October is upon us, and we are excited to gather for the NCS Annual Meeting in San Diego, October 14-17. This year’s meeting promises an array of exciting events, including our evening networking reception aboard the USS Midway!

October marks our traditional time of leadership transition within the Society – a moment to reflect on the past year’s achievements and refresh our spirit and commitment to neurocritical care. As such, I am pleased to welcome Susan Yeager, RN, ACNP as the 17^th NCS President. Be sure to attend the Annual Meeting’s Opening Ceremony to hear Susan’s vision for the coming year and to meet the newly elected officers, board members and other leaders for 2025.

Over the past year, the NCS has made significant strides in advancing our mission and embracing the yearlong theme of Beyond the Horizon. I’d like to take a moment to highlight some key achievements from 2024. First, the NCS has worked diligently on our strategic plan, establishing a clear path for the success of the ACGME fellowships in the years ahead. We have fostered substantial growth of these programs, with the ACT Committee and Fellowship Directors Section offering ongoing webinars and training sessions to enhance mentorship for fellows and faculty. This has contributed to a steady increase in ACGME fellowship slots. However, we are also facing challenges in attracting more trainees to the field of neurocritical care, an issue that will require focused attention in the years to come.

A second strategic success has been the renewed engagement with national and international partners and societies. We have reinvigorated and strengthened connections with like-minded organizations through interdisciplinary sessions at the 2024 Annual Meeting, collaborating with the SVIN, AAEM and AANS. We’ve also contributed to joint writing groups with SCCM and partnered with AAN to host a neurocritical care education session at their annual meeting. Over the past year, we have maintained close ties with the ANA, AANN, WFICC, WFCCN and others, while also expanding our international reach. This includes offering ENLS courses, hands-on brain death determination training and invited lectures at several regional chapter meetings. Additionally, we have enhanced opportunities for international attendees at the Annual Meeting in San Diego and increased our participation in international critical care societies. Our Curing Coma© Campaign has also grown, with expanded international participation in the COMPOSE study. NCS leaders will travel to Buenos Aires for the South American NCS Chapter Regional Meeting on November 24-27, 2024.

For Strategic Aim #3 – becoming the educator of choice – we have made significant progress by successfully completing the first step: a comprehensive international needs assessment survey. We have also transitioned to a new education team, positioning us to deliver a major update to all our educational platforms. This new team will provide recommendations to enhance our educational approach, addressing the needs of a new generation of learners across multiple disciplines around the world. A key focus will be point-of-care and targeted educational content to offer real-time guidance. We look forward to sharing exciting announcements about education in 2025.

We continue to refine our approach to philanthropic fundraising through the Neurocritical Care Foundation (NCCF). Steve Hartley, our new Director of Development, will be attending the Annual Meeting in San Diego, and we encourage you to take a moment to introduce yourself to him. The NCCF will also be highlighted throughout the meeting, including at our can’t-miss networking reception aboard the USS Midway. Join us for an evening of food, drinks and an exciting flight simulation contest that will test your flight maneuvering abilities aboard this historic aircraft carrier turned floating museum – with all proceeds supporting the NCCF. Permanently docked in San Diego, the vessel offers a unique glimpse into naval history with its impressive collection of restored aircraft, interactive exhibits and flight simulators. Don’t miss this fun event and the opportunity to show us who is the NCS Top Pilot!