An extra set of hands

The Royal College of Surgeons is a broad church of surgical specialties. Ever since the Company of Surgeons – from which this Royal College can claim direct lineal descent – was established in 1745, there has been a relentless pursuit of excellence that has inevitably driven subspecialisation. Although subspecialisation increasingly differentiates our surgical practices, there remains a much more fundamental connection between our allied clinical fields that represents something more than just kinship. The Annals is a clinically based research publication that focuses on the practice of surgery. It holds a unique position in the surgical literature in that it continues to publish papers from across the surgical spectrum – specifically selecting those articles that have pan-specialty appeal. Published articles highlight a connection between neighbouring spheres of endeavour and underscore parallel learning curves. Papers focus on points of congruence and reciprocity, ultimately providing a collation of surgical experiences. Advancing surgical care is and always has been at the heart of this development