Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, working together is success

Henry Ford

Dear Colleagues:

When I started my term as President last September, I identified one particular area in which I wished to focus the Society’s attention and efforts during my term in office. I wanted to facilitate and improve the Transfer of Knowledge for those that are following and those that will be following our path in the development of Pediatric Neurosurgery at a world level.

To achieve this end, I have counted on the support of the members of the Education Committee for the organization of CME courses in Philippines, China and India as well as for the creation of new educational tools for our membership. The editorial office of our journal, Child’s Nervous System, published many articles and special reviews. The Annual Meeting organizers listened to my suggestions for the organization and coordination of the program. I am forever grateful to all for their efforts and for their cooperation in making my term in office pleasant and successful.

I belong to the second generation of Pediatric Neurosurgeons and have followed the footsteps and teachings of the pioneers of our speciality. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to interact with many of these exemplary teachers receiving the benefits of their wisdom and experience first hand. Now it is our turn and responsibility to transfer what we have learned and experienced over the last three decades, by no means an easy task!

The traditional Educational tools of this Society have been the Annual Meetings, the CME courses organized around the world every year, the publication of Child’s Nervous System and the more recently introduced Special Reviews supplements. This year our Education Committee introduced the following Educational tools: the Image of the month, an Image Bank at the ISPN website and the Case of the month. In order to proliferate and serve their purpose these new Educational Tools rely on your support. Thus, I will encourage your contribution and active participation in these areas.

The date for the next Annual Meeting in Vancouver is fast approaching. Led by Paul Steinbok and Tad Tomita , the Organizing and the Scientific Committees are committed to provide a first class Scientific and Social Program. Do not wait, register soon, come and experience what western Canada and Vancouver has to offer. I look forward to seeing you there!

With my best wishes,

Enrique Ventureyra, M.D.

ISPN President

May, 2005