Feedback from Maarten Simons, EHS President, on the EHS’ presence at the American Hernia Society Annual Meeting:
“The Annual meeting of the American Hernia Society offered a great opportunity for an EHS visit of five board members and some members from our wings.
A really excellent and truly diverse programme covering many topics, including space for innovations and future challenges. I enjoyed the Jeopardy session with residents gambling dollars to give correct answers on topics varying from history of Hernia (Surgeons) to basic knowledge of types of collagen. Great fun and not easy, even for experienced surgeons.
Another session that inspired us was the ‘presidents against the wall’. Seven past presidents presented and discussed honestly video’s of their own complications. Very educating! The Presidents (elect) of both societies formally met to discuss future collaboration on annual meetings, development of guidelines, joint education and the possibility of sharing the UEMS examination for American surgeons that aspire to become fellows of the European Board of Medical Specialists in the Abdominal Wall section (FEB-AWS).
We value the strong collaboration and yearly visits “Across the pond”. Our EU session consisted of interesting presentations about Robotic AWS in Europe, Peritoneal flap, registries, tarup, fasciotens, hernia centers and specialisation in hernia surgery. Topics that inspired our AHS friends as “originated in Europe”. To show our gratitude the current Dutch President offered tulips to incoming Flavio Malcher and outgoing Archana Ramaswamy. Science and friendship!”
Maarten Simons
EHS President
