WHY HAVE I CHOSEN TO RUN?

I can assure you that it isn't because I lack things to do.  I am currently working nearly every day in the ORs around my community, while also married to another Anesthesiologist, trying to launch my three teens into the world, attending political functions, sitting on my state's Board of Medical Examiners, and trying to squeeze in time on my anvil. I imagine I am like a great many of you with busy lives and a lot on our plate at any given moment.  I have held many leadership positions in organized medicine through the years and this all came about nearly thirty years ago because I discovered that I had a passion for who we are as physicians, what we do for our patients and communities, and the need that exists to advocate on our behalf. You cannot always assume that someone else will do the grunt work outside of our ORs so that we can all keep doing our jobs on the inside of them. This passion took me into my very first leadership positions all those years ago, and it is the same passion that has led me to run for ASA office. That, and a hand that has a tic that makes it jump in the air whenever someone asks for a volunteer!

WHY ASA ASSISTANT SECRETARY?

There are two things to consider when choosing ASA Leadership.  The first is the actual role that the candidate will perform for the ASA, and the second is what kind of voice they will bring to the Administrative Council. I am pursuing the office of ASA assistant secretary because I have a heart for service specific for professional membership and advocacy. I was placed on both the Membership Committee and the Committee on Governmental Affairs almost 15 years ago.  I have worked continually helping staff improve ASA membership and on other opportunities and services through my work with the Membership Committee.  I have been a strong proponent of increasing not only member value but also increasing the understanding of what professional membership means and its overall impact on the practice of medicine. I have worked with each ASA secretary through my time on this committee and I have the institutional knowledge and the in depth understanding of the job at hand. Several years ago I saw myself as possibly heading in the direction of this office, so I intentionally sought out opportunities to participate on more of the committees of jurisdiction that are under the Secretary and Assistant Secretary.  I have participated with the Communications Committee since 2022 in order to increase my working knowledge (as it is the other major committee beneath the Sec/AsstSec) and I am also a member of the Committee on Late Career and Retired members as our newest committee under that section. By pursuing this office, I am seeking to continue my service to the ASA in the areas of membership and advocacy. 

The second thing to consider is what kind of voice I believe I would bring to the Administrative Council.  I don't believe the ASA has had a Southern female voice on our AC since the days of my hero, Dr. Candace Keller. It is vital to our organization to bring together diverse voices, both diverse in region, career experience, and backgrounds, so that all ideas can be brought to the table.  I am not afraid to open my mouth and add to conversations, but I also truly enjoy working with and learning from those around me. Keeping the best interests of our members and our profession at the fore front is a top priority for me.