The pace of change in infectious diseases hasn’t slowed, and neither has the work of IDSA. At our recent Board of Directors meeting, June 26-27, we spent two days engaged in thoughtful conversations about the challenges facing ID today, but even more importantly, about how we can continue strengthening IDSA for the future. I came away energized by the commitment of our volunteer leaders and staff and wanted to share a few highlights with you.
- Strengthening our advocacy. We spent considerable time discussing how IDSA can continue to champion the infectious diseases workforce, protect scientific integrity, advocate for biopreparedness funding and respond to federal policy changes affecting research, public health and patient care. These priorities remain central to our mission.
- Deepening our partnership with HIVMA. The Board explored new ways for IDSA and HIVMA to work even more closely together by strengthening communication between our leadership and boards, coordinating advocacy efforts and presenting a unified voice as we respond to the unprecedented challenges facing infectious diseases and HIV medicine.
- Growing the IDSA Foundation’s impact. We also discussed exciting progress at the IDSA Foundation as it continues to expand its impact and fundraising efforts. From advancing vaccine policy initiatives to earning Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, the Foundation is helping create new opportunities to support our mission and invest in the future of infectious diseases.
- Expanding IDSA’s reach and influence. We discussed how to further position IDSA and our members as trusted sources of infectious diseases expertise — not only for journalists, but also for policymakers, patients and the public. By building on our success in traditional media while expanding our presence on social media and emerging platforms, we have an opportunity to reach broader audiences with timely, evidence-based information when they need it most.
- Growing our global impact. The Board discussed opportunities to strengthen partnerships with infectious diseases organizations around the world, expand international membership and increase the global reach of IDSA’s journals, educational resources and scientific collaborations.
- Preparing for the future of clinical guidance. We reviewed how IDSA is modernizing its guidelines program and explored how artificial intelligence can responsibly support the development of timely, high-quality, evidence-based clinical guidance.
- Investing in future leaders. We discussed ways to strengthen leadership development and Board governance, including building a leadership pipeline that reflects the full breadth of infectious diseases. Our goal is to encourage and prepare future leaders from across clinical practice, research, public health, academia and other areas of expertise so our Board continues to benefit from the diverse perspectives that make our Society strong.
- Maintaining a strong financial foundation. The Board also reviewed IDSA’s financial outlook and discussed long-term stewardship of the Society’s resources. As we pursue new opportunities and invest in strategic priorities, we remain committed to thoughtful financial planning that ensures IDSA’s long-term strength and sustainability.
What stood out most to me was the Board’s shared sense of purpose. Whether we’re advocating on Capitol Hill, responding to emerging infectious disease threats, strengthening partnerships, investing through the IDSA Foundation or preparing for the future of medicine, every conversation was grounded in one question: How can IDSA better serve our members and the patients and communities who rely on infectious diseases expertise?
Thank you for your continued engagement with IDSA and for the extraordinary work you do every day. I look forward to sharing more as these efforts continue to move forward.
