Why do we consider MLA '06 a transforming event? The answer is in the program and in the locale. We have invited Atul Gawande to be the 2006 McGovern lecturer. Gawande is a well-known author whose columns and essays appear regularly in the New England Journal of Medicine ("Notes of a Surgeon"), The New Yorker, and most recently in the Atlantic Monthly. Nominated for the National Book Award in 2002, he is the author of the best seller, Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science. Young, hip, and with a sense of humor, Gawande's presentations are moving and motivational, just what we need to help us keep up with a transforming profession, facing exciting challenges in health information services.

The 2006 NPC is also organizing a power-packed conclusion to MLA '06. We all know that our roles are changing, and the closing program at MLA '05 highlighted the exciting prospects we face. Taking a cue from that presentation, we have assembled two panels of speakers to address one of the biggest transformations facing health sciences libraries: the integration of health information and knowledge sources into the electronic health record. You do not want to miss out on this learning opportunity.

Phoenix is itself transforming. In the midst of the desert Southwest, Phoenix continues to develop itself as an oasis. While downtown is slowly transforming its "big city" image with major sports complexes, a huge convention center, and high-tech office towers, the metropolitan area reflects the spa mentality of relaxing under palm trees and provides powerful reminders of Arizona's ancient cultural past. The Heard Museum, not far from the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, the MLA '06 headquarters, is world renowned for its collection of Native American art and artifacts. Not far away are other centers of Phoenix's cultural life: the Phoenix Art Museum and the new Phoenix Public Library. In fact, Phoenix is an ideal gateway for exploring major attractions such as the red rocks in Sedona and, of course, the Grand Canyon.

Like the weather, MLA '06 will be hot! You don't want to miss the best meeting ever!

—James Shedlock, AHIP, cochair, 2006 National Program Committee
—Debra Ketchell, AHIP, cochair, 2006 National Program Committee