Message from the SONS Chair

After two years of leadership during a time full of challenges, Dr. Andrew Jea, FAAP ascends to the role of Past-Chair of the Section on Neurological Surgery of the AAP. Under Dr. Jea’s leadership, SONS rose to the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, producing a webinar to help educate pediatric neurosurgeons in how to adjust their practices to this new reality. SONS also participated in the virtual AANS/CNS Section on Pediatric Neurological Surgery annual meeting where AAP President Dr. Sally Goza, FAAP gave and inspirational talk as the AAP/SONS lecturer. SONS continued its advocacy and policy work with Choosing Wisely, the upcoming pediatric brain death guidelines, access to pediatric surgical services, and global health.

Dr. Jea has left big shoes to fill as I begin my term as Chair of SONS. After years of service to SONS, Dr. Phil Aldana, FAAP turns over his Past-Chair duties to Dr. Jea. We are thrilled that Dr. Aldana will continue his work with AAP, focusing on global health initiatives. Other members of the executive committee for 2021-2023 are:

• Dr. Sandi Lam, FAAP - Vice-Chair
• Dr. Jonathan Martin, FAAP - Secretary
• Dr. David Bauer, FAAP - Advocacy and Policy Committee Chair
• Dr. Brandon Rocque, FAAP - Education Committee Chair
• Dr. Katrina Ducis, FAAP - Membership Chair
• Dr. Greg Olavarria, FAAP - Database Committee Chair
• Natasha Raman, NP - Advanced Practice Provider Committee Chair

Over the next two years, SONS will continue its efforts to educate pediatricians, patients, and families. SONS is unique among pediatric neurosurgery organizations in that it is “outward facing” rather than “inward facing” regarding its educational activities. Recently, Drs. Jonathan Martin and Greg Olavarria edited an outstanding issue of Pediatric Clinics of North America on pediatric neurosurgical conditions encountered by primary care pediatricians. SONS will continue to participate in the AAP annual National Conference and Exhibition. We will also continue to produce educational content for patients and families.

Policy and advocacy remain critical aspects of the SONS mission. We will continue to work with the AAP, pediatric neurosurgery organization, and outside entities to develop and review policies and projects that will have a positive impact on the care of our patients.

Thank you for your interest in SONS. Please contact me or any member of the executive committee if you have any questions or suggestions or wish to join us in these efforts.

Gregory Albert, MD, MPH, FAAP