Trauma Systems, Trauma Centers, and Trauma Surgeons

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Abstract
I thank the membership for the distinct privilege of serving as your President; as a trauma surgeon, I can envision no greater honor. I am extremely grateful to the many individuals in this Association who have been mentors, professional colleagues, and personal friends, who have inspired, encouraged, and challenged me throughout my career. Time constraints preclude appropriate recognition of those to whom I am forever beholden, but I would like to acknowledge some uniquely special people. At a time when surgical residents complain there is a dearth of role models in trauma surgery, I realize my fortune to have had Dr. John H. Davis as a mentor for the last 23 years. Well known to you, Dr. Davis has made extraordinary contributions to trauma with exemplary fairness, integrity, generosity, and loyalty--to both profession and family. Indeed, as trauma surgeons we owe our families tremendous gratitude for their enduring support, encouragement, and understanding. Our discipline is singularly unpredictable, with family activities impolitely disrupted by untimely trauma that is emotionally as well as physically demanding. Hunter and Peter, thank you for your patience and tolerance of this frenzied lifestyle. Sarah, quite simply, without your unyielding devotion, trust, and counsel I would not stand here today.