President’s Letter

Dear Colleagues, Dear Friends,

It is a tremendous honour to serve as President of EURAPS for the coming year. I do so with profound gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility towards a Society that has profoundly shaped my professional path and my understanding of what plastic surgery can and should be.

My first EURAPS Congress was held in Vienna in 2003. As a young surgeon, I was deeply impressed not only by the exceptional scientific quality of the presentations, but equally by the openness, generosity, and friendship among the members. More than two decades later, those impressions remain unchanged and continue to define what EURAPS represents for me.

EURAPS stands for plastic surgery at the highest international level: innovative, evidence-based, scientifically rigorous, and forward-looking. At the same time, it is a true scientific family, uniting colleagues across all subspecialties who share a common commitment to excellence, progress, and mutual respect.

One of the defining strengths of EURAPS has always been its strong scientific foundation. This is reflected in the continued importance of the EURAPS Research Council, which has developed into an increasingly central pillar of our Society, providing a dedicated platform for translational and scientific research and ensuring that high-level science remains an integral part of our academic identity.

Reflecting on my own career, it is impossible to overstate the influence EURAPS has had on my professional development. Through fellowships, scholarships, international collaborations, mentorship, and lasting friendships, the Society has profoundly shaped my academic and clinical path and the surgeon I have become today. This experience reinforces my belief that creating similar opportunities for the next generation is one of our most important responsibilities.

I am therefore particularly pleased that EURAPS has significantly expanded its support for young colleagues, increasing both the Resident Scholarships and the Young Plastic Surgeons Scholarships from three to six positions each. This represents an important investment in early academic development and international exposure. Our transatlantic collaboration with the American Association of Plastic Surgeons through the EURAPS/AAPS Fellowship remains a particularly valuable example of global academic partnership.

Education and scientific exchange remain central to our mission. Our webinar programme has become an increasingly important pillar of EURAPS activity, enabling continuous learning and interaction throughout the year while connecting colleagues across Europe and beyond. I am particularly pleased that these webinars continue to be offered free of charge to members and non-members alike, reflecting our commitment to open education and to supporting the professional development of plastic surgeons.

At the same time, EURAPS should not only inspire those at the beginning of their careers. It must also remain a reference platform for experienced surgeons seeking exposure to the latest innovations, advanced surgical techniques, emerging technologies, and the highest level of scientific discourse. One of the unique strengths of our Annual Meeting is that it brings together the entire spectrum of plastic surgery within a single scientific forum, encouraging dialogue across traditional boundaries and fostering exchange that drives innovation.

I am also delighted to see the continued development of initiatives such as the EURAPS Women Working Group and the Industry Relations Committee, both of which contribute to strengthening visibility, inclusivity, and the long-term sustainability of our Association.

This year also marks a personal milestone, as I have assumed the role of Clinical Director in Innsbruck. This is particularly meaningful to me because Innsbruck is closely associated with Hans Anderl, one of the founding fathers of EURAPS. To follow part of that legacy while serving as President of the Society he helped create is both humbling and inspiring.

Looking ahead, I am convinced that EURAPS will continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of plastic surgery in Europe. Beyond our Annual Meeting in Genoa 2027 and our expanding webinar activities, I hope to see an even closer dialogue among the various European and international societies that contribute to the advancement of our specialty. While these organisations often focus on specific subspecialties, we share common goals, common challenges, and a shared responsibility towards our patients. Greater collaboration, joint initiatives, and, where appropriate, harmonised recommendations would further strengthen our specialty. As President, I am committed to fostering this spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

As I begin this term, I do so with great optimism for the future of EURAPS. Together, we will continue to promote excellence in science, education, innovation, and patient care, while preserving the collegiality and friendship that make our Association truly unique.

I very much look forward to representing EURAPS in the coming year, to meeting many of you at conferences and webinars, and to welcoming you to Genoa in 2027.

With my warmest regards,