Dear AACE Community,

This month, I’m pleased to share highlights from September’s regional connections and educational partnerships, along with a preview of upcoming October engagements and new AACE Award opportunities.

September Highlights

• Cleveland Clinic Intensive Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Cleveland (Sept. 25-27): Last month marked the second year of AACE’s partnership with Cleveland Clinic to provide a comprehensive educational program for endocrinologists, fellows-in-training and members of the endocrine care team. I’d like to thank our AACE leaders, including AACE past presidents Dr. Sethu Reddy and Dr. Hossein Gharib, along with Dr. Victor Bernet, for presenting and contributing their expertise. We look forward to continuing this partnership to help advance excellence in clinical endocrinology.
• Western Endocrine Association 2026 Annual Meeting, Tucson (Sept. 25-27): Next, I attended the Western Endocrine Association Annual Meeting alongside AACE President Dace L. Trence, MD, MACE. It was a pleasure to connect with members in the region, learn about the important work happening across the community, and discuss how AACE resources can support their practices and patients.
• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Customer Advisory Summit, San José, Costa Rica (Sept. 21-25): I also had the pleasure of participating in the PCMA Advisory Summit. This was a valuable opportunity to share perspectives, discuss regional challenges and better understand how AACE can support our global community.

October Engagements

• Illinois Association of Clinical Endocrinology 2026 Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois (Oct. 3): This month kicked off with the Illinois Association of Clinical Endocrinology 2026 Annual Meeting, where Dr. Trence and I had the pleasure of connecting with endocrinologists in the region. The program featured updates in adult and pediatric endocrinology, including diabetes technology, menopause management and thyroid care during pregnancy.
• Fall Board Meeting, Dallas, Texas (Oct. 15-17): Dr. Trence, the Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee and Executive Leadership Team will convene for several days of strategic discussions and continued work to advance our 2026-2029 strategic plan. I look forward to the meaningful conversations ahead.
• Mid-Atlantic Society of Endocrinologists 2026 Annual Meeting, Hyattsville, Maryland (Oct. 23-24):At the end of the month, Dr. Trence and I will attend the Mid-Atlantic Society of Endocrinologists Annual Meeting. We look forward to connecting with members in the region and discussing opportunities to strengthen advocacy and improve patient care.

Celebrating the People Shaping the Future of Endocrinology

I’m also pleased to share that nominations for the 2027 AACE Awards are now open. The AACE Awards recognize the extraordinary accomplishments and exceptional contributions of individuals from the endocrinology community in the areas of clinical excellence, education and research, public health, medical ethics, technological innovations, medical advancements, community involvement, individual accomplishments and more.

This year’s opportunities include three new awards. First is the Benavides-Trence Travel Award, which will support registration, travel, hotel and meal expenses for up to three U.S.-based internal medicine residents at the postgraduate year 2 (PGY-2) level who are interested in pursuing endocrinology, encouraging their attendance and active engagement at the AACE Annual Meeting. Another new award is the Daniel L. Hurley, MD, MACE AACE Emerging Leaders Initiative, which was established to help empower and cultivate leadership skills among early career endocrinologists through structured mentoring, coaching, focused leadership development and networking opportunities. The third new award is the Steven Petak, MD, JD, MACE Lectureship in Metabolic Bone Disease and Mineral Metabolism, which was established for the purpose of maintaining continuing interest in the field of metabolic bone disease and mineral metabolism. The lectureship can be multidisciplinary to foster collaboration between disciplines with an interest in bone and mineral metabolism.

I am grateful to the donors whose generosity has made these new awards possible. Their support helps emerging professionals develop their skills and take the next steps in their careers.

Also, I would like to remind you of our Past Presidents’ Circle Fund award that is for 3rd or 4th year domestic medical student with an interest in specializing in endocrinology. This award provides a great opportunity for medical students to learn more about endocrinology as they are able to attend the Annual Meeting.

I encourage you to consider colleagues at every career stage and from a wide range of backgrounds whose work deserves recognition. Taking the time to nominate someone is a meaningful way to acknowledge their contributions and share their impact with our community.

Explore all 2027 AACE Awards and nomination requirements. The deadline to submit is Friday, Dec. 11.

FACE and A-AACE Distinctions

One of the things I value most about AACE is the opportunity to recognize the dedication, leadership, and contributions of our members. Throughout your career, you have worked hard to advance our specialty, support your colleagues, and make a difference for your patients.

The Fellow of AACE (FACE) and Associate of AACE (A-AACE) distinctions provide meaningful opportunities to recognize your professional achievements and commitment to excellence in endocrinology. If you’ve reached a point in your career where you’re ready to take the next step, I encourage you to explore these distinctions and consider applying.

I’m pleased to share the FACE application period has been extended to now close on Oct. 12, and A-AACE applications will close on Oct. 30.

I hope you’ll take this opportunity to celebrate how far you’ve come and look ahead to where your career can take you next. I look forward to seeing many of you earn these distinctions and celebrating your achievements with you during the 2027 AACE Annual Meeting.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission of elevating the practice of clinical endocrinology to improve global health.

Thank you,

Johnnie White, MBA, CAE, CMP Fellow
AACE Chief Executive Officer