Strengthening International Collaboration in Congenital Heart Surgery

This paper was presented by the author at the 2016 biannual scientific meeting in Abu dhabi of the World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery as his incoming presidential address. In addition to listing the accomplishments of the World Society including several successful international scientific meetings and regional meetings, the Society has established the only journal devoted to congenital heart surgery and is in the process of establishing the new World Society database. The mission statement of the World Society emphasizes equitable global management of patients with congenital heart disease and includes an emphasis on excellence in education, research and community service. The Society will promote international exchange of trainees in congenital heart surgery, the facilitation of international teaching and treatment missions as well as a system for global certification of congenital heart surgeons to facilitate international movement of surgeons to areas of greatest need