En Espanol Past Presidents photo Past President's Letters •  Samir Rasslan •  Juan Lombardi Solari •  David Hoyt

President’s Page
Letters from the President:

The Essence of the Pan American Trauma Society

Ask yourself what makes the Pan American Trauma Society so unique. It has truly been one of the most enjoyable professional experiences I have had and I am sure you all feel the same.

For me, the value of the Pan American Trauma Society has been to experience a true international professional forum. We interact each year and derive experience from each other over many topics. Before this society existed we all proceeded independently with little knowledge of what each other really did. In addition to educating each other, we have created a real sense of community that has created tremendous respect on the part of North Americans for what occurs in Latin America and vice versa. When I think back of what I really knew about training in Latin America , clinical experience, or the dedication of surgeons in this part of the world, I really knew very little. My experience over the last 15 years has been, I am sure, the same for many of you. In addition to developing wonderful friendships, seeing amazing new parts of the world, and learning from each other, we have really, through this organization and the efforts originally of Aurelio Rodriguez, made the world a little smaller. As we look forward to the meeting in Cartagena , I know we will once again enjoy the optimism and greatness of this surgical community and we will renew our commitment to teaching and learning from each other. The Pan American Trauma Society is a model for other international forums and we should be proud of what we have accomplished and where we can go from here.

Please try to put some of your best work forward for this year's meeting in Cartagena . The city and venue has been one of our favorites and I know we will have a terrific meeting. Please don't hesitate to contact me during the year if there is any way I can help you. See you in Cartagena .

Dr. David Hoyt
San Diego, CA, USA
2005 - 2006