2009-2010 PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE The Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons has seen the resurgence over the past two years since the “general surgeon manpower crisis” and “degradation of clinical material” was validated at the 2007 Air Force Senior Leadership Conference in Leesburg, VA. Air Staff has taken notice and supported our efforts to bring to the forefront the challenges in training, clinical practice, deployment and research. This evolution has lead to the regular and direct interaction between our Surgeons, Consultants, Commanders and the Surgeon General. Lieutenant General Bruce Green continues to be one of our strongest advocates and values the Society’s efforts to rebuilding and strengthening AFMS Surgery and its related disciplines. As the Society moves forth, it has become evident that we must establish and maintain ourselves as a truly viable and independent entity. After exploring our options, the Board of Governors voted to proceed with application for 501c3 recognition, similar to any other acknowledged national medical and surgical society such as the American College of Surgeon. This will allow us to be less dependent on intermediary organizations and more directly invest in the efforts of the SAFCS including the annual meeting. The 2010 SAFCS Annual Meeting will be a forum for “Currency and Skills Retention” which is a continuation of this October’s AF Senior Leadership Conference, “Building Currency and Skills, Bridging the Gap to our Future”. Our symposium will give us the opportunity to showcase our successes in the battlefield and in-garrison care, as well as highlight the requirements of our physicians to truly excel, whether in clinical or research endeavors. We will continue to encourage and aggressively seek all specialties to participate as well as residents and medical students, who are our future leaders. We are looking forward to exhibiting to our Commanders and Surgeon General our commitment to the future and passion for military medicine. On behalf of the SAFCS, we look forward to seeing you in San Antonio and continuing our resurgence to distinction. Your Advocate, Alan D. Murdock, Lt Col, USAF, MC 2009-2010 President, Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons 2008-2009 SAFCS President's Message 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