Earlier this month, the AES Board of Directors, Council chairs, and senior staff met for an intensive three days of strategic planning. Our objective was to develop for AES an ambitious, focused and achievable strategy to guide our work for the next three to five years.
Of utmost importance was a focus on our vision, which was reaffirmed: “To eradicate epilepsy and its consequences.” Each strategic goal is grounded in that vision, and in our mission to advance research and education for professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of epilepsy.
Over the next several months, you will hear a lot about our strategic plan and the details behind it. This is an important document, and I urge you to take a few minutes to read about it on our website. You are also welcome and encouraged to share any feedback or questions you may have with any member of the Board or with me.
Here are the most important parts of the plan, the Strategic Goals which will guide all that we do:
Strategic Goal #1: Education
AES must continue as the leader in education about epilepsy and career development for current and next generation epilepsy professionals.
Strategic goal #2: Research
AES will be a recognized leader in setting research direction (basic through clinical); supporting innovation, encouraging collaboration, and developing the next generation of investigators.
Strategic Goal #3: Best Practices
AES will improve patient care through developing and facilitating implementation of best practices.
Strategic Goal #4: Raise Awareness of Epilepsy
AES will take a leadership role in improving awareness of epilepsy and its impact among the public and health care professionals.
Strategic Goal #5: Organizational Effectiveness
AES will continue to improve its financial sustainability and organizational effectiveness.
Over the coming months our Board leadership, Councils and Committees, and staff will be working to develop the plans that will support each of these strategies. And we will be counting on all of our members to play important roles in guiding our work and contributing to the achievement of these important objectives that together will advance our collective vision to create a world without epilepsy.