Dear AACE Community,
As we progress through the first quarter of 2025, I am pleased to share key updates and initiatives shaping AACE and clinical endocrinology's future. We've made significant progress in advocacy, strategic planning, and education. Here are some important developments.
Regional Organization Outreach Initiative: Strengthening Collaboration
As part of our ongoing outreach, AACE has made significant strides in strengthening collaboration with regional endocrinology societies. We're pleased to report productive meetings with leadership from several organizations, resulting in plans for mutual support and cooperation. Our progress includes establishing marketing exchanges for conferences, identifying joint advocacy opportunities, and developing collaborative regional education programs supported by CME grants. We've also arranged for AACE leaders to provide updates at regional conferences, fostering stronger connections between our national organization and local endocrine communities. To build on this momentum, we're finalizing plans for a leadership meeting at our upcoming Annual Meeting in Orlando, May 15-17, where regional organization leaders will have the opportunity to engage directly with AACE leadership. Additionally, we're organizing regional meet-up areas at the President's reception to facilitate networking and idea-sharing. These collaborative efforts are already amplifying our collective voice on critical endocrine issues and enhancing our ability to advocate for improved patient care and access to endocrine services nationwide. We're encouraged by the enthusiasm and engagement from our regional partners and look forward to continuing this important work together.
Advocacy Update – Support SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes
As we continue to advocate for critical endocrine issues, I’d like to highlight a recent initiative I have been involved in, focused on advancing policies to improve early detection and access to care for individuals at risk of Type 1 diabetes. In collaboration with our Advocacy Committee, I wrote a letter of support for the Bipartisan SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act, a vital piece of legislation that would provide $5 million in funding to educate the public about the symptoms and risks of Type 1 diabetes. Additionally, we called on Congress to pass the PREVENT DIABETES Act to make virtual care a permanent option for the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, maintaining access to life-saving preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those in rural areas.
Board Meeting Recap
On February 4, 2025, we held our first Board Meeting of the year, setting the stage for several key initiatives. One of the most significant is the discussion and planning for AACE’s next Strategic Plan, to shape our future direction and expand our impact in education, advocacy, and global engagement. To lead this process, we have engaged Ms. Kelly May, CEO of May Strategy Group, who has been facilitating the plan’s development ensuring a collaborative, forward-thinking approach.
We have several project objectives including engaging key stakeholders in strategic plan development; developing a high-level planning base to inform decisions including market/environment, internal, and competitive insights; identifying goals, strategies, and initiatives; and documenting the strategic plan for internal and external audiences. To date, we have interviewed a broad selection of AACE Stakeholders including, Board Members, Past Presidents, Members, Non-Members, Industry Partners, and the CEO. We are also conducting a survey to solicit input from additional Stakeholders. The Board of Directors intends to finalize the plan by May 2025. I will keep you updated on this initiative and share more in the coming months.
New Clinical Guidance Documents
AACE continues to advance our strategic goals by delivering cutting-edge, evidence-based clinical guidance. Our recent 2025 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Pharmacologic Management of Adults with Dyslipidemia exemplifies this commitment. This landmark publication, our first to use the GRADE framework, offers comprehensive recommendations on cardiovascular risk assessment, emerging therapies, and patient-centered treatment goals. Developed by a multidisciplinary task force, this guideline sets a new standard in transparency and rigor. It not only evaluates clinical evidence but also considers patient preferences, equity, costs, acceptability, and feasibility. This approach ensures that healthcare professionals have a robust, reliable resource for optimizing dyslipidemia management, reinforcing AACE's leadership in endocrinology and metabolism.
To complement our dyslipidemia guideline, we've developed a concise, patient-friendly summary. This resource empowers patients with clear information on lipid management and cardiovascular risk reduction, facilitating informed discussions with healthcare providers. By enhancing shared decision-making, we're ensuring patients can actively participate in their care, aligning with our commitment to improve both medical knowledge and health outcomes.
I’m also pleased to share that another task force has completed the 2025 AACE Consensus Statement on the Management of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Type 1 (MEN1), which will be published next month.
At our upcoming 2025 AACE Annual Meeting, attendees can look forward to engaging sessions led by authors from the dyslipidemia guideline and MEN1 consensus statement. Don't miss these opportunities to engage with the authors of these important guidelines.
2025 AACE Annual Meeting – Orlando, FL | May 15–17
The AACE Annual Meeting, set for May 15–17 in Orlando, FL, will focus on the theme: Endocrine Innovation & Obesity Breakthroughs. This year's meeting will highlight clinically relevant research, practical therapeutic strategies, and significant advances in endocrinology and obesity management. The event will explore the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities applicable to daily practice.
Key Highlights Include:
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Daniel Drucker, a renowned endocrinologist from the University of Toronto, has revolutionized the field of incretin biology, particularly focusing on GLP-1 and GIP hormones. His groundbreaking research has not only transformed our understanding of these gut hormones but also led to significant therapeutic advancements in treating diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, exemplifying the power of translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications.
- Thyroid Ultrasound & Diabetes Technology Skills Workshops: Hands-on training to enhance clinical expertise.
- NEW Medical Student Day: Medical students will have the opportunity to attend our Annual Meeting, meet with AACE leaders and fellows, and ask questions about career paths, future opportunities, and how to be competitive as they approach their residency application process.
- NEW AACE Global Forum: Participate in multiple educational sessions focused on practical, clinical endocrinology topics impacting global health.
- NEW MASH/MASLD Session: Focused on cutting-edge strategies for identifying and managing patients at risk for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), with an emphasis on reducing associated complications.
- Awards Ceremony, FACE Convocation, and Reception: Celebrating our community’s achievements in endocrinology.
- President’s Party and Networking Opportunities: Enjoy various networking events to connect with peers worldwide, share perspectives, and forge lasting connections.
I am especially excited about this year’s Plenary Talks, where esteemed experts will share groundbreaking insights into key advancements in endocrinology.
Plenary Talks:
- Hossein Gharib, MD, MACP, MACE Educational Lectureship: Dr. Jacqueline Jonklaas will present, The Bidirectional Relationship Between the Thyroid and Weight.
- Kahn-Tan-Faiman Frontiers in Science and Endocrinology Plenary: Dr. Bess Dawson-Hughes will present, Update, Vitamin D and Calcium for Musculoskeletal Health in Older Adults.
- Alan J. Garber, MD, PhD, MACE, Lectureship for the Prevention and Management of the Complications of Diabetes: Dr. Anne L. Peters will present, State-of-the-Art Diabetes Care – How to Get There for All of Our Patients.
I look forward to seeing you in Orlando!
ACCR Rebrand - Coming Soon
I am also thrilled to share another major development in AACE’s commitment to advancing endocrinology research. Beginning in Spring 2025, AACE Clinical Case Reports (ACCR) will undergo a rebrand, expanding to include Open Access original clinical and translational research and reviews alongside case reports and visual content.
This transformation will enhance the journal’s scientific impact and reach a broader audience with more opportunities for global authors to publish outputs from their research. More details, including submission guidelines and launch date, will be shared soon!
AACE Certificates: Expanding Education for Endocrine Care Teams
As we expand opportunities for research and publication, we remain equally committed to equipping the entire endocrine care team with the skills and knowledge needed to improve patient outcomes. Our AACE certificate programs continue to grow, offering essential training across various aspects of endocrine care.
Last month we launched our Inpatient Diabetes Certificate, providing comprehensive education in hyperglycemia management across the full continuum of care—from intake to hospitalization to discharge.
As we continue to expand our specialized education offerings, I encourage you to share these online certificate programs with your practice:
Coming in 2025:
- Dyslipidemia and Lipids Management Certificate
- Bone and Osteoporosis Certificate
In addition to our certificate programs, we are also developing two advanced hands-on certificates:
- Hands-On Diabetes Technologies and Skills Certificate program aims to equip endocrinologists and care team members with comprehensive knowledge and practical expertise in the latest diabetes management technologies.
- Hands-On Thyroid Nodules and Function Testing Certificate aims to provide endocrinologists and their care team members with advanced, comprehensive training in the latest diagnostic and management strategies for thyroid conditions. This program will enhance their ability to accurately assess, diagnose, and treat patients with thyroid nodules and dysfunctions, thereby improving patient outcomes and optimizing care delivery.
There are 3 components to the hands-on certificate programs:
- A series of online courses in AACE’s My Learning Center.
- In-Person Hands-on Skills Workshop, hosted at AACE’s Annual Meeting, consisting of a 3-hour in-person workshop highlighting the use of diabetes technology or thyroid ultrasound and fine needle aspiration onsite.
- Post-test in AACE’s My Learning Center.
More details about our hands-on certificates will be coming soon.
Topical Interest Groups: AI & Environmental Endocrinology
Our AACE Community online platform continues to be a dynamic space for members to connect, engage in discussions, and explore the latest advancements in clinical endocrinology. Our two specialized Topical Interest Groups: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Clinical Endocrinology Community and Environmental Endocrinology Community, have had various discussions covering a range of topics from gamification in diabetes management, to concerns from patients with thyroid disorders about environmental toxins. I invite you to share your insights by joining the conversation. To comment, log in with your AACE account here. If you are not yet a member, learn how to join at aace.com/join.
As the year unfolds, I look forward to sharing more updates with our AACE Community.
Thank you for your commitment to our mission, elevating clinical endocrinology to improve global health.
Together, We Are AACE!
Sincerely,
Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE
AACE President