The ALA Council held its Spring Council meeting on April 25 prior to the beginning of the Annual Meeting. Dr. Altman discussed the need for the Association to create an Ad Hoc Media and Communication Committee. The purpose of this committee will be to insure the dissimilation of news and events to all members. Dr. Chhetri, who was installed as the Editor is overseeing the modification of the ALA website. The change-over will be transparent but the modifications will insure each member with the ease of navigating throughout the site as more educational, scientific and informational content will be added.
We are also very pleased to announce that the third half-day meeting has been added to COSM’s footprint for 2018 and 2019. This will allow us to increase the number of oral presentations and panel discussion on subjects requested by our membership.
After much research and deliberation, the Council decided to change the association financial management company from the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Dr. Rosen, as Treasurer, solicited proposals from entities that would be able to service our financial needs and provide the financial support for our Administrator. We thank ACS for the years of collaboration as we continue to maintain healthy outlooks of the Association’s finances.
Drs. Garrett and Chhetri reported that four research grant applications (Two for the ALVRE and two for the Cohen Awards). Following a review by the Committee, it was recommended that Dr. Matthew Clary (Univ of Colorado) and Dr. VyVy Young (Univ. of Pittsburgh) as recipients of the Cohen and ALVRE grant awards, respectively.