** Alert **
We live in unprecedented times. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted previous patterns and routines and has forced us to adjust to a new concept of what is normal. It is also clear that we do not know how long the current wave will last and whether we will ever truly return to our previous lives as they were. Nonetheless, we surgeons remain strong for our patients and they remain grateful. Our Association of VA Surgeons (AVAS) will carry on, adjust, and continue to serve as we have. We do not know how our vision will evolve, but did we ever?
We previously announced that the scheduled 44th annual AVAS Surgical Symposium will be not take place as planned in April 2020. The AVAS executive committee has deliberated and carefully weighed multiple alternative options. I am pleased to announce that the annual meeting will be delayed by a year and will still be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 25-27, 2021, again at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center. Dr. Danny Chu will remain the Chair of the Local Arrangements Committee and Dr. Brian Smith will remain the Chair of Program Committee. I thank Danny and Brian for their hard work in putting together the 2020 meeting, and hope that the delayed meeting will be able to capitalize on their efforts.
Many questions remain, including how our society will continue to be led in order to best serve its members. Each member of the AVAS executive committee has offered to extend their service for another year in order to provide continuity during these turbulent times. The executive committee also agreed that the AVAS members should decide whether the current officers and committee members should remain in place for another year or whether a new group of leaders need to be selected. The membership voted, overwhelmingly, to keep the current leadership in place. I thank the officers and committee members and chairs for their leadership and service, and hope to provide our members with continued leadership and long-term perspective.
I sincerely thank the members of our association for your leadership during these times. Our patients need reassurance and care, and we can all provide this service to them. Our patients appreciate your continued support and leadership, advocating on their behalf in the midst of crisis management. Your AVAS society remains in place to support you and your efforts. Thank you for your continued leadership, service, and incredible patient care. I look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh in April 2021!
Alan Dardik, MD PhD
AVAS President
We previously announced that the scheduled 44th annual AVAS Surgical Symposium will be not take place as planned in April 2020. The AVAS executive committee has deliberated and carefully weighed multiple alternative options. I am pleased to announce that the annual meeting will be delayed by a year and will still be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 25-27, 2021, again at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center. Dr. Danny Chu will remain the Chair of the Local Arrangements Committee and Dr. Brian Smith will remain the Chair of Program Committee. I thank Danny and Brian for their hard work in putting together the 2020 meeting, and hope that the delayed meeting will be able to capitalize on their efforts.
Many questions remain, including how our society will continue to be led in order to best serve its members. Each member of the AVAS executive committee has offered to extend their service for another year in order to provide continuity during these turbulent times. The executive committee also agreed that the AVAS members should decide whether the current officers and committee members should remain in place for another year or whether a new group of leaders need to be selected. The membership voted, overwhelmingly, to keep the current leadership in place. I thank the officers and committee members and chairs for their leadership and service, and hope to provide our members with continued leadership and long-term perspective.
I sincerely thank the members of our association for your leadership during these times. Our patients need reassurance and care, and we can all provide this service to them. Our patients appreciate your continued support and leadership, advocating on their behalf in the midst of crisis management. Your AVAS society remains in place to support you and your efforts. Thank you for your continued leadership, service, and incredible patient care. I look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh in April 2021!
Alan Dardik, MD PhD
AVAS President
Society Affiliation
JAMA Surgery is pleased to be the official publication for the Association of VA Surgeons.