SPC President’s Message
It’s June, which means it’s time for my final entry into the livejournal colloquially known as the SPC President’s address! That’s right, in a few short weeks, I will be relinquishing the reigns of the SPC and riding off into the sunset into the SPC Past President position (or as I like to call it, SPC President Emeritus). Fortunately, the SPC will be in great hands with Sharia Ahmed taking over the show. I’d like to thank Sharia and all the other members of the SPC board for all of their hard work this year. And though I will be remaining on the board in a different role, I’d like to give a special shoutout to those members rotating off: Nedghie Adrien, Jen Mongiovi, Alvin Thomas, and Matt Mietchen. If you happen to come across any of them at the annual meeting, please join me in letting them know how much we appreciate them for all of their efforts these last two (challenging) years.
Speaking of the annual meeting, I am so excited because as I sit here writing this, I just received the best gift in the mail today. That’s right, my SER-provided covid test has arrived, which means in just a few short weeks (or days by the time you read this), I will be seeing you all in The Second City! Now for some of you, this will be your first in-person SER, and perhaps you’re experiencing a little anxiety around that (especially because the little figures in the lobby at this year’s meeting might actually speak back to you). But no need to fear, your SPC board has you covered, and is ready to make this a meeting to remember for all first time- and old-wily-vet- attendees alike.
For the full rundown of what’s in store, make sure to check out our list of events on the SPC website. But for real time info while in Chicago, come and visit us at the SPC table! The SPC table will be the official homebase of the SPC and your destination for all things happening within the SER trainee community. Come stop by the table during any of the scheduled breaks, where you’ll have a chance to meet other SER trainees, hear all about the SPC events scheduled for the day, and will even have a chance to chat with, and get to know members of the SPC board (I’ll be at the table during the Wednesday coffee breaks, so come say hello). And as a special bonus this year, you can make all of the senior SER members jealous by picking up a super exclusive, SPC-only sticker (while supplies last).
But the SPC community building isn’t going to stop at the table, we’ll be keeping the party going with our SPC Poster Tours, another element new to this year’s meeting. The poster tours will be an opportunity to learn about the latest in SER research while meeting and getting to know groups of your fellow trainees/future colleagues from far and wide. Come stop by the SPC table at the beginning of any of the three evening poster sessions to link up with the group of your choosing. Groups will range from content-interest based groups (e.g., ID epi, health disparities) to trainee-characteristic based groups (e.g., first in-person SER, late-stage dissertating support group, outside of academia). If you’re on twitter, make sure to keep your eyes on the SER twitter account for up to date info and your chance to vote on what groups you’d like to see present during the poster tours.
And of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention all of the great networking and career development events put together by our SPC Program Committee, such as Breakfast with the Experts, Speed Networking, and the SPC Career Panel. As always, spots for Breakfast with the Experts and Speed Networking are limited, so make sure you register in advance using the links provided. And also make sure to check out the great selection of opportunities during the SER Professional Development Session.
Finally, we hope you will join us on Thursday for the SPC Business Meeting, where you will get to meet the incoming members of the SPC board, learn about other opportunities to get involved with SPC, AND will have a chance to enter the famous SPC raffle. And before you head off to your respective reunions, make sure you stop by the ChiBar (in the conference hotel) for the SPC Social Event.
Obviously, there is A LOT going on this year, and it’s because we’re so excited to be back in person with you all. Whether it’s your first in-person SER, or your 10th, I truly hope this is one for the books. It has been a pleasure serving as your SPC president this last year, and I can think of no better sendoff than being with you all in Chicago on June 14th. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and productive meeting!
John R. Pamplin II
SER SPC President