Related Links to ICSIS: National Surgical Update List of Members ICSIS Activities

The International College of Surgeons (ICS) was founded in 1935 by Dr. Max Thorek, a Hungarian born surgeon who emigrated to the United States at the turn of the century. A self made man, Thorek was 55 when he conceived of ICS after a lifetime of watching the poor struggle to afford good medical care. He also knew that the latest North American Surgical techniques were often unknown elsewhere. With a passionate desire to improve conditions, Thorek travelled the world recruiting surgeons for a college that would disseminate medical knowledge among members selected for their surgical excellence, but accepted without regard to Nationality, colour, or creed. In Thorek’s words: “ I found myself thinking of the medieval university. I remembered how scholars traveled the length and breadth of a Europe much longer and broader than it is today to sit at the feet of learned men... I remembered that those days when learning knew no national boundaries had been days when Europe had attained a spiritual unity lost and ail but forgotten since then. I hoped that something of the same idea would be built into the new institution (ICS). Perhaps it could become, not only a channel through which surgical knowledge could flow quickly, easily, to all parts of the world, not only a source of encouragement and inspiration for the ambitious youth of our profession, but also a force making for international understanding and goodwill and peace. The first ICS members were recruited by Thorek himself. Fluent in six languages, he traveled throughout the world, converting surgeons to ICS principles. ICS filled the need for an International body of surgical specialists, and it was unique in the democracy under which it was governed. Unlike many medical societies of the time, ICS accepted all surgeons who qualified, not just a limited, exclusive number. From the beginning, leadership positions were open to all, regardless of color, creed, ethnicity, or politics. Of special interest to Thorek was the nurturing of young surgeons, who were ineligible for membership in other surgical societies. As fellows of ICS, they thrived under the influence of eminent surgeons. National sections formed to improve conditions in their own countries, while actively supporting the international organization. In addition to sharing knowledge and encouraging young surgeons, ICS members banded together to assist in crisis situations such as: floods in the Netherlands and Italy, epidemics in Ethiopia and Ecuador, World War II relief in Hungary and England, and aid to Cuban doctors displaced during the Communist revolution. Before Thoreks’s death in 1960, he was able to see his dreams realized. And the work he began in 1935 continues today, but with an even broader focus, in the 21st century. ICS acts with a global focus and influence true to the vision that Thorek and his colleagues had imagined 68 years ago. OVERVIEW Mission Founded in 1935 in Geneva, Switzerland by Max Thorek, a Hungarian born surgeon who practiced in Chicago, the International College of Surgeons (ICS) is a non-profit making organization. By bringing together surgeons of recognized professional caliber from all nations, races and creeds, ICS advances and enriches surgical knowledge throughout the world. ICS plays a substantial and unique role in improving medical care in developing countries, and is the vital surgical link between many international humanitarian organizations. The Organization is dedicated to the principle stated by Pasteur: “Science belongs to no country because knowledge is the patrimony of humanity, the torch which enlightens the world”. Organization ICS is composed of approximately 8,000 general surgeons and surgical specialists from 112 countries. Members are organized into67 national sections each directed by its own national officers. These sections are grouped into six federations: African, Asian, European, Latin American, North American, and Pacific, and each is co ordinated by its federation secretary. All fellows in good standing are eligible for leadership positions, and geographic representation is customary. Members residing in countries where a National Section has not been formed, are classified as Members at large. Congress and Meetings The organization of I.C.S Scientific Meetings all over the world is an on going activity. National and International ICS scientific meetings provide an opportunity for members to exchange professional knowledge, establish friendship, and create mutual respect and understanding in an international setting. They are held throughout the world, from Mexico City to Buenos Aires to Vienna to New Delhi. These meetings are organized and hosted by one of the College’s 67 National Sections, with support from the International Headquarters. Meetings range from the Biennial Congress, held every two years in a different country, to National Section Meetings in which members of one national section present their scientific observations. Many congresses are targeted to meet the requirements of Continuing Medical Education accreditation. Biennial Congresses often make free or reduced admission available to young surgeons of the country in which the congress is held, so those doctors have the opportunity to learn from renowned international speakers. The largest in scope is the Biennial Congress, which takes place every two years, in the even year. The Western Hemisphere Congress, the European Federation Congress, the African Federation Congress, and the Joint Congress of the Asian and Pacific Federations are held every two years in the odd year. However, the core of the College’s Scientific Meetings is formed by the National Section Meetings meetings where members of one National Section present their scientific observations and discuss as well needs and goals of the College. Indeed, in a sense, all federation and Biennial Congresses are a summation of the knowledge and aspirations of each individual Fellow as expressed in their National Section Meetings. Clinical Surgical Teams Project In the framework of the I.C.S. Clinical Surgical Teams Project, groups of highly qualified surgeons teach and demonstrate surgical techniques at medical schools and hospitals in developing countries. The teams are composed of particular surgical specialists as requested by the host medical school or hospital, Transportation to the country in question is sponsored by the College, while meals and lodging are the responsibility of the host institution. The Clinical Surgical Teams Project spreads surgical knowledge by sending groups of qualified teaching surgeons directly to the developing countries in which they are needed. Because these surgical teams are an ICS program, they are backed by a strong support system in every country they visit. Since the project’s 1974 inception, teams have been sent to such countries as: Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sudan, Israel, China, India, Iran, Kuwait, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia and the Philippines. The ICS Clinical Surgical Teams Program: • Established long lasting links between the host hospitals and the visiting teams and their hospitals or universities, so that there can be a fruitful exchange of information even after the visit. • Assures the full support of local ICS sections in the host countries. • Sends teams that include colleagues from nearby countries who are sensitive to local cultures. • Generally organizes stays of two to five weeks in the host country in order to guarantee that the service of the team is really effective. International Museum of Surgical Science and Hall of Fame The development of surgery through the ages, in different parts of the world, can be traced with the help of the collection of old surgical books and instruments, paintings and other displays which are housed in an impressive stone building in Chicago, adjacent to the Headquarters building. It is called the “International Museum of Surgical Science and Hall of Fame”. In the framework of the Museum, free lectures on medically related topics are offered to the lay public on a regular basis. Visitor tours are regularly given and special meetings and events, organized by scientific and lay groups are also part of the overall activities of the Museum. Housed in a 4 storey, historic landmark structure completed in 1917, the museum’s collections pottery the mysteries, breakthroughs, failures and milestones that have shaped modern surgical science. Fascinating exhibits include: a collection of 2,000 year old skulls showing holes bored to relieve pressure caused by illness or injury, or to release evil spirits; artifacts that chronicle the development of Oriental medicine; and an authentic turn of the century apothecary. An impressive medical library contains more than 5,000 volumes, some dating from the 15th century. The museum is located next door to the ICS international office in Chicago, and is open to the public at no charge. Two unusual museum programs: • The International Museum of Surgical Science is a partner in the Chicago Science Explorers Program, sponsored by Chicago’s public television station and by the U.S. Department of Energy. The program encourages local elementary and high school students to pursue careers in the sciences. • The MED Project is a 2 week summer programme that brings together minority high school students and health professionals. Students learn to conduct laboratory tests and use medical equipment, and receive a comprehensive background in health care. After students get hands on experience with medical technology, they feel more comfortable in considering health care as a potential career. Publications • The quarterly Journal International Surgery contains scientific contributions by outstanding surgeons throughout the world. Special features include symposia and editorials on current and often controversial medical and surgical subjects. • The newsletter International News keeps members up to date with reports of national section activities, surgical team outreach, and reports from research and scholarship recipients. • A membership directory lists ICS members alphabetically as well as geographically. • Many national sections publish their own national newsletters with in depth reports of activities in their countries. Surveys A survey is in progress to assess surgical training as it varies throughout the world. Results of such research help in evaluating methods for standardizing surgical teaching around the world to ensure a universal standard of high quality training and practice. Research & Scholarship Grants Research and surgical training are encouraged by means of grants made available through the I.C.S. Research and Scholarship fund. ICS research and scholarship grants focus on increasing surgical expertise in developing countries. Recent examples: a Filipino surgeon traveled to Australia to study cardiovascular surgery in children with congenital defects, a surgeon from India studied Ophthalmology operating techniques in the United States, and a young Russian surgeon has been awarded a grant to visit Japan to learn advanced surgical procedures for cancers of the esophagus and stomach. International Surgical Passport An “International Surgical Passport” is available to members travelling abroad. This document identifies them as an I.C.S. Fellow in good standing, which opens doors to hospitals and medical schools throughout the world. International Women’s Auxiliary Spouses, mothers, sisters and daughters of I.C.S. members loyally support the work of the College through the activities of the International Women’s Auxiliary. They raise funds and contribute to such programs as the Clinical Surgical Teams Project, the Research and Scholarship Fund, and the International Museum of Surgical Science. They organize special social functions for the accompanying spouses during scientific congresses. Affiliations JCS works closely with a number of important international health organisations, including: the World Health Organization (WHO), the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC), the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS), the World Medical Association (WMA), Action in International Medicine (AIM), Medisend, and UNICEF. Current Initiatives 21st century marks a period of growth and mobilization for the International College of Surgeons (ICS). The College’s global network of surgeons is pursuing an international humanitarian role in an effort to raise the level of health in every country. • A test group of 20 British “flying doctors” have been drafted by ICS past president Prof. John S.P. Lumley. They are willing to travel at a moment’s notice to international war and disaster sites wherever military and local doctors need support. If successful, this program will be expanded by other ICS national sections. • Les Medicines du Monde (Physicians of the World), known worldwide for their medical missions are meeting with ICS officers to investigate ways to use the ICS network of 67 national section presidents who have immediate access to 8,000 eminent surgeons throughout the world. • Meetings with representatives from Action in International Medicine (AIM) have illuminated the plight of third world doctors, who suffer from isolates, and overwhelming patient load, and inadequate facilities and supplies. The ICS Clinical Surgical Teams Project helps to meet that need, and will cooperate with Medi Send to bring medical supplies along with surgical and medical teams. A recent AIM world assembly was dedicated to charting a course of action that will enhance international health care co operation. The ICS global network wiil be instrumental in the plan’s success. • ICS co operates with the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) unit of the World Health Organisation (WHO), ICS was on line to assist during the recent Persian Gulf Conflict, and is available during any international crisis.