Dear Members and Colleagues,
Welcome to yet another exciting and dynamic year at the ESCP. I would like to congratulate all the committees and relevant personnel on their contribution to the continuing development of our Society and to the hugely successful Annual Scientific Meeting in Vienna.
The ESCP has come a long way since its formation seven years ago. The quality of our annual meeting is very high and improving still. However, our Society has grown to be much more than just an annual meeting. With this in mind, I have the following priorities for the next two years:
Education
As an increasing number of young surgeons attend the EBSQ examination, we aim to reinforce our educational efforts by compiling a colorectal textbook that can be used for the examination.
In addition, we will encourage young surgeons to apply for international colorectal fellowships and further promote this activity within our Society.
Clinical Practice
The Society should be more active in the development of international guidelines.
Research
The 'Clinical Trials Update' session at our annual meeting has been an effective initiative in strengthening research quality and international collaboration among researchers. Building on this, the Society will look to support and facilitate international multi-centre studies in a more direct manner.
Engagement of Young Surgeons
We will strive to involve more young members in the core activities and work of the Society. We will also be active in recruiting the next generation. We aim to form a small 'Young Surgeons Committee', which will be in charge of one session at our annual meeting.
With the assistance and support of my Secretary, Peter Dawson, the various committees, and all members, I have no doubt that the ESCP will continue to go from strength to strength.
I look forward to seeing everyone in Belgrade for the 8th annual meeting of our Society in September 2013.
With best regards
Søren Laurberg, ESCP President