December brings a constant state of “go mode.” Wrapping up our to-do items as this year comes to a close while pondering our resolutions to help us learn and grow in the coming year. The transition from one year to the next brings us a broad assortment of emotions: reflections and nostalgia as we look back, excitement and hope as we look ahead.
Looking back at 2025, I can’t help but smile at all the incredible experiences we AASM members have shared together, from the Sleep Medicine Trends meeting in February to Sleep Medicine Disruptors in November, and everything in between. The 50th Anniversary celebration at SLEEP 2025 was a highlight, where we shared collective inspiration and awe about the history of our field. On a personal level, taking the AASM president’s baton in Seattle, the same place I attended my very first SLEEP meeting, was such a meaningful full-circle moment for me. I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to serve the Academy and my fellow AASM members in this capacity.
As we look ahead to 2026, I’m enthusiastic about all the potential that lies before us: increasing awareness about sleep medicine to draw more people to careers in the field, supporting success of sleep medicine practices as more treatments become available to patients, and integrating technologies that help us better diagnose and manage sleep disorders across all ages and communities. There is always more work to be done, and I’m excited and grateful that we get to do that work together.
Thank you for an incredible AASM year in 2025, when we commemorated those who laid the foundation for the field of sleep medicine and celebrated each of you, who work tirelessly and passionately to advance sleep care and enhance sleep health to improve lives. Wishing you and yours both health and happiness in 2026.
Cheers to a wonderful year ahead,
Anita
Anita V. Shelgikar, MD, MHPE
President
