December 2025

Dear SOAP Community,

As 2025 drew to a close, December offered a natural moment for reflection on what we have built together and on how deliberately SOAP continues to evolve. Over the past year, our society has not simply been busy; it has been intentional. Across education, research, governance, and intersociety engagement, SOAP has continued to clarify its role as a professional home, a scientific leader, and a trusted voice for obstetric anesthesia.

What has been most striking to me this year is the consistency of purpose across our work. Whether through committee engagement, research collaboration, or educational innovation, the same themes continue to surface: translating evidence into practice, supporting a sustainable and equitable workforce, and centering our efforts on improving care for pregnant patients and their families. These priorities are not episodic, they are becoming embedded in how SOAP operates.

December was also a time to acknowledge the people who make this possible. SOAP’s progress rests on the quiet, steady contributions of volunteers, committee members, reviewers, educators, and mentors who give their time without fanfare. Their work ensures continuity, credibility, and institutional memory, even as we continue to innovate and grow. On behalf of the Board, I extend sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed this year.

As we look ahead to 2026, SOAP enters the new year with strong foundations, financial stability, and a clear strategic direction. The work continues from a position of strength. I am grateful for the trust you place in this society and for the shared commitment that defines our community.

Wishing you and your families a healthy start to the new year.

Ron George, MD, FRCP
President, Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology

BOARD STATS 
  • To date, there are 51 SOAP State Representatives, and we continue to work towards securing a representative from each state.  SOAP State Representatives will provide a key contact in each state to help us reach a broader audience, as SOAP strives to meet its mission to provide safe and equitable care for women and newborns everywhere. If you know someone who is interested in becoming a SOAP State Representative, please contact SOAP HQ.  
COMMITTEE STATS 

Annual Meeting and Live Events Committee 

  • REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the 2026 SOAP Annual Meeting will be held April 29 - May 3, 2026 at Le Westin Montreal in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
    • The theme this year is: From Discovery to Delivery: Bridging Research and Clinical Care in Obstetric Anesthesia

Education Committee

  • Teacher of the Year Award nominations closed January 5, 2026

Diversity Committee 

Governance Committee 

  • Terms for committees will begin January 1 and end on December 31.
  • 2027 Ostheimer Lecturer is Dr. Holly Ende
  • 2026 DSA Winner is Dr. Mark Zakowski

Intersociety Committee  

  • COE Applications closed October 15
  • Support of EAGLET study

Member Value Committee 

Research Committee  

  • Interested in becoming an Abstract Reviewer for the 2026 Annual Meeting abstracts? Complete the Abstract Reviewer Interest Form. Deadline: January 21, 2026
  • Journal Club Classic was held Wednesday, December 10, at 3pm EST. Hosted by Dr. Adam Wendling, presented by Dr. Mariia Herot, featuring Dr. Richard Smiley, “The Serious Complications Repository Project of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology.”
Finance Committee 
  • Combined net assets for SOAP and the SOAP Endowment were $6.7M as of April 31, 2025

SOAP Headquarters 

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