SELA Chapter Update: Back to Business

The first SELA board meeting of the year took place on 7/11/22 and virtually commenced by welcoming members to their new respective positions. Responsibilities and expectations were explained as set forth in the NLA by-laws. The board also discussed plans for the LipidSpin and are thrilled to have collaborated with NELA for this issue with a direct focus on cardiometabolic disease. As we all know, there are a multitude of co-morbidities and complications associated with cardiometabolic disease and the number of patients continue to grow.

Presumably, as with all other chapters, SELA has been engaged in membership retention discussions and options for improving the number of delinquent members. Conversation regarding phone calls and email notifications are part of an ongoing effort to advance participation. If there are any members reading this article that are unsure if up to date with dues, please reach out to any of the board members or to NLA staff member Kevin Jones at kjones@lipid.org.

SELA recognizes the great importance of patient education which is available on the website through the “tear sheets.” If you are unaware of this excellent service that is offered by the NLA, please visit the website at lipid.org, go to practice tools and click on patient and clinician tear sheets. Successful patient education solidifies knowledge and understanding and improves overall compliance. Dr. Greg Pokrywka discussed further topics of need and of the group interest associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and also with exercise resistance training. SELA will pursue this endeavor through the tear sheet committee and hopes all will take advantage by familiarizing themselves and staff of this great resource.

There are several new publications in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology authored by SELA members. Look at just a couple of these helpful articles below, regarding statin intolerance definition and lipid monitoring adherence:

• Cheeley MK, Saseen JJ, Agarwala A, et al. NLA scientific statement on statin intolerance: A new definition and key considerations for ASCVD risk reduction in the statin intolerant patient [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jun 9]. J Clin Lipidol. 2022;S1933-2874(22)00167-2. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2022.05.068
• Tran C, Vo V, Taylor P, Koehn DA, Virani SS, Dixon DL. Adherence to lipid monitoring and its impact on treatment intensification of LDL-C lowering therapies at an urban academic medical center [published online ahead of print, 2022 May 11]. J Clin Lipidol. 2022;S1933-2874(22)00081-2. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2022.05.003

We have seen the NLA come together and remain strong over the last two and a half years to ensure the association’s mission by continuing a focus for ongoing education, as well as collaborative multidisciplinary comradery. The SELA board would like to thank everyone in the NLA for their priceless efforts put forth daily.