President’s Letter from Dr. C. Buddy Creech – Optimism and Anticipation for 2022

I think many of us enter 2022 with a sense of optimism and anticipation for brighter days as it relates to the pandemic.

One source of that optimism for me stems from the indispensable work you are doing: conducting clinical trials of COVID-19 related vaccines and therapeutics, studying the epidemiology of COVID-19 and its complications, encouraging vaccination of our patients and families, and caring for children with a wide range of infections (including influenza A that decided to visit again after a year on sabbatical). The board and I are truly proud of the impact our members are having on health and well-being around the world during this uncertain time.

As for anticipation, the PIDS Board of Directors recently held our last meeting of the year. We approved several measures during the meeting that you will see in increasing detail over the next few months, and I wanted to share with you a sneak preview of some of the highlights.

1. Strategic Plan: The strategic plan has been approved and will move on to the committees for implementation. This roadmap will guide our activities over the next 3 years, with a focus on Identity, Impact, Inclusion, and Innovation.
2. Summer Student Research Program: Though still in development stages, look for information soon about a program to support summer research projects for undergraduate students interested in Pediatric ID. Through the generous support of Sanofi Pasteur, we will be offering funding opportunities for students this summer. Expect more information in Q1 2022.
3. Membership Dues: We encourage each of you to renew your membership for 2022 by Friday, December 31. The pandemic has been disruptive in many ways, including professionally and financially; therefore, the Board has dedicated a fund to help offset the costs of dues for those experiencing hardship. Please reach out to Jess Whitley, our Membership Coordinator, at jwhitley@idsociety.org for more information. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis beginning Friday, February 18, 2022.

As we round the corner into 2022, let us continue to be grateful for what has come and eager for the new beginnings that lie ahead.

Onward and upward,

C. Buddy Creech, MD, MPH, FPIDS