Mindful of the somewhat unfortunately paired aphorisms that, ‘everything changes’ and ‘nobody likes change’, I boldly welcome you to the ‘re-launch’ of PencilPoint.
The long-running OAA newsletter, although never quite passing through the quill-on-parchment phase, has evolved from the gentle days of a printed magazine delivered by ‘snail mail’ to an electronic newsletter (e-PencilPoint), before recently taking a covid-shaped hiatus. Now however, with the shiny new OAA website, comes the latest incarnation of the newsletter. As labour wards across the land bid a fond farewell to their Luer pencil-point needles and an inquisitive welcome to their NRFit offspring, so we hope to make a successful new connection to the PencilPoint blog.
Blogging is the 21st century art-form of the young and trendy. Of the 24 names and photographs listed under the banner ‘famous bloggers’ on a google search, I recognised exactly zero, thus proving the thesis. But, as PencilPoint blog adopters, we can all drink from this elixir of youth; it’s good to have a cutting edge on more than just my nasal hair trimmers.
What to expect from PencilPoint
The aim of the PencilPoint blog is to deliver a mix of education, topical content, information, interest, and occasional silliness to your inboxes every couple of months. Past blogs are available on the OAA website, where they will provide a useful reference. From the homepage, click on 'Information and Resources' and scroll down to the bottom of the page for the link. There are already three excellent blogs on the site, including tips for successful grant applications and collecting local obstetric anaesthesia data, written by experts in their fields, which are well worth a read.
The blog will be used to keep members informed of the excellent work of the various OAA sub-committees, trainee issues, and I hope, a wider view from Europe and beyond. There will be the re-introduction of the traditional ‘Reasons to visit…’ article ahead of the OAA AGM; great for giving a flavour of the host city and helping delegates to plan their trip and maximise, or perhaps extend, their stay.
Share your ideas
Importantly, we need to hear from YOU! We want OAA members from everywhere to write blogs of around 600 words about topics, projects and developments in which they are involved, and would be of interest to the wider membership. The possibilities are almost endless. Please contact me at malcolmbroom@doctors.org.uk with your ideas (and yes, I will need someone with the inside track on Birmingham for the ‘Reasons to visit…’ article please!).
In the meantime, check out the existing blogs on the new OAA website, look out for the October PencilPoint, and get creative, thinking about your own PencilPoint blog topics.
I look forward to hearing from you!
