Page 8 - 2020 JSOM Winter

fromthe
SOMA PRESIDENT

Greetings SOMA Members and JSOM staff, adapted to current events and shifted
Readers, efforts to provide you with a very successful
and most informative virtual event. Thank
First, say to yourself what you would be; you to our phenomenal speakers and re-
then do what you have to do. – Epictetus Russ S. Kotwal, MD, MP searchers for adjusting their schedules and
Russ S. Kotwal, MD, MPHH
We are the Special Operations Medical Associ- COL (Ret), US ArmyCOL (Ret) US Army presentations to accommodate this venue.
ation. Innate to our military, medical, and com- Thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors
munity service, we have volunteered to serve a greater good, for their much-appreciated support. Thank you to all who
to serve others. We live by this creed. Our culture, our morals, provided time and effort to create and deliver such a remark-
our values should continue to guide our thoughts, words, and able event to our membership and beyond. As we move for-
deeds on behalf of our communities, and for the betterment of ward, mark your calendar for our next Scientific Assembly,
humanity. We lead by this example. currently scheduled for May 24–28, 2021, at the Charlotte
Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
We should strive to master the basics of our craft. After doing
so, every day we should learn a little more and grow a little JSOM is the Official Journal of SOMA, our voice in the
more. “The Special Operations Medical Association will be peer-reviewed medical literature. Let your voice be heard; sub-
the premier professional organization to enhance knowledge, mit an article to JSOM. History is written by those who write;
experience, skills, and wisdom of current and future special the future is influenced by history.
operations and tactical providers.” This is our vision. This
vision is aligned with our mission, “To advance the science, SOMA is a professional medical society that serves its members
technology, knowledge and skills of unconventional medi- so that they may better serve others. If you are not a member,
cine providers in order to increase survival, reduce suffering, consider joining. If you are a member, consider volunteering
and speed recovery of those who are injured or become ill for a committee or serving in a leadership position. Make this
during special operations or tactical missions.” Our Journal of organization better through your membership, contribution,
Special Operations Medicine and our annual Training, Educa- and selfless service. The future is shaped by our actions.
tion, Scientific Assembly, and Exhibition are essential compo-
nents that support our vision and mission. Russ S. Kotwal, MD, MPH
COL (Ret), US Army
Extraordinary events in 2020 precluded our in-person scien- SOMA President
tific assembly. However, your all-volunteer board, program
committee, and research committee, as well as your executive

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