Thoughts from the NLA Presidents: We Live in Very Interesting Times

I’m always reminded of how fortunate I have been to serve the National Lipid Association (NLA) in various capacities and to watch the organization grow and mature over time. I have seen tremendous growth in member engagement in various NLA activities, as well as a renewed sense of comradery and purpose. Although we are still a relatively young organization approaching our 15th year anniversary, I still see us as the youthful, enthusiastic, wide-eyed “teenager,” ready to take on both everything and anything in this rapidly developing world of science, medicine, clinical lipidology, genetics, and social media. As a “teen” growing both intellectually and socially in leaps and bounds, we still need to retain our ability to be adventurous, rebellious (yes!), and fun loving, ready for the responsibilities that come ahead with advancing maturity.

In the last five years we have fulfilled many of our important missions, including advancing the “art and science” of clinical lipidology, and expanding our educational offerings. We have created many high quality educational programs not only through our regional and national meetings but also through Lipid Academy, the Masters course, the highly regarded NLA-SAPs, and the very popular LipidSpin.

Under the capable leadership of W. Virgil Brown, the Journal of Clinical Lipidology (JCL) has been leading the way for pushing the science of clinical lipidology to new heights both nationally and internationally. Other NLA activities that continue to push the “art and science” of lipidology have been the timely publication of NLA Position Statements, NLA Part 1 and Part 2 Dyslipidemia Recommendations, the NLA Annual Summary of Clinical Lipidology, as well as Expert Round Table discussions published in JCL, Internet based NLA educational programs, and NLA public town hall meetings at ACC and AHA.

The future of clinical lipidology and the NLA are very bright. We need to continue to further engage all of the talents and skills of all of our members. We also need to recruit junior trainees at earlier levels in their careers and to maintain our rich diversity of allied health care providers. Finally, we need to successfully partner with other like-minded organizations in order to have even a greater impact. Lastly, as growing “teens” approaching adulthood, we must learn to apply our shared passion, vision, and sense of responsibility, to continue to make a difference in this world.

Carpe Diem!