ESA News

ESA Newsletter: April 2003

From the ESA President

Several matters of considerable importance have occupied the minds of the ESA council since I last communicated with the membership of the society.

The society is making substantial progress with its negotiation over the Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). This memorandum clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of both parties in their relationship. Importantly, ESA's relationship to the Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) for Endocrinology will be clarified. This committee is responsible for organizing a number of activities of the RACP with respect to the subspecialty of Endocrinology, most especially, the curriculum for advanced training. The memorandum of understanding will ensure that ESA has the opportunity to nominate members to the SAC, and in so doing, become more directly involved in this important process for many of our members. This is a very opportune time, as the SAC has recently announced its intention to undertake an extensive revision of the Advanced Training Curriculum in Endocrinology, and we look forward to working closely with them on what is a vital, but immense task.

Many of you will have received a message from Dr John Baxter, President of The Endocrine Society of the USA, regarding that society's intentions to "internationalise" its activities. This is in recognition of a number of factors, including the observation that approximately 35% of its members are from outside Northern America. Indeed, approximately 250 ESA members are also members of The Endocrine Society. ESA has communicated with Dr Baxter indicating our general support for his announcement, and has received very encouraging messages back. One of our own members, John Funder, is heading up the International Task Force for The Endocrine Society. We look forward to working with The Endocrine Society to be able to provide enhanced opportunities for training of Australian endocrine scientist within th international sphere.

Finally, it is my pleasure to announce, on behalf of the 2000-2002 and current councils of ESA the election of eight new Life Members of the Society. Life membership of ESA is awarded to "men and women distinguished in the fields of endocrinology or metabolism at home or abroad who have made material contributions to the advancement of these subjects and who in the opinion of the Committee are worthy of such distinction (ESA Constitution)". Our 8 new life members are: Don Cameron (Secretary 1980-82, Vice President 1984-86, President 1986-88); Cres Eastman (Treasurer 1974-78, Vice President 1978-80, President 1980-82; John Funder (Treasurer 1978-80, Vice-President 1980-82, President 1982-84); Philip Harding (Secretary, 1976-78 and long-time archivist of ESA), Richard Larkins (Secretary 1978-80, Vice President 1982-84, President 1984-86); T. Jack Martin (Secretary, 1970-72); Jim Stockigt (Secretary 1988-90, President 1990-92) and E Marelyn Wintour-Coghlan (a long standing member and contributor to ESA activities). Marelyn is our only female Life Member (and we believe our first), and, as she pointed out in her letter of acceptance, she and her husband, John, are our only married couple Life Members!! I'm sure you'll agree with me that each of these members is well and truly worthy of the honour bestowed upon them; we acknowledge their contribution and look forward to their continued involvement with ESA.

Please read the rest of the newsletter carefully; it contains much important information regarding forthcoming activities of ESA (meetings, awards etc). I look forward to receiving many high quality applications for the various awards of ESA, and to welcoming many of you to the forthcoming Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne in September.

Ben Canny, ESA President

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