From the SELA President: Being a Voice for Everyone

Our healthcare community, and society as a whole, have navigated significant challenges over the last year and a half related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Racial and ethnic differences and disparities as well as social determinants of health have continued to be trending topics in healthcare. The National Lipid Association has made significant attempts to address these issues and ensure the specific challenges related to the field of lipidology are highlighted and addressed. Further, the recent creation of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force promotes racial, ethnic, gender, sex, age, and profession/ disciplinary diversity within the organization. It also ensures the inclusion of social determinants of health related to lipid management in educational programming and resource materials. Because of the global nature of the issue, each healthcare discipline is affected in a significant manner and every clinician has a unique position to help address issues related to racial and ethnic differences and disparities in healthcare. Use your voice, your position, your influence to make a positive impact.

It has been a pleasure working with my colleague, NELA President, Dr. Eugenia Gianos on this edition of LipidSpin. I am sure that you will find the contributions from our members will enhance your clinical practice. A special thank you to each of the contributors, from across all disciplines of the healthcare team.

The Southeastern Lipid Association,in conjunction with our friends at the Northeast Lipid Association, enjoyed hosting our colleagues at the first in-person meeting of the National Lipid Association since 2020: Scientific Sessions 2021 in Orlando, FL. The comradery and “family affair” atmosphere of the NLA has been truly missed without in-person meetings. We were all excited to see each other face to face once again.

Stay safe, be healthy, and live well!