Secretary-General Update

Report by the Secretary General

We come towards the end of a momentous year in the Society. As you may be aware there have been important changes which you confirmed at our Extraordinary General Meeting during the American College of Surgeons meeting in Boston, allowing us to become more attractive, to more people, in more parts of the world. Thank you to all our membership for their strong support. Details of the new membership fees appear in this newsletter and as you will notice we have recognised the economic constraints placed on members from lower- and middle-income countries and adjusted our membership fees accordingly. These fees will be effective immediately, for the next membership year. We feel that we are already the world’s most global surgical society, but in order to maintain our place we appreciate the realities and encourage the interaction of surgical care providers from across all income groups. Making your Society more accessible is one way of doing this. Application for membership is now electronic, with a rapid turn-around time.

We also recognise the enormous contributions to world surgery made by our more senior members, and as you know, we have introduced the Fellowship of the International Society of Surgery. (F.I.S.S.). Fellowship is by application, is awarded by the Council of the Society, and the details are on our website. Fellows pay the same membership dues but may use the letters after their names. If you feel you meet our criteria, I would encourage you to apply.

Plans for the Congress in Krakow are well advance, and we are expecting to have another successful and stimulating

meeting. More details are in this newsletter, and the closing date for abstracts is close at hand.

As you will have seen from our President, Andrew Hill’s report, we are placing a large amount of emphasis on working together with other international colleges across the globe, and with organisations such as G4. In addition, we will be activating the ISS Academy, which coordinate our Surgical Education programme. Too often, programmes are one-sided. We have members scattered across the globe. Email our office, let us know how we can help initiatives in your country. We are seeking financial resources as well, but the greatest resource we have is you, our members, no matter where you live, nor what you do. Whether it is mentorship for projects, visits, elective periods, or advice on education or training, we can help. We are developing relationships, especially in our Lower-Middle income areas, with local and Regional Surgical Colleges, and forging new Partnerships. We envisage a significant ISS/SIC presence in local areas and partnerships, especially in the alternate years to our own Congress. More details in the next newsletter.

Years ago, a German Philosopher, Theologian, and Doctor, Albert Schweitzer, who spent most of his life working in Lambaréné, Gabon, said “Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too”. The International Society of Surgery is the world’s premier International Society, and we all have something to contribute.

For those of you celebrating the holiday season in December, and especially those in the South, who will be doing it in Midsummer, Best Wishes from all of us in the Office at ISS/SIC. Thanks to the team who work here and are so passionate about what they do. To all our members, we wish you a happy December, and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year to come.

Kenneth D. Boffard Secretary General ISS/SIC