As we move from one season to the next, the theme of change resonates within AST – positive change that will impact the entire organization. New mindsets, new legislation, new accomplishments.
For the youngsters among us, learning and communication occurs via very different, technologically advanced modalities. AST (including us older guys) now seeks ways to apply the latest technology to everything we do. Thus…a new blog!
The AST Desktop is going to be a place to learn, a place to interact, and, most importantly, a place for you to engage your president about the direction of your society. As I understand it, for a blog to work, it has to be a two-way street. Don’t hesitate to share your insights.
In July, the AST Board held a retreat in Sundance, Utah. During that time, we stopped to examine what makes AST a unique and valuable organization. How would you have addressed this question?
What has the AST done well? What needs to be improved?
A member survey launched at ATC in early May concluded that you value AST for high quality education in transplantation and for the “networking” opportunities provided by the society. One key character attribute of AST that kept coming up was diversity.
Should these be our goals moving forward? What must the AST do to remain relevant to its members?
Fundraising continues to be essential if the AST is to accomplish its goals; great ideas without resources rarely succeed and old approaches are no longer applicable.
The Share the Beat event was successful in San Francisco and Boston and proceeds from the event went to support the endowment fund which was established to support core AST programs. The Board discussed several novel approaches to building the fund and raising awareness but we want to hear what you think.
Would you give annually to a fund that supports transplant research?
Would you give annually to a fund that supports the training of fellows?
Do you know about the AST endowment fund?
I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and beginning what I hope to be the first of many conversations on The AST Desktop. Please post your comments in the section below. They will be read and recognized. I’ll be back soon with more news, developments and progress.
Robert S. Gaston
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