However, I can envision a time when the winter and fall meetings will be conducted with real time video conferencing so that those members unable to physically attend the meeting will be able to participate through a cyberspace connection. I also envision the Society becoming more involved with CME-type activity. It is apparent from the SPA membership list that the Society s members include the world s leaders and researchers in pediatric anesthesia. In addition to educational meetings, maybe the Society should also provide other forms of educational material that members could interact with on the web. From a financial perspective the Society continues to meet its expenses.
Dues remain as low or lower than any other anesthesia society or organization.
Membership dues have not been raised in years and the fall and winter meetings would operate at a loss if it were not for corporate sponsorship. As we look to our financial future, we must realize that corporations merge and that the corporate sponsorship dollars may evaporate. Thus, SPA must look at alternative ways to remain financially solvent so that it can continue its missions. In the ethics discussion of health care during the afternoon session of this year s annual meeting, we heard William Greeley, MD comment on the vital role that philanthropy plays in helping to meet our hospitals' missions. I suspect SPA should be no different with regards to its needs for philanthropic dollars.