Your Academy: Adapting with the times
From the President
Dr. Thiers served as Academy president from March 2020 to March 2021.
By Bruce Thiers, MD, August 1, 2020
I know what you’re thinking: “But, Bruce, didn’t you write about the Academy’s ability to be nimble in your last column?” You’re not wrong. Last month, I discussed how your Academy put many painstaking hours into developing and launching the AAD VMX with what felt like a moment’s notice. This month, in keeping with that theme, we must adapt again.
After careful consideration of the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the Academy decided to cancel the in-person 2020 AADA Legislative Conference, originally scheduled for Sept. 13-15. Instead, the 2020 AADA Legislative Conference will now be provided in a virtual setting.
The virtual AADA Legislative Conference will feature advocacy training, policy updates, and networking opportunities. Videos, live webinars, and prep calls will be available to participants starting on Sept. 8. The program will contain policy-focused sessions via video and webinar, designed to offer an in-depth understanding of the issues important to our specialty and patients. As with the in-person meeting, participants will hear from AADA staff, members of Congress, and health policy experts.
Additionally, on Sept. 15, participants will have the opportunity to “meet” with their representatives and senators through pre-scheduled virtual Hill visits. Before the calls with your members of Congress and their staff, the AADA will provide you with specific information about legislative priorities, talking points, and other resources. Experienced physician advocates will also be on hand to lead calls and help prepare first-time participants.
Registration for the virtual AADA Legislative Conference will open on Aug. 10. I encourage everyone to participate in this event and to block off Sept. 15 on your calendars. While our AADA Advocacy and Policy staff are incredibly influential in Washington, D.C., when it comes to policy, it truly takes a village and we need everyone to lend their voices. Now, because of your Academy’s ability to adjust to changing times, you can make a difference on the policy front from your own home or office.
I know I sound like a broken record. However, during these unprecedented times, situations are fluid and your Academy is being asked to adapt on a moment’s notice. I hope you all will agree that your Academy is responsive to your needs and that we are very fortunate to have such hardworking staff and volunteers. Let’s make the most of the opportunities that your Academy has developed during these challenging times. Learn more about the AADA’s virtual Legislative Conference.
