Strategic Planning Session 2002

Dear Colleague:

Here is the summary of our Strategic Planning Session, which was held in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 14-15, 2002. Fifty-four members responded to the Web survey about the future of our Society, and this information, along with some more detailed information that was solicited by mail or telephone from a sample of members, provided a basis for our discussions. Eighteen members representing the diversity of our Society attended the retreat.

The document summarizing the discussions that took place is located on the Web site. Please note particularly the final section, which lists six areas of emphasis that are most important for our future. These include:

An action plan was initiated in each of these areas, and responsible individuals were assigned. [Table of Actions] Each individual will report to Council on the progress in his or her area of responsibility on a regular basis.

We will provide an update of our overall progress during the next Annual Business Meeting (5:00 p.m., Wednesday, 26 June 2002, during the Teratology Society Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona). There will also be an opportunity to discuss some of these matters during the Issues Forum in Scottsdale (5:00 p.m., Sunday, 23 June 2002). In the meantime, if you have any comments about the Strategic Planning Session or our plans for the future, please contact me by e-mail at frid@interchange.ubc.ca.

Sincerely,

J. M. Friedman, MD, PhD
President, Teratology Society