I’d like to begin my update this month with something that I’m sure is on all of our minds—the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. As the number of deaths and those displaced by the earthquake climb daily, we hold space for those impacted by the tragedy and those assisting in the recovery. NCS is a member of The World Federation of Intensive and Critical Care (WFICC) who are connected to efforts in the region. Please see the WFICC statement and video with information on ways we can help those affected by this tragedy and our global critical care community. The organizations shared are invested in search, rescue, and recovery efforts in both countries.
In NCS-related news, I would also like to share a number of opportunities for our members to engage with colleagues, provide input in shaping neurocritical care educational content and guidelines, and advance your career. I’m excited to share the following Society happenings with you.
World Coma Day is returning for its third year, and the Curing Coma® Campaign leadership is hard at work planning a 24-hour program that is free to all participants. The offering is planned so anyone from anywhere in the world can tune in and learn from leaders in the field. The program will feature live discussions, updates in the field, education sessions for patient families and more. This is a free event with something for everyone, so I encourage you to register now and share the information widely with your networks. One of the main goals of World Coma Day is to raise awareness of coma as a treatable and recoverable clinical entity, so while sharing with your network or on social seems like a small task, it really can go a long way toward achieving this goal. The Neurocritical Care Foundation is also working hard to raise money for the Curing Coma® Campaign.
If one of your personal goals this year is career advancement, consider submitting a poster abstract for the 2023 Annual Meeting. As an NCS member, abstract lead authors are eligible for three awards, including a young investigator award, best scientific abstract award, and a diversity, equity, and inclusion abstract award. Learn more about submitting a poster abstract on the NCS website.
Another career opportunity I’d like to bring to your attention is the Fellow of Neurocritical Care Society (FNCS) program. This fellowship recognizes exceptional service, academic excellence, and leadership in the Neurocritical Care field. This is a prestigious designation designed to recognize some of the most dedicated and brightest members within our society. Applications close on February 24, so if you’re thinking about applying I would encourage you to get a start on your application!
Finally, we would love for our members to participate in open comment opportunities for our current guidelines under review: ICH Neuroprognostication and tSCI Neuroprognostication. NCS members also have the opportunity to comment on proposed changes to the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties program requirements. These proposed changes would affect the program requirements for the Neurocritical Care, Neuro-oncology, and Neonatal Neurocritical Care subspecialties. You can learn more about the changes and provide comment on the UCNS website.
The opportunity to review and comment on critical guidelines is just one of the many benefits to being an NCS member. If you’re due to renew, you likely received an email from NCS. Please renew today to maintain access to your member benefits, including the career center, a digital subscription to Neurocritical Care, and more.
I hope your year is off to a good start! I look forward to continuing to share with you all the exciting opportunities to get involved with NCS.
Best wishes,
Sarah L. Livesay, DNP, APRN, FNCS, FAAN
Associate Dean, Professor
Rush University College of Nursing
Neurocritical Care APP, University of Washington
President, Neurocritical Care Society
#NCSRoundup