Dear AAAM Members,
Greetings! I hope this message finds you well and energized for the year ahead. As we enter 2025, I am honored to continue serving as President of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine. It is a privilege to work with such an exceptional community dedicated to improving road safety and saving lives worldwide.
Reflecting on 2024, I am deeply grateful for the remarkable efforts of our committee chairs, members, volunteers, and staff. Your unwavering commitment and passion are the driving force behind AAAM’s continued success. Together, we have made significant progress in adhering to our organization’s strategic plan, advancing our mission through groundbreaking research, impactful educational programs, and thoughtful policy recommendations. I especially want to thank our Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) faculty and staff for their tireless work delivering high-quality AIS courses. Their expertise is crucial to improving the recognition and coding of traumatic injuries, leading to enhanced patient care and safety outcomes globally.
A standout moment of last year was the 68th Annual Conference in Seoul, South Korea, held in partnership with the Korean Auto-vehicle Safety Association and The Korean Society of Traumatology. This joint event was a true testament to the power of international collaboration, bringing together experts worldwide to exchange knowledge and push the boundaries of automotive medicine. To everyone who participated, presented, or volunteered—thank you for making it such a memorable and impactful gathering.
Looking ahead, I am excited to share that AAAM’s 69th Annual Conference will return to Indianapolis, Indiana, from October 7–10, 2025, at The Conrad Hotel. We look forward to another inspiring conference with thought-provoking discussions, innovative research presentations, and invaluable networking opportunities. I encourage you to mark your calendars and plan to join us this fall.
Our members are at the heart of everything we do. Your involvement is essential to our continued growth and success. This year, I invite you to explore the many ways you can engage with AAAM:
- Join a committee to help shape the future of AAAM’s initiatives and programs. Committees provide valuable opportunities to collaborate with peers and contribute to individual and organizational growth. Whether you’re interested in enhancing member outreach, developing scientific programming and content, or shaping policy, there’s a place for you. Some of our key committees include the Membership and Marketing Committee, Scientific Program Committee, and the Policy Committee. Learn more: Committees.
- Collaborate with a Special Interest Group (SIG) to connect with professionals who share your focus areas and drive innovation in specialized topics within automotive medicine. Our SIGs provide a forum for discussion, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Current SIGs include Automated Vehicles, Global Child and Youth Safety, Road Safety in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, and Motorcyclists Safety. Find your community here: Special Interest Groups.
- Participate in educational webinars to stay informed on the latest research, emerging trends, and critical issues in the field. All AAAM members receive access to the full library of recorded webinars, allowing you to learn at your convenience. Additionally, we encourage members to submit topics and propose webinars they’d like to present, fostering a platform where knowledge and expertise are shared across our global community. Explore webinars and get involved: Webinars.
- Recognize excellence by nominating colleagues or submitting your work for AAAM’s annual awards and recognitions. These honors celebrate outstanding contributions to automotive medicine, leadership, service, and teaching. Prestigious recognitions include the Award of Merit, J. Mirkin Service Award, Donald E. Huelke Lifetime Membership Award, Elaine Wodzin Young Achiever Award, and the Jan Price Excellence in AIS Teaching Award. Award nominations and submissions will open soon—we encourage you to take part in recognizing those making a lasting impact in our field. Learn more: Awards.
Additionally, our Strategic Plan provides a clear vision for advancing AAAM’s research, education, and global engagement goals. I encourage you to review it and consider how your expertise and enthusiasm can contribute to achieving these objectives.
The field of automotive medicine is constantly evolving, and new challenges and opportunities come with it. Progress is only possible through our collective efforts—your research, your questions, and your shared knowledge are invaluable. I urge you to stay engaged: submit your work, join conversations, and help us broaden the reach and impact of our mission.
As we move forward into 2025, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to creating safer roads for everyone. With your continued support, I am confident that we will reach new milestones and make a lasting difference in the world of automotive medicine. I look forward to collaborating with you and hope to see many of you in Indianapolis this October.
Respectfully,
Dr. Federico E. Vaca, MD, MPH, FAAAM
President, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine
Professor, University of California Irvine School of Medicine