The President's Letter
March 25, 2026
Dear SSCI Fellows and Members,
I am delighted to serve as President of the Southern Society for Clinical Investigation (SSCI) for the 2026-2027 term. The Society remains steadfast in its mission to advance medical research and foster the exchange of knowledge while mentoring future generations of clinical investigators and promoting careers in academic medicine.
Our recent Southern Regional Meeting (SRM) in February 2026 was a remarkable success. We welcomed 849 attendees, including students, residents, fellows, and faculty, and received 778 abstract submissions across diverse disciplines. In support of emerging investigators, SSCI awarded over $70,000 in research and academic honors, including the SSCI Research Scholar Award. The Tinsley Harrison Scholars Program recognized 11 outstanding scholars, while the Showcase of Science highlighted innovative work from rising investigators. We have also expanded engagement through the Early Career Council and continue to increase our membership by welcoming new institutions and colleagues across the region. We encourage all members to actively participate and serve as ambassadors for the Society.
In celebration of SSCI's 80th Anniversary, we are continuing the "80 for 80 Club" fundraising campaign. Members are invited to contribute $800, either as a one-time gift or in installments, toward permanently endowing eight annual research travel awards through the SSCI FAMe Fund. Donors will be recognized at the 2027 annual meeting and on the Society’s website. We look forward to gathering in New Orleans for SRM 2027, taking place February 18-20. The meeting will offer exceptional scientific programming alongside valuable opportunities for collaboration and professional networking.
I am also pleased to announce the results of the 2026 SSCI elections. Dr. Leslie Gewin (Washington University in St. Louis) and Dr. Calvin Thigpen (University of Mississippi Medical Center) have been elected President-Elect and Secretary-Treasurer-Elect, respectively. Drs. John Arthur (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences), Yash Choksi (Vanderbilt University Medical Center), and Raksha Jain (University of Texas Southwestern) have been elected to the Council. I look forward to working with the Council to advance the mission of the SSCI.
See you in New Orleans in February, 2027!
Sincerely,
Victor J. Thannickal, MD, FSSCI
President, Southern Society for Clinical Investigation
Professor and Harry B. Greenberg Chair of Medicine
John W. Deming Department of Medicine
Tulane School of Medicine