Our very moving 40th anniversary year is coming to an end and, like all such moments, it is bittersweet. At this time, as we reflect on the months that passed by and the future just beginning to take shape, we remember with pleasure these poignant celebrations marking the birth of our specialty and how this anniversary so captured the imagination of our members. We were all struck by how much the human history of our specialty resonated with everyone – from the older specialists who could remember the days of Grüntzig and company, to the young who flocked to the dedicated exhibit to experience what had happened and have their pictures taken in front of the different posters. There was a sense of awe, a sense of shared accomplishment that brought us all together, renewing our commitment to advancing our specialty and further demonstrating the strong foundations that we have laid in interventional cardiology.
Today, interventional cardiology is universally recognised as a mature specialty, capable and committed to facing the unmet needs that still exist. The future is here to challenge us, and one of the guiding roles of our association is to accompany each and every one of us as we face the changing landscape of our profession, helping each other to chart a smooth course as our specialty and healthcare evolve. Among these changes, which the EAPCI has been carefully following, is the newly mandated relationship – beginning in January – with our industry partners. This will have an impact on the way individual sponsorship of non-industry organised congresses occurs. We will keep you updated on these developments. Another event, of critical importance to our association, involves all of you, that is to say the upcoming elections which will be taking place in 2018. This is an opportunity for everyone to make their individual mark on our association and specialty. We urge you all to participate.
As we come to the end of 2017 and this special time of celebrating memories comes to a close, we will be entering a new period filled with as many challenges and discoveries as the last 40 years. The EAPCI will always be present as we renew our commitment to advancing our practice and serving our patients. We remain committed to representing the best of our discipline, for all our members and at every stage of our professional careers. We will be present, acting as an advocate for our evolving needs, helping us face the changes and challenges of the future and using them to their best advantage, forging a community that works together for the benefit of all.
At this pivotal point between two years, as we turn towards our families and communities, I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you the very happiest and healthiest of holidays and a truly joyous end to this exciting and tumultuous year.
