The future of surgery--Santayana or Ford

The Canadian health care system is currently in an era of reform and restructuring. Economic and political forces, changes in licensing and educational system as well as public expectations all influence change in this evolving health care delivery system. In contemplating change it is useful to remember the lessons of our rich surgical history so that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated. The Canadian Association of General Surgeons is well positioned to exert a leadership role in the evolution of surgical care in Canada. The role of the Association in the promotion of evidence-based surgery, continuing professional development and the provision of surgical services in rural areas is discussed in this paper.