Presidential address: From where we stand

Abstract

In preparing for this presidential address, I have done the customary reading of the past presidents' addresses, searched through Bartlett's Book of Quotations and Roget's Thesaurus, and even subscribed to American Speaker. It is difficult to describe the conflict of emotions I have experienced over the past year as president of the American Society for Surgery for the Hand (ASSH). Past presidents have spoken of the pride and humility they felt upon assuming the office of this most prestigious of all subspecialty societies, and I am no different. First, I want to give thanks to those people who have been the focus of my life: First, my parents, both of whom instilled in me a sense of family, loyalty, and a work ethic. Second, my teachers and role models, many of whom are in this auditorium today. Third, my children, Sarah and Dan, who have taught me what life is really all about. Finally, but certainly not last, to my wife, Nancy, whose love, support, and understanding have frequently been stretched to the limit and beyond. She is my best friend. As hard as it is for me to believe, in 4 years it will be the end of the twentieth century. There is nothing like the end of a millennium to make one stop and take inventory. During the last half of this century, there has been a remarkable shift in the role of the surgeon as teacher, educator, healer and in the medical field in general. This shift is now in high gear. We