Chapter Update: Moving Forward Together

The Southwest Lipid Association (SWLA), Chapter of the National Lipid Association (NLA), met in Phoenix, AZ during the Spring Clinical Lipid Update. A major theme the SWLA is focusing on is getting more involvement and engagement of members in a team based approach. Clinical lipidology is a growing field but can sometimes feel quite lonely with so few of us in the specialty of clinical lipidology. It is not uncommon to have one or two people certified in an entire practice and that one or two being nurse-practitioners, dietitians or clinical pharmacists. The SWLA has great tools and resources for members but needs everyone’s help in encouraging others to join the team, get involved and eventually seek certification in clinical lipidology.

Education
The NLA has recently created the Clinician’s Lifestyle Modification Toolbox (CLMT). The CLMT features tear sheets on numerous therapeutic lifestyle areas for providers to use as a conversation starter with patients. The tear sheets are generally written at a 6th grade reading level for discussion between patient and provider in the office, then taken home for every day use. SWLA has started a project to translate into Spanish a few of the most relevant tear sheets for our providers working with Spanish speaking patients. The SWLA region covers many states in the southwest United States with large populations of patients where English may not be a first language. SWLA’s goal is to help make sure providers have all of the necessary tools and patients have access to information for treatment of lipid disorders.

Involvement
The SWLA chapter has approved and designated chapter funds to be used for a Travel Reimbursement Scholarship (TRS). SWLA members with active NLA memberships may apply for a reimbursement of funds, up to $1000, to attend an NLA meeting. The goal of the program is to assist junior members attend an NLA meeting to get them involved with SWLA and the NLA. Applicants need to apply and if approved for funding, must simply attend the meeting and provide feedback to the SWLA Board of Directors about the meeting. So far, SWLA has not had any applicants for this great opportunity so please tell your friends and colleagues who may have hesitated coming to an NLA meeting due to cost, to apply at www.lipid.org/trs.

Another area the SWLA chapter is looking for more involvement is in joining NLA committees. The NLA is open to all members who would like to get involved. Joining a committee is a great way to learn more about the organization and benefit the entire field of clinical lipidology. Members with interests matching the goals of the various NLA committees are encouraged to volunteer. NLA committees meet via teleconference quarterly and once in person at the NLA Annual Meeting. You can see a listing and clickable description of all NLA committees at www.lipid.org/about/committees.

Involvement is also important in the area of becoming a Fellow of the NLA (FNLA). One of the requirements to being approved as FNLA is involvement in the NLA. NLA committee work, Chapter involvement and attending meetings are key to being a leader in the organization and a great first step to becoming a fellow. Certification in clinical lipidology is also a requirement to FNLA status which is encouraged for the entire team of healthcare providers working in the field. Clinical lipidology has both certifications through the Accreditation Council for Clinical Lipidology for all healthcare professionals and the American Board of Clinical Lipidology that is specifically for physicians. Being certified in clinical lipidology is helpful in being an ambassador for the specialty and strengthens the reputation for Fellows of the NLA.

NLA Meetings
Attending NLA meetings is a wonderful way to interact with like-minded colleagues and generate excitement for the NLA as well as clinical lipidology as a specialty. NLA meetings feature great speakers, practical knowledge, relevant continuing medical education (CME) and continuing education (CE) credits. The meetings are a great way to network and collaborate with other clinicians on challenging experiences and difficult cases we have all faced. Being able to enjoy meals and drinks with the leaders in the field at NLA meetings is always worth the cost of attending. The next SWLA hosted meeting will be February 23-25 in San Antonio, TX at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Club. I would like to personally invite you to that meeting and hope to see you at an NLA meeting soon.