EAES Annual Report 2019

Word from the Past-President Dear EAES friends, It is a pleasure to express my gratitude to you for your ongoing contributions to the EAES. Together we foster progress of a global scientific surgical network, striving to improve patient outcomes. Just more than thirty years since the first laparoscopic cholecystec­ tomies were performed in Europe, we have entered an era of robotics, image guided surgery, digital learning platforms and artificial intelligence. These cutting edge technologies are the gateway to the next quality level of surgical care. Reproducible increased surgical accuracy, reduction of human error and improving inter-professional training of health care professionals constitute the next quality leap in surgery, akin to the transition of open to minimally invasive surgery in the 90’s . The EAES connects surgeons, scientists, engineers and corporate partners from around the globe in person during the annual congresses in the summer and at the yearly technology meeting in the winter. These gatherings stimulate open, transparent, interactive exchange of thoughts and experiences across the subspecialties of surgery. United by a quest to explore the latest technological opportunities and by universal friendship, we collaborate without borders. The EAES office energetically guided by Arjan Appel has honed the digital channels facilitating global connectivity and partnership. I feel privileged to be part of the EAES community and I thank you for your continued inspiration and dedication and for lifelong friendship. Yours sincerely, Jaap Bonjer , Past President EAES Annual Report 2019 Photo right by Fred van Diem 8