July 29, 2021
July is not failing to bring the heat this summer. I hope you are staying safe and healthy. This month of transition in medicine can cause whiplash as our best, brightest residents have moved on, forcing us to get out of our seats to teach and mentor our future leaders. This is a time that motivates and re-ignites my career because of the fresh young minds eager to soak up more knowledge.
It is finally happening; the AACT will now have a membership application available for your portable device starting August 9th. Because we wanted to get it in your hands, it is still a work in process. This means our members will be able to contribute to the refinement of the app. There is a news section, messages, calendar, access to Clinical Toxicology and the AACT Twitter feed. You can schedule important AACT events, view webinars at any time on your device, locate, communicate and collaborate with other members singularly, in Sections, or in a personalized group or forum. This application will be your gateway to NACCT starting this year and in the future.
Preparations for NACCT are continuing. Get your hotel room and register before the early bird rate ends August 29. Check out https://www.clintox.org/nacct to find directions and answers to your questions. Our keynote speaker @DanCiccarone will provide us with his unique research experience on opioid overdoses and harm reduction techniques. The virtual Pre-meetings and main congress symposia will be outstanding, and this hybrid model will limit the duration of interactions and travel. The Hyatt is doing everything possible to provide a safe and clean educational experience. Currently masks are not required if vaccinated, but we are currently working on providing all attendees a mask option. Needless to say, it has been incredibly challenging planning an in-person and virtual conference in a pandemic, but we are committed to providing you with a top quality NACCT experience. We will keep you apprised of any developments along the way.
Speaking of a challenge, the Olympic Games are underway, which has always been a symbol of the greatness of our human spirit. The ability of the countries of the world to peacefully come together in athletic competition, is a positive force that gives me hope in these challenging times. I will be cheering on these incredible athletes as they push the limits of the human body.
Sincerely,
Kirk Cumpston, DO
President of the AACT