Bacon and Eggs

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Hello, everyone! Welcome to what I believe will be a pivotal year for the Association for Vascular Access (AVA). As 2019 AVA President, I am going to take my first opportunity in the Journal of the Association for Vascular Access (JAVA) to speak from my heart.Our organization exists to protect the patient, educate the clinician, and save the line. Given the magnitude of vascular access devices placed annually and complications that result, our mission is just beginning.Now you may be wondering about the title of this column. You need to know some things about me: I am an avid grower of vegetables and fruits. If my home had solar panels, it could almost be self-sustaining, but sun is a rarity for those of us living in the Northwest! Part of this self-sustenance is raising chickens, which my wife and I have done for the past 15 years. I also love preparing and eating great food. I love similes, analogies, and especially a good metaphor. I am also fond of great sayings, so it should come as no surprise that I often use the following, “What is the difference between being involved and being committed? It is like bacon and eggs—the chicken is involved, but the pig is committed.”How does that apply to AVA and 2019?AVA is undergoing a dramatic and exciting transformation from a loose, grass roots, and largely social vascular access (VA) organization into the definitive source and voice for the specialty. We have been primarily known for putting on an amazing conference each year. That is not going to stop, but now the other 51 weeks also belong to AVA and its vibrant, multidisciplinary membership. Our goal is to be a preeminent authority on all VA matters and to improve clinical outcomes. This change from a largely reflective to a proactive position will be truly challenging. While pursuing this, however, we will not lose the strong sense of family and inclusion that is the foundation of AVA.We have spent a good part of the last year further solidifying our organizational infrastructure. In 2019, AVA will turn out a steady stream of assets for AVA members and patients. These will include (in no particular order):All of this is no easy or small task for a nonprofit organization with 7 full-time employees. This is why AVA needs your ideas, your passion, and your talent. In a word, we need your commitment. Never forget that this is a symbiotic relationship, however, because you need to exercise these same qualities if you are to grow as a VA professional.Now the issue for most of us is lack of time, and AVA is aware of this. We only ask that you seriously consider letting AVA contend for this time because I can assure you that your talents and enthusiasm will not be wasted. Go to our Web site, social media feeds, or contact the board member of your liking to see what is happening. Still unsure? Join your local AVA affiliate or start one of your own. Also, consider a tax-deductible charitable donation to The AVA Foundation, whose goals are education, research, and innovation.Having reached out to clinicians, I would like to now specifically address industry and C-suite partners. Now more than ever is the time to believe in and to support AVA. We can amplify your messages and help to solve your problems. Vicarium is a revolutionary holistic approach to both addressing and fulfilling your VA needs and concerns. Please allow us to individually present it to you so you can assess its relevance in your particular setting.I ask every member and friend of AVA to do the following for us in 2019:Lastly, the ultimate purpose of AVA has been and always will be the patient. It is Vicarium incarnate.Since our Scientific Meeting this year is in Las Vegas, it seems fitting to use the gambling terms “doubling down” and “all in” to summarize my ask of all of you. Take your pick; both imply a deep buy-in, hope, and trust (as well as some luck!).In closing, let me say that AVA is totally committed to you whether you order bacon or eggs, but in my opinion, the best meal contains both. Eat your fill. The AVA kitchen is always open and something will always be cooking from now on.Let's make history together!