Alan C. Wittgrove

From my perspective, several significant events transpired and major issues were addressed. The following are the accomplishments I believe to be noteworthy:
We were able to negotiate the end of the imperfect relationship with the journal with which we associated. We successfully began SOARD, which has become respected and high ranking with a hard working editorial board and editor. We understood the importance of surgical and programmatic standardization and data collection in the quest of improving care and outcomes for the patient. We also understood this could translate into value for the patient and other stakeholders. We formulated the beginning of the certification process to promote hospitals and surgeons to deliver patient centered care at a higher level. The bylaws were outdated and during my tenure we rewrote the bylaws. The ASBS Consensus Panel was held in Washington, D.C. This was an update to the then outdated NIH Consensus of 1991.

During the time I was honored to serve the ASBS as its president, we were in somewhat of a transitional time. Our membership was increasing at a significant and envious rate. ASBS was increasingly building national name recognition. Our society identified the need for more training for its members and course opportunities grew significantly. My board was a dynamic group of forward thinking individuals who worked collaboratively to build the future of our society but had a respect for the past as well. I had the good fortune to follow Dr. Pories who not only served as a mentor to me personally but also a visionary for the future of our society.

Sincerely,
Alan C. Wittgrove, MD