On the Sunday morning following the Phoenix Academy Meeting, as many of you dashed to Sky Harbor Airport or discovered your stay in Phoenix was extended due to superstorm Sandy, I was strolling across the Mill Street Bridge in Tempe with Jack, Seth, Eric, Ben, Channing, Alexis, and their families, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. Over 16,000 of us participated in the Arizona Walk for Autism Speaks raising $1.4 million to fight this disorder whose clinical presentation, social challenges, and research prospects were so eloquently summarized to us during our Plenary Session by Drs. Ricki Robinson and David Amaral.
Planes flying overhead caused my thoughts to drift to my Academy Fellows returning home after joining us for another successful meeting. This was our third largest meeting with over 3,000 optometrists and 5,000 total registrants. High quality courses, superb symposia outlining critical clinical thinking to improve patient care, thought provoking clinical case presentations and clinical studies in the poster sessions, papers providing new discoveries in clinical and vision science, and a robust exhibit hall are the essence of our meeting. All of you who contributed to the success of this meeting should be congratulated. Yet, the formal induction of 204 new Fellows of the Academy was the pinnacle of the event. At the banquet we welcomed them into our Fellowship along with their commitment to life long learning and expanding their knowledge to provide improved patient care.
When we turned for the return trip across Tempe Lake, my attention returned to those walking with me. The love and concern of friends, family, and neighbors was evident as all were united in this common case. As I walked with Kyla discussing the new school and program that her son started attending this year, it became clear that she and her husband were firmly dedicated to a long-term commitment to make the best life possible for their son. And while all parents strive to make a good life for their children, the added challenge of having a son with Autism Spectrum Disorder requires a constant and full commitment to that vision.
Then my thoughts and reflections drifted back to my Academy week. What is the level of our commitment to our Academy and our profession? Is it one of convenience that can be disrupted by the first sign of discomfort? Or is it a more robust commitment that can be sustained and enhanced by professional and personal challenges?
