Curiosity

This is editorial letter 15, which I submit to you as your Editor-in-Chief of International Surgery, the flagship Journal of the International College of Surgeons. International Surgery has had ten Editors-in-Chief since establishment of the Journal and I am the 11th Editor-in-Chief.

Curiosity is, in part, what drives achievement and progress. Albert Einstein is quoted: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.”

Perhaps more to the point in reference to surgical curiosity, Dr Max Thorek, the founder of the International College of Surgeons, and the first Editor-in-Chief of what is now known as International Surgery, wrote in 1938 “science has no fatherland, but the world”. Dr Thorek further wrote “we must share experiences, discoveries, and all research for the sake of science and mankind. Many eminent men in surgery have declared that the common language of scientific endeavor and the interchange of experience enrich the surgeon.”

One of the missions of the International College of Surgeons is communications. This communications mission serves to fulfill the vision of the International College of Surgeons, which is to better serve patients around the world through the development and education of surgeons. International Surgery serves as a primary communications modality in fulfilling the vision of the International College of Surgeons by sharing experiences, discoveries, and research for the benefit of mankind, all fueled in large part by research curiosity.

As Editor-in-Chief, I never cease to appreciate the grand purpose of International Surgery and the limitless possibilities for this Journal of the International College of Surgeons to advance the field of surgery and serve mankind. We are on a grand mission and will continue to be so as long as we keep our sense of curiosity.

I again extend an invitation, that was part of my last Editorial Letter to you (Issue 99.2 of International Surgery), by inviting persons, who have an interest in being a member of the International Surgery Editorial Review Board, to personally send me a note at journal@cccrm.com, accompanied with your CV, expressing such interest. I promise you that you will be considered. My goal is to attract the best experts, delegate authority, and publish findings that demonstrate advances in surgical knowledge for the benefit of all worldwide. I hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Professor Christopher Chen

Editor-in-Chief

International Surgery