SurgeryU: Looking Ahead
As another year comes to a close, I am able to look back at this last year nostalgically and look forward to an even better 2022. As we are adjusting to a “new normal”, I am so glad that I was able to meet so many friends and colleagues in person once again at the Annual Congress in Austin. The Congress was a huge success and it felt so good to be able to collaborate and brainstorm face to face. Also, the Annual Congress is such a huge supply of new material for SurgeryU and the Editorial Board cannot wait to upload and make this available to all of our members.
As I look back on the last year, I realized the pandemic has forced us into the virtual world. We now work, socialize, and collaborate in this virtual environment. This push into the virtual world has made me rethink the potential of SurgeryU as an educational tool and resource. By being asked to evolve with the pandemic, SurgeryU has grown and expanded its offerings to our members. We were able to continue our educational mission by offering interactive webinars presented by world experts, and collaborate with sister societies to provide diverse viewpoints and perspectives. While all of this was happening, we still stayed true to our primary focus: surgical videos. We grew our archive of extensive surgical videos and added amazing new content to many of the libraries. Much of this growth can be attributed to YOU! Since adding the “Upload” functionality to the website, much of our new content has been contributed by our members. Submissions from members have been increasing and I am amazed by the quality and diversity of the submitted videos. Keep up the good work!
Speaking of quality and diversity, I am excited to start work with my new Editorial Board in January. The Editorial Board has expanded in number but also in area of expertise. We now have one representative from each of the SIGS, and they will be responsible for soliciting content from their respective members. I know this will result in a lot of new content and will make certain that everyone’s interests are being represented.
That being said, I am also sad to be saying “Goodbye” to my current Board. Since I became Editor-In-Chief of SurgeryU five years ago, I have had the opportunity to work with an incredible group of individuals on my Editorial Board. The current Board is my second Editorial Board and I am indebted to them and my first Board for supporting me and helping us create what I believe is a great website and educational resource. SurgeryU would not be the success it is without these colleagues, friends, and mentors.
As 2021 comes to a close, I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. I look forward to 2022 and am excited about what we have in store for you in the new year!
