I first want to tell everyone how extremely proud I am to be President of such a vibrant organization. In the first six months in this position, I have had the fortune of being an invited eavesdropper to amazing discussions on a lot of topics. These discussions between individuals and between groups are of such a high academic quality that any university president would be salivating.

When I joined this organization about 14 years ago, I knew I was surrounded by excellent people who were great thinkers. Recent events have reinforced this even more. Therefore, there is no wonder why this organization is so healthy. The signs of our health are everywhere. The economy has not deterred the goals of our membership. While other subspecialty societies have seen significant drops in membership, we have not. Our finances are stable, despite the bad economy. We set an attendance record for a west-coast SEA meeting this year. Committee work has increased and is continuing when it usually dies out at about two weeks after the spring meeting and revives a few weeks before the fall meeting. Experienced SEA members continue to produce, and new members are actively participating, bringing their energy and gifts forward.

Mentoring within our own organization is alive and prospering. Based on our current enterprise and action, SEA has a bright future. That future may seem hazy with the congressional attempts at overhauling the American health care system. At the time of this writing, there was no final answer in sight and limited information from which our task force on anesthesia educational support could glean enough information to make any rational assessments. By the time this newsletter is published, it is unlikely the answer will be clear. However, if the derivative of legislation threatens the popularity and prosperity anesthesiology is now enjoying, I am confident we will survive. We have shown ourselves to be dedicated to our patients and our profession. Other specialties and other health professionals have benefited from our research, teachings and technological advancements. They rely on us to continue to show the way. Our contribution to the positive outcomes of our patients is too great for us not to survive and prosper.

With change comes uncertainty, which breeds fear, which produces anxiety, feelings of helplessness, and even depression. I am surrounded by hundreds of important thinkers in this organization who are improving the quality of anesthesia training. These same people are also human and susceptible to these emotions. My hope is that any reallocation of resources that may occur does not detract from the wonderful work I have been so privileged to witness. I predict SEA membership will continue to maintain its dedication. I am proud of SEA, for its members make it a rewarding place to be.  

Thank you,

Gary E. Loyd, MD, MMM
SEA President