Dear Colleagues,
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

it is my great pleasure, to invite you to the 41st Annual Meeting of the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, which will take place 2012 in Freiburg/ Breisgau.

This will be a challenging meeting. For the first time, the meeting will be in the beautiful city of Freiburg. And for the first time, the meeting will be chaired by a cardiologist. I interpret this as a future orientated paradigm change: surgery and cardiology move closer together. The patient with his heart problem is in the center of our common activities. Only together we can deliver best bare. This is illustrated by the motto of the meeting: one HEART – one TEAM.

In the spirit of the Heart Team the programme will focus on the crosslinks between surgery and cardiology. We can learn from each other, but we will also allow controversial discussions. This message is particularly addressed to our younger fellows. My intention is to make this most important cardiothoracic meeting in the German speaking part of the world also attractivefor cardiologists.

The interdisciplinary programme committee will ensure a high quality scientific programme, but not forget about high level practical education. Established successful formats of workshops and hands-on training will be continued. Thoracic surgery and vascular surgery will adequately be represented in the programme. Last but not least, it is our intention to offer attractive educational and teaching programmes for the assistance staff.

I am sure there is some time left to discover the attractions of the city of Freiburg and to meet new and old friends. The atmosphere of the city is ideal to stimulate communication, following the motto of the meeting.

I would be very pleased to see you in Freiburg continuing the success story of this meeting.

Kindly,
Christian Hamm