Erkki TUKIAINEN, EURAPS President

Dear colleagues,

Plastic surgery is not restricted to certain anatomic areas, gender or age of our patients. In each European country the tradition of our specialty has developed on different grounds. This has produced diversity, which is both an advantage and disadvantage. However, in modern Europe, surgical standards need to be harmonized and standardized. Plastic surgeons must have a leading role in this process. Otherwise the solutions are defined by others. These goals are best promoted by good teaching, high quality plastic surgical research and active international contacts on many levels.

Plastic surgery must be recognized as an important surgical specialty already in medical schools and during basic surgical training. So far, we have managed to attract skilful and motivated students to join our specialty. Plastic surgery needs both clinically trained and scientifically educated, competent doctors. Above all colleague who are willing and capable to combine these qualities and serve as academic surgeons and plastic surgical leaders in university centers.

Recent years have revealed major advances in basic research, which already have influenced our clinical practice. There is a growing demand for clinical plastic surgical research to combine clinical expertise with new scientific findings to benefit our patients. EURAPS must further support and promote the scientific activity of young plastic surgeons, and encourage active collaboration with basic researchers. The European Conference of Scientists and Plastic Surgeons (ECSAPS), which is associated with EURAPS, should be strengthened to bring all the involved parties together.

International connections and post doctoral positions are important for the development of young plastic surgeons and for rapid exchange of new ideas and techniques. In this field EURAPS has an important role and this should be further strengthened. There is a need for different kind of scholarships, also for shorter visits and for specialists.

EURAPS has a unique reputation for its high standard scientific program during the annual meetings.

The presented papers at the meetings are carefully selected out of many submitted for evaluation. The two day scientific program keeps us well informed about the different sectors of our specialty, also of those that each of us may not deal with in daily practice.

In order to become stronger EURAPS needs to attract new members. I am sure this can be achieved in such a way that high standards, moral and independence of the Association can be maintained.

EURAPS has established its role as one of the leaders in plastic surgery. It is a great honour to be elected as the president of EURAPS and I hope I can personally contribute to the Association during my presidency.

Erkki Tukiainen

- President 2 years.

3 months lecturer.                                                                        1980