November 25, 2020
November is a month to be grateful and thankful. If you can read this message, you are already better off than many. The year of 2020 has been a unique challenge to us in healthcare, but we are no strangers to adversity. A vaccine is on the horizon and our actions on the front lines and commitment to science will continue to be a standard of excellence in healthcare.
During November, the United States celebrates military veterans and active duty citizens. For those of us who have not served, we can never truly understand their level of dedication and sacrifice for our freedom, but we can always show our gratitude. I personally know many members of AACT who are veterans or active duty, and am proud of their service and accomplishments. However, there are many military members from the past and present that I do not know about. To celebrate you, I am asking you to share your stories and pictures, so we all can know your experiences, and demonstrate our gratitude for your service. Please email admin@clintox.org with short video, email or photos commemorating your service to our country. The AACT recognizes and is thankful for all who serve our organization and nation.
I am also thankful for the wonderful network of clinical toxicologists that AACT membership has provided me. AACT is continually working to bring value to your membership. We recently launched AACT student chapters. They were developed for medical and pharmacy students to come together and discover clinical toxicology. It is our hope this will be their foundation for a future in clinical toxicology. Soon the AACT mentorship program will begin so we can foster productive relationships between our seasoned and new clinical toxicologists. In a year when it is harder than ever to be close, AACT is determined to bring us together.
One way we can stay connected is through the Question of the Day. The Question of the Day has been a sustained tradition of the AACT for years. It was started by Past-President Michael Greenberg and has been tirelessly continued by a small task force led by Jeanna Marraffa. Presently, we want to bring our members into the process. That is why I am asking everyone to become involved. The Sections will be responsible for developing questions related to their interest. Clinical and medical toxicology fellowships, Poison Centers and individuals can submit questions as well. If you would like to submit a question, please email your drafted Question of the Day to admin@clintox.org with the subject “QOTD.”
Another way to get involved is to expand the AACT brand by representing our favorite organization. Just in time for the Holiday season, the AACT store is open on the website with merchandise to purchase. If the demand is strong, the variety of products will expand and more will be available. Giving Tuesday is coming up December 1st so include AACT on your list of non-profits and charities. Your gift to AACT will give you an excellent return on your investment and is tax deductible.
This year everyone has been challenged to practice gratitude. Be grateful for another November in our lives. Be thankful for those that have sacrificed their lives for our country. We will not give up the fight against this pandemic because we will continue to study, learn and adapt to make our world better a place to live.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Kirk Cumpston, DO
President, AACT