Message from ASBMR President Mary L. Bouxsein, Ph.D. – December 22, 2022

Dear Colleagues:

As the year winds down, I wanted to take a few moments to thank those of you who have contributed to the ASBMR Research and Education Fund.  This year, 100% of ASBMR leadership made a donation – and there’s still time, if you haven’t done so yet (https://www.asbmr.org/donations).  These funds go directly back to members in the form of grants and travel support, so join the fun and donate in this season of giving.

Our Council and Committees have been busy – I am so grateful for their hard work, and want to provide some highlights below, as well as new ways for you to get involved with ASBMR.

**NEW**  ASBMR Social Media Committee

The ASBMR Council recently approved the creation of a new Social Media Committee that is charged with 1) amplifying Society messages and content via social media platforms; 2) encouraging member engagement on social media and 3) supporting and proposing campaigns and messaging that raise awareness of ASBMR programs, initiatives and priorities.

Be on the lookout for our call for volunteers in the New Year. This is an opportunity for members with a passion and/or interest in social media to get involved – no prior experience needed, you will learn!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

ASBMR remains committed to placing a deliberate focus on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This year we implemented several programs aimed at increasing the diversity of our educational programing, highlighting the research of members belonging to groups underrepresented in biomedical research and supporting initiatives to expand their opportunities and voice in the Society.

Last week we concluded another year of our Member Spotlight Series which shines a light on the research being done by ASBMR members, particularly those belonging to groups underrepresented in biomedical research. This year’s series showcased the research of 10 outstanding scientists; since the program started in late 2020, 34 members have been featured.

In September, we announced a new pilot program developed by the Diversity Equity and inclusion Committee—the Underrepresented Scientist Proposal Support Program which provides mid- and late-career underrepresented minority researchers/clinicians close to obtaining their first NIH R01 or equivalent grant with consulting services to refine their grant application. In Austin, we also recognized 10 recipients of the Underrepresented Minor Mentorship Award. This pilot program, now completing its second year, provides recipients with travel grants to offset their cost to travel to our Annual Meeting, pairs them with a member mentor for career support before, during, and after the conference, and gives them the opportunity to present their research during a Member Spotlight webinar. Finally, in September we hosted a LGBTQIA+ listening session. As a direct result of the conversations from this important session, a call for volunteers will be issued in January seeking members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community to serve on the DEI Committee. Please be on the lookout for this announcement.

Highlighting Rare Bone Disease at the Annual Meeting

Mark your calendars – in collaboration with the Rare Bone Disease Alliance, we will be organizing a half-day symposium on Rare Bone Disease just prior to the ASBMR 2023 Annual Meeting. Stay tuned for further details.

Secondary Fracture Prevention Initiative  ̶  We need your advocacy!

For the past two years, our priority for the Secondary Fracture Prevention Initiative has been to pursue U.S. Medicare reimbursement for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in partnership with the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF)

The ASBMR and BHOF are pulling out all the stops to get U.S. Medicare reimbursement for FLS across the finish line in 2023.  We will be targeting congressional members that sit on key committees, engaging several congressional caucuses such as the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, as well as visiting members of Congress to educate them on this important issue and obtain their support.

We will need active engagement from our membership to achieve this important goal. I hope that we can count on your support. Please be on the lookout in the New Year for more information on how you can help us advocate for improved treatment of individuals with osteoporosis.

In closing, I wish you a healthy and joyful 2023!  We have many exciting initiatives coming soon and look forward to engaging with you throughout the year.  Please contact us with any ideas you have – we’re here to support the global ASBMR community in any way that we can.

Sincerely,

Mary L. Bouxsein, Ph.D.

ASBMR President