The Western Trauma Association, founded in 1971 and soon entering its 40th year, continues to enjoy the enthusiastic support & participation of both younger and more senior surgeons involved in the care of the trauma patient. The WTA’s core values encompass both scholarship and fellowship, providing a serious scientific program against a background of athletic activities and camaraderie. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as President of this dedicated and vibrant group of professionals. I am particularly fortunate to consider so many as good friends and colleagues.

One of my goals for the annual meeting this year was to select a completely new venue for the WTA – not an easy task considering the variety of past venues, logistical requirements, and the “discriminating” appetite for winter sports that has long characterized the WTA membership. I am confident that everyone will be pleased with the result.

The annual meeting this year will be held in Telluride, Colorado. Located in the San Juan mountain range, the area combines spectacular vistas, a wide range of winter activities, and the ambience of an historic mining town much of which remains intact since the 1800’s, and all preserved now as a National Historic District. The connection between the community and the mountain, and the allure of being able to ski into town for lunch or at the end of the day is perhaps more fully realized in Telluride than at almost any other venue in the United States. Albeit small, Telluride offers music, unique shops, art galleries, and a variety of interesting restaurants. It also serves the day-to-day needs of its ~2,200 resident population thereby creating a “real town” feel. The mountain offers a 3,800+ foot skiable vertical drop, with chutes, bowls, and trail skiing – extreme expert to rank beginner – no one will feel left out.

The 2010 WTA scientific program has been set and is, or soon will be, available on this website. In addition to the presentation of original papers, highlights of the meeting include the Founder’s lecture to be delivered by Dr. Larry Diebel; the ‘Paint the Ceiling’ lecture, to be delivered by Dr. William Schecter, point/counterpoint presentations on the use of PA catheters and 1:1:1 transfusion ratios, and the always-colorful “Panel-of-Experts” session to be moderated by Dr. Tom Scalea. The Multi-Institutional Trial Committee and the ad hoc Critical Decisions in Trauma committee will continue their work in Telluride. The committee proceedings are open to all WTA members.

The combination of the program, the venue, the sports, and the people promises to make this an outstanding meeting. Additional material, including travel and registration information, may be found on the WTA website. Please register early. I look forward to seeing everyone in Telluride!