Dear AAAM Members,
As we enter 2024, I am humbled and honored to address you as the new President of AAAM. Taking on this role comes with immense enthusiasm and a profound sense of responsibility. Reflecting on the journey thus far, I first wish to express my deepest gratitude to our immediate past president, Dr. Francisco J. Lopez-Valdes, Ph.D. His unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have significantly propelled our mission forward. Francisco, your influential work has been pivotal in shaping the future of road and automotive safety, leaving a lasting impact for which we are all grateful.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our staff, committee chairs, and members. Your steadfast commitment, dedicated volunteerism, and unyielding support form the foundation of AAAM’s success. Together, we continue to make remarkable strides toward our noble goal – saving lives and eliminating road traffic injuries through innovative scientific research, authoritative educational programs, and impactful public policy recommendations.
Reflecting on the 67th Annual Conference held in Indianapolis, IN, in October 2023, I am filled with pride and gratitude for its success. This achievement was a clear testament to the collaborative efforts of our staff, sponsors, speakers, and attendees. Your engagement and contributions transformed the event into a beacon of inspiration and progress in our field.
Looking forward to 2024, we are filled with anticipation for the 68th Annual Conference in Seoul, South Korea. Our on-site planning team is diligently working to ensure another enriching and successful gathering. These conferences are crucial milestones in our ongoing journey of learning, scientific advancement, and meaningful dissemination.
I am also immensely grateful for the tireless efforts of our Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) faculty and staff. Their unparalleled dedication to teaching AIS courses is vital in enhancing the recognition and coding of traumatic injuries, leading to improved healthcare and safety outcomes. The expertise and passion of our AIS team are fundamental to our continuous endeavor to advance automotive medicine. Their work educates and empowers professionals across various sectors, significantly contributing to our goal of enhancing road safety and saving lives globally.
We at AAAM are excited about the upcoming launch of the “AIS Digital” app in 2024. This innovative mobile application will revolutionize how we reference the AIS handbook, making it more accessible and user-friendly. Such advancements highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of our field.
The past year has been transformative in automotive medicine. We have seen notable progress in biomechanical engineering research and development and in our policy advocacy efforts. Yet, the journey ahead remains vast. I encourage each of you to stay actively engaged. Continue submitting your research, raising questions, and sharing news and updates from your respective fields and regions. We can uphold, advance, and expand our mission through our collective effort. Your contributions are pivotal in shaping the future of automotive safety and health.
As we embark on this new chapter together, let us reaffirm our commitment to making roads safer for everyone. With your continued support and collaboration, I am confident that we can achieve even greater heights and significantly impact the world of automotive medicine.
Respectfully,
Dr. Federico E. Vaca, MD, MPH, FAAAM
President, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine
Professor, University of California Irvine School of Medicine