ASSA Report – Perspective on Valuable Relationships
Human connections are among the most important investments we make. After two years of isolation and many deprivations, the value of these connections is appreciated even more. We are essentially gregarious creatures and thrive on social interactions. Virtual platforms fulfil this need to a certain extent but fail to compensate for the feeling of being somewhat disconnected from colleagues and places. How do you demonstrate genuine affection, shake hands or embrace a colleague virtually?
I was reminded of our interactional needs when I attended the recent Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) meeting in Liverpool. This was the first in-person meeting of the ASGBI in 3 years. No-one had escaped the COVID pandemic unscathed; its members turned out en masse to effusively greet one another and share experiences. The joy of meeting face-to-face again was palpable and a spirit of great camaraderie prevailed. This buoyant spirit filtered throughout the meeting: symposia were well-attended; many talks focused on wellness, kindness, resilience and how to mitigate burn-out; social events were well-attended.
Why was this meeting important?
Aside from the obvious collegiality by a reciprocal society, the encounter reminded me of the role of ASSA.
Our geographic isolation renders us vulnerable to being consigned to oblivion. When in this position, it is important to make a special effort to maintain links and satisfying relationships. The ASGBI is a respected, formidable surgical society that has been at the forefront of science, education and innovation for over 100 years. Our attendance at their annual scientific meeting sends a strong unspoken message: it speaks of respect and the prominence with which we regard the ASGBI, and solidifies our reciprocal relationship. To be affiliated with such eminence offers many benefits. These include access to some of their resources such as the BJS, borrowing ideas for our own meeting and introducing new innovations. I am particularly optimistic about how the Incision Academy can enhance surgical training.
How does this relate to our bi-ennial congress in August?
Our isolation is not only geographic – for more than two years we have been physically isolated from one another within our own country and cities. But we prevailed and I believe have emerged stronger for our experiences. We now need to break the mould of our local isolation and wholeheartedly embrace our forthcoming scientific meeting. We are fatigued from peering at small screens, watching presentations delivered by speakers who vocalize from diminutive portraits on our screens. It is time to see the bigger picture: fill auditoria again; see full-size speakers on a stage and have the liberty to ask our questions in person and not via a chat box. Attending the bi-ennial meeting sends a strong message. It says we value our Association, support its mandate and wish to derive benefits from its many resources. It speaks of solidarity and loyalty.
What better way to show this than by attending the bi-ennial congress?