Dear Friends:
As the International College of Surgeons World President, it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the 81st Annual Surgical Update of the United States Section of the International College of Surgeons with the theme of The Art and Science of Surgery: Repair, Rejuvenate, Renew. This 81st Surgical Update is based on the excellent planning and organization of the US Section leadership and provides you with an excellent, interactive learning opportunity, in a beautiful part of the United States
in Southwestern Pennsylvania in the Laurel Highlands.
The agenda includes lectures on global humanitarian surgery, the strategic thrust of the International College of Surgeons. Dr. Max Thorek founded the International College of Surgeons 84 years ago and his humanitarian philosophy is as relevant today as then. Dr. Thorek believed that the International College of Surgeons was to be a true College whose prime function would be to teach men and women, all thirsting for knowledge. His philosophy led to the humanitarian involvement of the College in the World Health Organization (WHO), in which the College has and continues to significantly benefit from the privilege of being a Non-Governmental Organization in Official Relations with the WHO. This is what makes us unique and what sets us apart from the many other surgical associations: we are a truly global surgical association with multiple, active missions all around the world, where our Fellows are leading the way.
This particular meeting is very exciting for me, as Professor Lloyd Ratner, MD, will be present and honored by the International College of Surgeons. Professor Ratner is Professor of Surgery and Director of Renal and Pancreatic Transplantation at Columbia University in New York. He is a true pioneer in the field of transplantation and his choice is a testament to the academic
excellence that the US section and its members exemplify.
Most of all, this great academic event, will also serve as an opportunity for Fellows from all around the globe to come together and exchange views regarding both the science and the art of surgery. Even more, it is an opportunity to learn about each other, and realize that what keeps us together is stronger than any of our differences. I look forward to being with all of you and to learning about your updated experiences in surgery.
Sincerely,
Professor Georgios Tsoulfas
World President
International College of Surgeons
Dear Friends:
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 81st Annual Surgical Update of the United States Section of the International College of Surgeons. We are gathered here at the fabulous Nemacolin Woodlands Resort located in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania to participate in this annual conference and also experience everything this renowned resort has to offer. The topics presented during our meeting, the theme of which is The Art and Science of Surgery: Repair, Rejuvenate, Renew, will provide insight into treatment options that change people’s lives. This educational activity will provide unique continuing education for the general surgeon and surgical specialist alike, providing both multidisciplinary and specialty specific educational content.
As you can see, we have developed a high quality program that includes a number of special sessions. In keeping with our theme of Repair, Rejuvenate, Renew, we have included sessions that focus on Transplantation and Trauma. You will hear from experienced educators from around the country as they share their research and experiences. Additionally, we are fortunate to have our ICS World President join us from Greece. Prof. Tsoulfas will speak on Friday morning and participate in various other aspects of the meeting. We are very pleased that he will be with us.
I am extremely delighted that Dr. Lloyd Ratner, Professor of Surgery and Director of Renal and Pancreatic Transplantation at Columbia University in NY, has agreed to participate. Dr. Ratner will present the Dr. Andre Crotti Lecture during the Opening Session on Thursday afternoon. We also welcome back Dr. Ara Tilkian from UCLA, who will present the Dr. Arno Roscher Endowed Lecture for the second time. Joining us this year are a number of distinguished faculty, including members from the University of Washington, who will provide updates on a wide range of topics. One highlighted area that defines the U.S. section of the ICS and distinguishes us from other professional surgical societies is our commitment to and expertise with Global Surgery. I think you will find the outreach experiences in this field that will be shared by our course faculty to be instructive and inspiring.
We are joined once again by the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons. They will conduct their 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting on Friday and Saturday. Dr. Greg Laurence will present the keynote lecture during their Friday session. On behalf of all International College of Surgeons Fellows I extend a warm welcome to our colleagues from the AANOS and wish them all the best for a successful gathering.
On a final note, I encourage everyone to attend the Honors Luncheon on Saturday. During this break from educational programming we will welcome our newest members and recognize those who have made significant contributions to our esteemed organization. I hope to see you there.
Welcome to Nemacolin and enjoy!
Andrew S. Klein, MD, MBA, FICS
President, United States Section
International College of Surgeons
