PCICS President’s Message February 2021

This time of year is always a time of reflection. As I look back on the events of 2020 and how PCICS has responded, I am filled with gratitude to be a part of this community. We began the year transitioning to our new management company, IMI, expecting that the transition would be our primary focus. 2020 had different plans. I am happy to report, however, that IMI, the Board of Directors, and the Committees responded to the challenges of 2020 with grace, resilience, and a strong commitment to our membership and community.

Our annual meeting is one major example of how our Society rose to meet the challenges of 2020. The Program Committee, with the leadership of Lindsey Justice DNP, CPNP-AC and Nikhil Chanani, MD, designed an excellent Annual Meeting that addressed and responded to the national reckoning regarding racial justice, the pervasive and wide-ranging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and our collective need to connect with each other despite our distance. Our first virtual meeting was an overwhelming success, and, it would not have been possible without the dedication and determination of Lindsey, Nikhil and the Program Committee, as well as the expertise and contributions of Melissa Haycock and Lee Claassen from IMI.

Another important undertaking in 2020 was the development of our Strategic Map. The Board of Directors met virtually over two days in September with a professional facilitator to discuss our priorities, develop a Mission, Vision, Core Values, Goals and Objectives. The process resulted in consensus regarding our direction going forward. I invite you to review the Strategic Map on the PCICS website (www.pcics.org).

One exciting addition to the Society is our new Diversity and Inclusion Committee, led by Shanelle Clark, MD, Ndidi Musa, MD, and Megan Tracey RN, MS, CPNP-AC, CNS. This committee reflects our commitment to equity and will inform the work of all facets of the Society. We welcome Shanelle, Ndidi and Megan to their new roles and intend to fully support their efforts to raise the bar for our Society and professional community.

As we begin the new year, I would also like to express my gratitude to our out-going members of the Board of Directors, including Louise Callow RN, CPNP, MSN, Jean Conner, PhD, RN, CPNP, and Steve Schwartz, MD, MS, and the out-going Committee Co-Chairs including, Brad Marino MD, MPP, MSCE, Amy Donnellan DNP, CPNP-AC, Mary Taylor MD, M.S.C.I., and Michael-Alice Moga MD. They have tirelessly volunteered their time to build structure, grow the member benefits and expand the impact of the Society.

In addition, after his two years term as President, John Costello has transitioned to the role of Immediate Past President. I’ve had the great privilege of working with John over the past several years as Program Committee Chairs, then on the Executive Committee. As President, John recognized that for the Society to continue to grow at the pace that we were on, we needed to transition to a new management company. He led the process of evaluating proposals, determining the right fit and ultimately transitioning to IMI. John also prioritized our strategic planning session, leaving the Society with clear path towards continued growth. Because of John’s leadership, PCICS is well-positioned to strengthen our connections, build on our successes and ultimately elevate the care we deliver in the CICU. I’m so very grateful to have had the privilege of working with John and look forward to continuing to work with him in his role as Past-President.

As we look ahead, 2021 is an important year for PCICS! It is the 25th anniversary of the first PCICS meeting held in 1996! We will take this as an opportunity to reflect on the roots and evolution of the Society and to celebrate its tremendous growth. At this point, given the uncertainty of the COVD-19 pandemic, we do not have a 2021 meeting planned. However, we are booked at the Loews in Miami Beach December 15-18, 2022 for our Annual Meeting. Be sure to save the date!
In the meantime, stay safe and take good care,
Melissa B. Jones, MSN, CPNP-AC