National and Regional Development Issues Considered By Board

Some members are asking how the creation of the National Lipid Association will affect the activity and programs of SELA as an organization. The development will have several changes but overall SELA will remain a strong independent organization, recognized as the first chartered regional entity of the NLA. Basically, changes will be made in three areas:

Members of SELA will also automatically become members of the National Lipid Association. Dues for SELA will remain $35.00 per year through 2003 and 2004 for existing SELA members. However, new members will pay $95.00 per year of which $35 will be rebated to SELA as regional dues. Dues in 2005 will be $95 for all members.

The Lipid Spin is going to take on a new character and plans are to transition our newsletter into a clinical journal focused on the lipid practice. This will require the assignment of an editor and editorial board. A timetable for the transition requires some changes to the existing format of the document and the change will be evident in our first edition in the new year. Each regional organization, like SELA, will have an additional supplement to keep members informed on regional events and news. The website www.lipid.org will also take on a new character reflective of the changes to the Lipid Spin.

SELA will continue to hold an Annual Scientific Forum. The NLA will hold its meetings in conjunction with SELA meetings on a rotating basis. Plans for a stand-alone NLA meeting are being considered and will become clearer as the Board begins work on its agenda in the coming year.

It's the success of SELAthat leads to the development of the NLA. Therefore, our national organization will be focused on issues and education programs of an "at-large" scope. Short-term plans include a national lipid preceptor ship program, and continued support of the American Heart Association and other education objectives from both a socioeconomic and education perspective. SELA will remain a "special organization" that looks at regional challenges to lipid care while building community among all medical professionals located in the Southeast United States. We plan to remain strong and independent, but contribute fully to the national agenda.