Having served as president of the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP) for the past year, I would like to share a few thoughts about my experience, and its relevance to our conference theme – Stronger Together – Passion, Purpose and Possibilities in SCI/D (spinal cord injury/dysfunction).
Leadership is a team effort, and I have the great honor of working alongside many strong leaders across this organization, including our Executive Director Denny O’Malley, Vice President Heather Russell, Treasurer Catherine Wilson, Secretary Marty Kilbane, and our outstanding Governance Board and Section Boards, as well as the editors of the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine (JSCM) – ASCIP’s official journal. To fulfill its mission, ASCIP relies on the many committee chairs and members who contribute long hours to strengthen the Academy’s programs and initiatives. Additionally, we benefit from the excellent support of Amy Cheatham and the association management team at the FIRM. These layers of organizational support enable ASCIP to provide its members with advanced interdisciplinary education, professional development and scientific research.
Leadership is less about positions or titles than it is about the members who have entrusted us with the responsibility of guiding ASCIP through this rapidly changing environment for healthcare and research. To fulfill our responsibilities, we focus our passion on our common purpose – for it is truly for individuals with SCI/D that ASCIP exists. We must recognize that while there are certainly many challenges in today’s healthcare landscape, there is also a world of scientific possibilities that needs to be continually explored. Coming together as ASCIP’s Many Minds … One Vision, we have the unique professional opportunity to explore these possibilities. By learning, studying, and developing together, we become better prepared to optimize the health and wellness of individuals with SCI/D.
I extend my appreciation to those of who have entrusted me to serve ASCIP as its President. I welcome your input and assistance, and I thank you in advance for your continued collaboration during this remaining year of my tenure.
In this issue of JSCM, you will find selected ASCIP abstracts from our 2018 Educational Conference and Expo, several articles by ASCIP members, and the listing of ASCIP’s annual ‘Academy Awards’. Congratulate your fellow members on their well-deserved honors, and enjoy this year’s meeting in New Orleans. I look forward to hosting all of you at our 2019 conference in my hometown of Nashville.