President’s Page
Letter from the President:
The Panamerican Trauma Society (PTS) was created during the VII Congress of the Federation of Latin American Surgical Societies that took place in Quito, Equator, in November 1987.
Its purpose is to promote an exchange of Latin American and North American trauma surgeons, so that information and knowledge can be exchanged aiming at the enhancement of quality management for trauma patients.
Since its first congress in Puerto Rico in 1988, and throughout the years, PTS has been able to fulfill its purposes, in spite of a number of difficulties.
The Panamerican Society of Trauma congregates leaders in trauma surgery and has significantly contributed for spreading knowledge. There have been fifteen Annual Congresses in different countries that have offered updated trauma knowledge of the highest quality in our continent.
Several committees have been created aiming at establishing rules, developing guidelines and enhancing scientific exchange.
The list of attending surgeons to our congresses is long and their participation has been significant. Notwithstanding, the great dimension of our continent, regional problems and, specifically, economic features has complicated the development of the Panamerican Trauma Society.
These difficulties have to be faced and should not curb our enthusiasm. Sitting and waiting for things to happen has never been the best way to accomplish anything.
The participation of each and every one, working, questioning and suggesting is of the utmost importance.
Thanks to the Panamerican Trauma Society we have been able to meet new people, make new friends, enhance our knowledge and broaden our horizons.
Come join us.
Samir Rasslan
January 2003