[General surgery under discussion. From the viewpoint of thoracic surgery]

The development of surgery in Germany was correct and to the point. General surgery was the field from which all specialization grew. Surgical fields today must comply with scientific demands and medical progress. They can remain successful only if the various branches respond to developments in respect to minimum capacities, procedural and structural conditions, and specialized education and training. "General surgery" as a basic foundation provides an important cross-section of the eight-pronged model of the various specializations. As such it is able to deliver effectively a broad spectrum of good patient care. The network of thoracal surgical centers guarantees sufficient and efficient emergent care, because the more beams, the stronger is the roof. At the same time we must remain responsive to developments in the European Union as a whole. Determination and a progressive view by all surgical societies allow the kind of structuring that will guarantee the future of general surgery. We must inspire our new trainees!