Dear AACE Community,
As we approach the final weeks of 2024, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable achievements and engagements that have defined this year. From global conferences to free virtual educational programs, 2024 has been an inspiring journey filled with growth, connection, and innovation. In this final blog of the year, I’d like to share highlights from last month and celebrate some of the key accomplishments that exemplify the dedication and collaboration of the AACE Community.
A Glimpse into my November Engagements
November was an exciting month of travel, with opportunities to represent AACE on the global stage. My engagements included:
- Profession Convention Management Association (PCMA) Conference in Costa Rica, where I connected with peers and explored strategies to help in determining how we could expand in the Latin American region.
- AMA Conference in Orlando, where I engaged with leaders in the medical field to discuss healthcare policies and advocacy initiatives aimed at shaping the future of endocrine care.
- American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Leaders Retreat, where I joined fellow association leaders to engage in strategic discussions on innovation, leadership development, and the future of the association community, with a focus on driving meaningful progress for AACE.
- AACE MENA Conference in Dubai, a true highlight of the month, where I had the privilege of connecting with our Middle East and North Africa community. Over three days, the program brought together more than 35 renowned endocrinology experts and featured a lineup of 7 plenary lectures, 12 in-depth symposia, 8 meet-the-expert sessions, invaluable networking opportunities and over 1,400 registered attendees. This event truly reflected the exceptional dedication of our global community to advancing endocrine care across the region and beyond.
Looking ahead, December promises to continue this momentum with two more impactful events I will be visiting:
- The LXIV International Congress of the Mexican Society of Nutrition and Endocrinology (SMNE) in Mérida, Mexico.
- The 22nd World Congress on Insulin Resistance in Los Angeles, California.
These engagements reflect our growing global footprint and AACE’s commitment to improving endocrine health worldwide.
Celebrating 2024’s Key Accomplishments
This year, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many of you and witnessing firsthand the remarkable impact of our collective efforts. Together, we’ve reached significant milestones, and I’m excited to share some of our key accomplishments:
- Inaugural AACE MENA Cardiometabolic Conference in Abu Dhabi: This groundbreaking event brought together over 22 expert speakers to present the latest approaches to preventing and treating cardiometabolic diseases.
- AACE Annual Meeting in New Orleans: My first AACE Annual Meeting in the vibrant city of New Orleans, which featured a comprehensive three-day program with diverse sessions, interactive workshops, and ample networking opportunities, was the first opportunity for me to meet several of our outstanding members. It was an unforgettable gathering of groundbreaking insights, invaluable connections, and transformative experiences.
- Launched our new AACE Certificate Programs: Designed to empower the endocrine care team, these interactive programs provide comprehensive online training in diagnosing, managing, and treating common endocrine conditions. By completing an AACE Certificate program, you will access the latest training in clinical endocrinology while earning CME/CE credits, and a downloadable certificate, highlighting your commitment to professional development and excellence in patient care.
- Patient Journey Resources: This year, we expanded our patient resources with the launch of the AACE Patient Journey of Diabetes Technology. We now have three patient journeys that each provide a roadmap of up-to-date information, resources, and tools for patients to navigate their endocrine conditions. Each Journey is derived from the latest AACE clinical practice guidelines to ensure clinical accuracy and has undergone review by leading patient advocacy organizations to make sure it is written in patient-friendly language for easy comprehension. Thanks to the support of our sponsors, these new patient resources are available on aace.com.
- AACE Advocacy Training Program: Our inaugural, free Advocacy Training Program featured 22 expert presenters who shared actionable strategies to effectively advocate for endocrine-related issues. In addition, we launched a dedicated advocacy news updates page to keep our community informed about key developments and ongoing efforts.
These are just a few of the key accomplishments from this year, underscoring our commitment to achieving healthier communities through endocrine innovation, education, and care. I look forward to continuing this journey together as we strive to advance global health.
Thank You for Making 2024 Unforgettable
As we approach the end of this transformative year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all who make the AACE community extraordinary.
A special thank you to:
- AACE President, Susan L. Samson, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FACE, for her remarkable leadership this year.
- AACE Past President, Sethu K. Reddy, MD, MBA, FRCPC, FACP, MACE, for his dedication to AACE.
- AACE Staff for their unwavering dedication to AACE and our mission.
- President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, for his commitment to AACE’s future.
- Past Presidents, who shared their wisdom and guidance during my onboarding process.
- Our Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, for driving our strategic priorities.
- Our Committees, Task Forces, Workgroups, and Disease State Network volunteers, whose tireless efforts advance our mission.
- Editors of Endocrine Practice and AACE Clinical Case Reports, for advancing clinical knowledge through high-impact publications and articles.
- Fellow of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (FACE®) members, for your achievement and leadership in the field of clinical endocrinology.
- Students, Residents, and Fellows-in-Training, the next generation of endocrinologists who will advance our mission and drive the future of endocrine care.
- Industry partners, for your collaboration in fostering innovation and educational excellence.
Most importantly, thank you to our global AACE Community, for being a vital part of our shared mission, elevating the practice of clinical endocrinology to improve global health.
Together, we have accomplished so much in 2024, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025. Wishing you all a joyful and restful holiday season as we prepare for another impactful year.
Thank you,
Johnnie White, MBA, CAE, CMP Fellow
AACE Chief Executive Officer