National and Regional Development Issues Considered By Board

The Annual Meeting provides historical perspective for the growth of this organization and the development of the National Lipid Association (NLA). As a regional entity, SELA has made extraordinary progress in education and the Annual Meeting is one example of this success. However, SELA is bounded by its geographical constraints, which limit its ability to speak on a national agenda and provide representation on a number of significant issues in health care that relate directly to your practices. To this end, the Board has held two steering committee meetings with national representatives about the best direction to pursue a national agenda.

The Board of Directors will spend the majority of the Board of Directors Meeting in Williamsburg discussing the National Lipid Association and the recommendations of the steering committee. This is important because SELA is being asked to give up some of its programs for the larger development. For example, the Lipid Spin and the website (www.lipid.org) will become national programs. Members of SELA will also be incorporated into the NLA as members. Therefore, membership in SELA will also carry the benefit of membership in the NLA and the scope of projects considered under the new national umbrella.

With certainty there will remain a SELA and programs will continue to be offered specific to the geographic needs of our members, including the Annual Scientific Forum. The development of the new organization, its governance and representation from all interests will only be important if regional interests are maintained and represented. Discussion regarding the National Lipid Association will be presented during the business luncheon at the annual meeting. The next edition of the Lipid Spin will also carry full details of the national implementation strategy.