By Heidi Smith, MD, MSCI
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Dear ADS Members and Partners,

As we turn the calendar to a bright New Year, I am filled with optimism about the opportunities before us to advance care for patients across the age spectrum who are at risk for or suffer from delirium. Our commitment to evidence-based medicine, robust clinical and basic science research, implementation science, and quality improvement will continue to shape practice and improve outcomes. I am deeply grateful for the dedication of all ADS members in delivering exemplary care to patients and their families. While a growing society may have more limited capacity to reward membership relative to larger organizations, our focus remains steadfast on fostering an inclusive and active community, cultivating inter-societal partnerships, and maintaining a vibrant forum at our annual conferences. I am thankful for the relationships you have built within the ADS community and for the collaborations—past, present and future—that will drive transformative care. The energy and insights from the outstanding evidence-based science presentations, educational workshops that focus on optimizing delirium care, and mentorship opportunities at our annual conferences, continually remind me why ADS exists: to elevate delirium care through rigor, curiosity, and shared purpose. 

We have enthusiastically expanded our conference experience to bolster scientific content across three days, a change driven by the remarkable volume of clinical and basic science work submitted for ADS 2025 in Nashville, TN! This evolution has enriched the learner experience and been further enhanced by workshops on grant writing, Delirium 101, implementation and quality improvement science. The next level of our expanding journey will be unveiled at the 16th Annual ADS Conference in Denver, CO, June 14–16, 2026. I look forward to embarking on this milestone with you. We remain steadfast in our commitment to growth, and this year ADS is introducing a new focal area for on advocacy and leadership—an integral part of our mission to impact patients beyond the hospital walls. In this spirit, Simon Sinek’s concept of knowing our “why” resonates: we exist to illuminate the purpose behind every patient touchpoint, ensuring our work is meaningful, aligned with core values, and capable of rallying others to the cause. Our advocacy must operate at local, state, and national levels, translating “our why” into tangible actions that advance patient care and health equity. I am pleased to announce two fellowship positions for the Advocacy and Leadership Workshop this year, supported by a $1500 ADS Presidential donation. The call for applications will open with registration for the 2026 Annual Conference. 

The 3rd Annual ADS Gala in Denver will embody our “societal why”: improving lives not only through the care we provide at the bedside but also by equipping patients and families  for success and sustained recovery at home. We are committed to being the voice for delirium and translating advocacy into action by expanding our impact. It is my sincere hope that every member will have the firsthand opportunity to experience the benefits of membership--registration discounts, collaborative engagement at each annual conference, and access to high-level educational content on the ADS website. I encourage involvement with our active committees: Membership and Communication, Research, Education, and Advisory opportunities to the ADS Board of Directors. To better serve members and new conference attendees, ADS leadership aims to deepen our understanding of how to enhance educational, leadership, clinical, research, and mentorship opportunities. This past year, committee chairs have been invited to attend ADS Board of Director meetings on a rotating basis to share successes and identify opportunities for Board support to advance committee initiatives. 

Finally, as a new initiative this year, the ADS Board of Directors will commence biannual retreats to refine our mechanisms for advancing the society toward new heights in service of our mission. We look forward to expanding our understanding of philanthropy and advocacy. We deeply appreciate the support of our sponsors and the growing opportunities to develop industry partnerships. It is my hope that the ADS Board’s commitment to expanding our knowledge and reach in support of our societal mission reflects our dedication to you and to our patients. To those who give their time to deliver excellence in care to patients from birth to the end of life, I invite you to join, contribute, and help us forge new paths. Every patient, every day, every touchpoint—the hospital should be the most nurturing environment possible to propel recovery. 

Happy New Year, and I look forward to seeing you in Denver for ADS 2026.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Heidi AB Smith, MD, MSCI
President, American Delirium Society