History and role of the Belgian Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

Abstract

The Belgian Society of Plastic Surgery was founded in 1955. The five founding members were Dr. M. Coelst, Dr. A. de Coninck, Dr. J. Polus, Dr. A. Fardeau and Dr. C. Steenebruggen. Dr. Maurice Coelst was the initiator and first president, and later became the first honorary member. The purpose of the Society was the scientific study of plastic surgery and related specialties, and the organization of congresses and conferences to promote the development of plastic surgery. From a very small group of five members, the Society has grown to a considerable size: 80 full members, 20 associated members and 75 candidate members. The Society also counts 12 honorary members and 16 foreign members. Full members are officially-certified Belgian and Luxembourg plastic surgeons who limit their activities to the domain of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery and who have made significant scientific contributions to the activities of the Society. These activities have grown from informal evening meetings in the 1950’s to presently two full-day congresses every year, during which communications of high scientific standard are presented and discussed. Because of the expansion of plastic surgery, the name of the Society has been changed into ‘‘Belgian Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery’’ and comprises subchapters for the study of burns, microsurgery and aesthetic surgery. The Society sponsors a two-yearly prize, which is attributed to a personal scientific study of exceptionally high standards by a Belgian or Luxembourg plastic surgeon or trainee. The Society also sponsors the activities of the Collegium Chirurgicum Plasticum Belgicum. This Collegium organizes teaching days and yearly examinations for all plastic surgery trainees on a national scale. Successfully passing these evaluations has become a prerequisite for obtaining certification as a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Together with a training of 6 years: 2 years of basic general surgery and 4 years of plastic surgery in one of the seven certified training centers in Belgium and Luxembourg,this system ensures a very high standard of specialization in plastic surgery. Many members participate very actively in many scientific societies in Belgium and abroad. The Belgian participation in EURAPS is very strong, and the prize for the best presentation has been awarded to Belgian plastic surgeons several times. The Society has a close relationship with its Dutch sister Society. Every 2 years a joint meeting is held, alternately in Belgium and in The Netherlands. In 2005 the Belgian Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a 2-day Congress in Brussels on May 6 and 7. On the occasion of the Congress, a commemorative book will be published highlighting and illustrating the history of the Society. Finally, the Society is very grateful to Ian Jackson for allowing its members to fill an entire issue of the European Journal of Plastic Surgery.