Dear ASNM Members:
As I write this, a number of our ASNM members had likely planned to be in Chicago and attending the International Society of Intraoperative Neurophysiology (ISIN) Congress this week. Sadly, but understandably, that meeting had to be postponed for health and safety concerns with the ongoing and again worsening pandemic. ASNM was excited for that meeting in part because we were going to be co-hosting a portion of the meeting as a component of our ongoing efforts at increasing collaboration with peer medical societies! We appreciate the collaboration with ISIN and will look forward to the next ISIN Congress in the United States.
After another successful ASNM election, with so many excellent candidates willing to serve our society’s mission, it is a good time to highlight our committees. It is within these committees where much of the work of ASNM is initiated, advanced, and achieved to help meet the society’s goals on behalf of our membership. These committees are also the place where more members can make direct contributions to ASNM and our shared mission. All committees are listed on the ASNM website under “Member Center” with a brief description and the committee chair. After reviewing the committee information, if you are interested in serving and being more actively involved with your professional society, please contact ASNM! Congratulations, too, to the newly elected Board Members, some who are dedicated returning members and some who are welcome new members! I look forward to working with you all for ASNM, and thank you to all the candidates.
The ASNM website, as you likely now know, has been updated. Thank you to Cayla and the Affinity team who have spent a lot of time on this update, but the website is now more modern and serviced by a trusted and more economical Affinity partner. From a recent society “health check” (pre-website update), I learned that, thanks to our engaged members, the open rate for email communications from ASNM and “click through” rate are both well above average for non-profit organizations! This is evidence that a modernized website will be crucial for member needs. I find the new website very easy to navigate for obtaining education offerings and other information already, but navigating further reveals a few areas that are still unfinished (but not for long!), such as the advocacy and patient information areas. These have current content ready to be added. Please excuse the construction for a little longer.
With our first anticipated in-person annual meeting since 2019, and numerous other virtual educational opportunities throughout the year, don’t forget your membership renewal before January 1st. Renewal is fast and easy through the website, but please contact us if you have questions. Finally, thanks to the efforts of the membership committee and its Chair, Dr. Faisal Jahangiri, ASNM will be offering membership price tiers for international members per the World Bank Economies Classifications, to make our membership more accessible and fair for all.
As we are now into nearly mid-December, I hope you have time to enjoy the holiday season and have some free time during which to safely enjoy the company of friends and family.
Happy Holidays and Warmest Regards,
Laura Hemmer, M.D., FASA
ASNM President