Chapter Update: News from MWLA

The Midwest Lipid Association (MWLA) — alongside the Southwest Chapter — was proud to organize the 2016 Spring Clinical Lipid Update in San Diego this past March. The meeting was well-attended and very favorably reviewed. It featured an excellent faculty presenting talks on novel research in clinical lipidology as well as practical applications of lipid management.

It is in a spirit of collegiality that the Midwest Chapter moves forward this year. The Board of Directors has identified three areas of concentration that will continue to foster opportunities for professional education, leadership, and growth.

In addition, one of the new priorities surrounding lipid education for the community, as well as practitioners, is developing a program to support the advancement of knowledge about cardiovascular risks pertinent to specific ethnic populations (e.g. South Asian Indian population) utilizing social media. With the new structure of the National Lipid Association leadership, members of the Midwest Chapter are strongly encouraged to participate in committee work at the national level. The response from MWLA as it pertains to volunteering their time and efforts has been impressive. With that said, anyone who has specific interests in areas served by the education, practice management, communications, and/or other councils, will be warmly welcomed, and their talents utilized. This is your chance to get involved.

Additionally, we have monetary funds available to help junior investigators participate at NLA meetings and present their work.

Associate members may apply to receive a travel grant to the two-day Lipid Academy and may also attend the Clinical Lipid Updates or annual Scientific Sessions for $75. This benefit is available not just to physicians, but to all healthcare professionals in-training who qualify for associate membership with the NLA. A completed registration form and a letter of verification from your program director is required. Limited space is available, so act now! For more information on this program and more opportunities for trainees, contact Amanda East at aeast@ lipid.org, or visit lipid.org/education/ trainees.

Finally, we want to become a large interdisciplinary chapter. You are encouraged to help grow the NLA and the Midwest Chapter by recruiting new members, especially in professions such as nursing, nutrition, and pharmacy beyond medicine. Remember, you are our best tool for recruitment!