will continue to grow. 2025 Spring Meeting in Austin, TexasFirst, I want to highlight the upcoming 2025 Spring Meeting in Austin, Texas. This event will take place from Friday, April 4, 2025, to Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center. The theme for this year's meeting is "Doing More with Less in Medical Education," and we have an outstanding lineup of sessions and speakers planned. Our co-chairs, Dr. Michael P. Hofkamp and Dr. Tina Tran, have worked tirelessly to put together an agenda that addresses the challenges and opportunities in medical education today. The meeting will cover a wide range of topics, including innovative strategies for engaging learners, effective use of limited resources, peer coaching, and the integration of emerging technologies in education. Attendees can additionally explore practical tips for promotion, mentoring, and leadership development, with a special focus on well-being and budget-friendly strategies for residency programs. We also have several special presentations and awards, including the SEA-HVO Fellowships Presentation, SEAd Grant Presentation, and the Abstract Award Presentation. These sessions will provide valuable insights and recognize the outstanding contributions of our members. I encourage you to attend the meeting and take advantage of the incredible opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development. Registration is now open, so please join us in Austin! Stepping into the Role of President in a Challenging TimeAs I have recently stepped into the role of President, I am filled with a sense of excitement and responsibility. Recent government actions have several implications for medical education. The federal hiring freezes and expansion of immigration enforcement could further reduce availability of faculty and staff in our already stretched healthcare systems. Severe reductions in research funding and rollback of affordable health care plans have worsened an already challenged financial environment. Cuts to global health initiatives and collaborations will limit opportunities for our students and trainees. Anti-DEI actions could make our most vulnerable feel less welcomed and valued. In this ever-changing healthcare environment, it is crucial that we support our teachers and learners. This is SEA’s mission - Support, Enrich, and Advance anesthesia education and those who teach. SEA Resources for EducatorsTo support our educators, SEA offers a variety of resources, including:
But most importantly, SEA is your Community. In stressful times especially, we need to be able to share our stories. We need to reach out to each other for questions, ideas, and collaboration in our efforts. It is our members that makes our Society so successful. Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to working with all of you to achieve our shared goals and to continue the legacy of excellence that defines the Society for Education in Anesthesia. Carol Ann B. Diachun, MD, MSEd |
