President’s Letter from Deb Palazzi – Our Next Frontier: Inclusion, Opportunity, Belonging

As someone who lives in the Clear Lake region of Houston, I feel the presence of NASA in my community. Its spirit of exploration is woven into daily life. I am surrounded by reminders that bold vision, scientific exploration, disciplined innovation, and extraordinary courage can change the world.

For example, on this date (June 3) in 1965, NASA’s Ed White became the first American to walk in space. Tethered by engineering, preparation, and trust in his team, he embodied humanity’s willingness to step into the unknown in pursuit of discovery. His historic spacewalk was a declaration that progress requires perseverance: to embrace change, imagine what does not yet exist, and move forward even when the path is uncertain.

The era of Ed White and the Gemini program transformed space exploration and accelerated advances we now take for granted: integrated circuits that laid the foundation for modern computing, improved water purification systems, advanced telecommunications, and precision medical monitoring devices, among others. Ideas that began as solutions for succeeding in space became technologies that have altered and improved our lives on Earth every single day.

There is an important lesson here for all of us in PIDS. Like the pioneers of the space program, we stand at an inflection point that will demand a willingness to embrace change, imagine what does not yet exist and to move forward even when the path is uncertain. This next chapter in strategic planning is our moment to reflect on who we are, where we are going, and what bold steps are needed to achieve our vision for the future of pediatric infectious diseases.

We are listening to you during the strategic planning sessions, and important themes are already emerging. We hear your voices. You are telling us that the future of PIDS must be one of inclusion, opportunity, and belonging. You want a society where every member feels seen, valued, and empowered to contribute. You are asking for intentional pathways for leadership development, mentorship, and professional growth. You are asking for a professional home where all pediatric infectious diseases specialists – regardless of background, geography, career pathway, or practice setting – know they belong.

These themes are essential to our mission. Innovation does not happen in isolation. The most transformative discoveries emerge when diverse perspectives come together with shared purpose. Just as NASA’s achievements required engineers, scientists, physicians, and visionaries working together toward a common goal, our success depends on building a society where every voice strengthens the collective mission. Our work to advance the treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases affecting children requires courage and a belief that through discovery, partnership, and dedication, we can create a healthier future for children everywhere.

Reflecting on June 3rd and Ed White’s extraordinary leap into history, may we be reminded that progress is the product of bold ideas, committed teams, and the willingness to step forward into possibility. In partnership, we will shape a future defined by inclusion, opportunity, belonging, and discovery for our members and for the children we serve.

Better together, always,
Deb