EFOST.org

I would like to share my feelings with you and outline the goals I'd like to achieve during this period. First I would like to clarify some points. Our society was found in 1993. Our first meeting was held 12 years ago. EFOST is a young lady just after puberty and we all know how difficult it is. We should not compare EFOST to other continental societies. ESSKA is twice older than us, is a mature woman. We are just coming out of childhood. My role as president will be to guide EFOST to maturity. EFOST as a society of federations will work hand by hand with ESSKA, a society of induvidual members, in coordination and mutual support.

Allow me to mention EFOST highlights and adress some weak points. EFOST strong points should be mentioned. First, the high level of scientific presentations at the biennial meeting and at our speciality days given at the society meetings (EFORT, ISAKOS, ESSKA). This may be also my opportunity to thank Dr. Fredrick Almqvist and Dr. Philip Landrau for their outstanding work.

Second, the EFOST travelling fellowship, which is an outstanding experience for our fellows. Again, we must thank the DJO (Don-Joy Company) and our friends of the AOSSM for their continuos support.
Third, our EFOST Newsletter, published due to the endless word of Prof. Mahmut Nedim Doral and the support of his co-editors of the Journal and other EFOST Board Members.

We have some weak points too. In my opinion the worst is that we are not widely recognised in Europe. Some members of national societies simply do not know about the existence of EFOST. I do believe we have to strongly focus on promotion of EFOST within the European societies involved in Orthopaedic Sport Traumatology.

And though we are not a rich federation, our financial status is healthy and balanced thanks to the combined efforts of Dr. José Huylebroeck, Dr. Mahmut Nedim Doral and Mr. Hubert De Bock our General Manager. To be sustainable in these present economical conditions, the support of our partners is critical. Our partners must have an open stage at as also on our electronic publications (e-newsletter, website). We must consider establishing regular incomes based upon membership and congress fees. We maybe obliged to change our bylaws or even our status. A Board reflexion is actually on the run.

I probably forgot some issues. I just want to share a message of hope and work: Now, look forward !! Our past president Dr. José Huylebroeck told us « stagnation means decline ».

A recent strategic Board Meeting pointed out the main pathways to follow;

1. Keep intact our high scientific level. We will be present in ISAKOS in Rio, SICOT in Prague, EFORT in Copenhagen, AOSSM in San Diego.
2. Improve our e-newsletter and website to make them yours. We expect from all EFOST members their feedback and input, Use it and help us to update it regularly. Each experience is beneficial and members' opinions are important. We will publish our e-newsletter 4 times a year. Guidelines written by Dr. Mahmut Nedim Doral and Dr. Gideon Mann can be found on our web site (www.efost.org).
3. Open the society to other practitioners involved in athletes care from injury to return to sport, prevention included. Team physicians, rehabilitation physicians, non-orthopaedic sport doctors and physiotherapists. We have established links with ESMA in order to share our own specialities.
4. Move toward Eastern Europe. This is an EFOST board strong, long range visions. Poland is historically an EFOST member and we look forth to join Slovenia, Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Russia, Baltic countries and more southward located countries as Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria. Next year, with the support of S&N we should perform educational meetings in Ukraine and Hungary.
5. We expect also a larger involvement from countries as Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Scandinavia. As mentioned before, we always need to be present, more active, more communicative and more extensive on the European theatre as national, regional and local meetings even the smallest ones. We have to strengthen our basis. Without solid roots, no branches will sprout.
6. Create a European certification in Sports Traumatology which is probably a huge task but difficult regarding the regulations in each country despite European guidelines. I have not been exhaustive and yet so many tasks to achieve !

It is a reason why, my main request on taking on the Presidency was to enlarge the Executive Board and to create a board at large representing each country which will allow us to spread our image and influence through Europe.

All Board Members should be involved in one or two specific tasks with the duty to report their progress monthly.

We need people of good willingness to improve our efficacy.

Think about our next highlight, EFOST meeting in 2012: it will be the 7th one. Organized by BOSTA it will be combined with the World Sport Trauma Congress which is held every 4 years in the Olympics hosting city, London in this instance.

It will be a real pleasure to chair the presidency of the EFOST/WSTC meeting with my friend Roger Hackney. Our new Vice President Prof. Nicola Mafulli will chair the Scientific committee with Prof. Mahmut Nedim Doral. A huge program is already on the run. Mark on your agenda the dates: October 2012, 17th to 20th.
At this occasion, we will stabilize the organization through GCO company.

I can’t finish without words in honour to our untiredable José. He has been a rock, present and hyperactive even during his personal health storm. I wish him some rest (if he learns what this word means !!). As our past president, he will be our minister of foreign affairs and I expect from him his regular and wise advice.

I can’t fit in José’s shoes and suits (neither about the size nor the energy he developed…). I will try to give my own input as President with all these exciting projects and challenges, with so many things to do.

It will be a privilege to chair an Executive Board with a combination of new energies and experienced trustees. I am grateful for the confidence they gave to me. I will try to keep intact the spirit of friendship which has always been the mark of EFOST.

I will conclude thanking all our members for their efforts and support to keep EFOST alive and living.