2009 PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE Fellow SAFCS Members: In preparing the President’s Message, I was struck by the words of Robert B. Allen, “The future you see is the future you get” The challenges facing the Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons are well chronicled and, as known by every service member, continue to change and grow with each passing day. With our Medical Centers in varying cycles of closure and growth, our scope of clinical practice continuing to expand and contract based on the needs of the Air Force, and our overall numbers continuing a downward slide during the past decade, pessimism regarding service no doubt has taken hold of some of our membership. While some may lament the loss of the past, I prefer to look at the future as an opportunity to expand this organization to heights never before imagined. Our brave warrior medics continue to provide outstanding medical care through the services of the Air Force Theater Hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan. A review of the current literature shows many contributions to the practice of medicine authored by our colleagues in multiple surgical specialties. In the past twenty-four months our medical leadership has secured significant increases in compensation packages for specialists in the fields of General Surgery, Trauma Surgery and Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery; bringing these critically-manned specialties closer to their civilian counterparts in the pay inequities associated with military service. Most importantly, our colleagues in the civilian sector continue to recognize our expertise in the management of trauma patients, and actively seek out our participation in national and international conferences and teaching forums. This association is what holds the key to our growth and future success as an organization. In our annual symposium in Denver, Colorado in April 2009, the SAFCS will for the first time actively partner with our civilian colleagues in the presentation of a combined educational forum highlighting the similarities between the military and civilian medical communities. Military and civilian medical experts will present seminars on the unique challenges of rural surgical practices, stabilization and transport of critically injured patients from remote locations and evidence-based management protocols for the care of the trauma patient. Our military-focused curriculum will expand upon the excellent progress made at the Cincinnati symposium with planned presentations by the Surgeon General, the Commanders of all the Air Force Medical Centers, as well as the involvement and participation of all of the Air Force Surgical Specialty Consultants. Partnership with the civilian community will allow us to benefit from their expertise, and continue to offer a forum for Air Force officers to experience the fellowship, camaraderie and exchange of ideas that is the backbone of the SAFCS. I see a future for our organization that is bright, as long as we continue to expand upon our significant accomplishments, and find new avenues to succeed. The Board of Governors continues to work very hard to make sure that your concerns and observations are brought to the highest level of attention in the Air Force Medical Service. Please contact your Board members, become involved in the planning and presentation of the annual symposium and help us maintain the viability and relevance of this organization. I look forward to seeing everyone in Denver for the 55th Annual Symposium. Warmest Regards, Col David B. Powers, DMD, MD President, Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons 2008-2009 2006-2008 SAFCS President's Message 2004-2006 SAFCS President's Message 2003-2004 SAFCS President's Message 2002-2003 SAFCS President's Message 2001-2002 SAFCS President's Message 2000-2001 SAFCS President's Message