If there is one question I am asked more than any other it is “How do I get involved with ASRA?” As we navigate through this extraordinary time, it is more important than ever for our ASRA family to come together. Whether you are new to ASRA or joined many years ago, we encourage you to be an active member of the Society and help shape our future offerings.

With approximately 40% of committee appointments being members who have never served on an ASRA committee, we value the importance of bringing new thought leaders to the table every year.

While nothing can replace a live meeting and human interaction, the virtual world has come to the forefront for engaging with family, friends, and colleagues. The ASRA Connect online community is a great place to share your experiences, ask questions, and provide expert advice. ASRA members can use the Member Directory to connect with colleagues and friends. When it is time to meet again at the in-person annual meetings, be sure to join us at the Welcome Reception, participate in ASRA Let’s Eat, and celebrate at the Annual Meeting Reception. These connections will provide a sense of community for which we are all yearning and looking forward to in the future.

The ASRA Special Interest Groups (SIGs) offer a variety of ways to be involved. Look among the many areas of special interests and consider joining one or more that aligns with your goals and interests. You will interact with like-minded colleagues who wish to move ASRA forward with a special goal or initiative. The SIG families are always looking for volunteers to serve on their leadership teams and help create content. Offer to write an article or create a webcast on a topic important to you. Each SIG has its own online community in ASRA Connect to share successes and challenges and exchange resources. With 22 SIGs covering a variety of topics, there is sure to be a SIG for everyone. And, if you can’t find something of interest to you, let us know. New SIGs are formed by members actively pursuing and creating what doesn’t already exist. A group of members did just that and established the Physician Mentorship and Leadership Development SIG. Later in this newsletter you will hear about their SIG and a new opportunity with the launch of the ASRA Mentor Match Program. Soon we will have a Wellness SIG, and others, such as a Complementary and Integrative Medicine SIG, are in discussion.

The Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine journal is always looking for reviewers. Peer-reviewers play a critical role in reviewing the science, research, accuracy, and clarity of submitted manuscripts. Physicians, PhDs, psychologists, and others working in the field are invited to participate. To apply, go to https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/rapm and create an account. Indicate your areas of expertise using the keywords section. Please reach out to info.rapm@bmj.com or asraeditor@asra.com with any questions you may have about this process.

The ASRA Committees provide another way to contribute to your Society. If you are concerned with issues related to regulatory advocacy, guidelines, practice advisories, or standards, volunteer to serve on the ASRA Guidelines and Regulatory Advocacy Committee, or if you are interested in developing programs, products, and services to support the needs of new professionals aspiring to be faculty and researchers, volunteer for the ASRA Faculty Development Committee. ASRA has more than 10 standing committees, which are always looking for new, innovative committee members to participate. With approximately 40% of committee appointments being members who have never served on an ASRA committee, we value the importance of bringing new thought leaders to the table every year. The Call for ASRA Volunteers is sent each September, with committee terms commencing the following spring. Please click here to be notified when the nominations process opens.  

Perhaps the first step is to be visible! Come to a meeting. Consider submitting an abstract, case report or QA/QI project, and be part of the meeting. Identify yourself as someone new or someone interested in getting involved. Talk to SIG leaders and express your interests. Join a virtual event and participate in the conversation. ASRA is a wonderful family, one that has been the highlight of my career.

I hope all of you will consider one of the many opportunities to get involved, be active, and come together. I look forward to working more closely with many of you in the very near future. After all, we are family, and together we can further our mission of improving patient outcomes through research, education, and advocacy by sharing our knowledge and expertise. Be well and stay safe!