On the occasion of the newly elected council members for the Iraqi Cardio-thoracic Society, I welcome you as council members and as members of the society in general.

    It is always important to remember the main philosophy of the society from it’s inception in 1967 to the present time and in the future is for the members to live as a family sharing the same interest, that is the knowledge and practice of good cardio-thoracic medicine which would translate to good care for their patents. This is going to be achieved through meetings, seminars and conferences were knowledge and experiences are exchanged between colleagues.

    In spite all the depressive obstacles around us, I feel the duty to continue and improve the mission of the society. It is like the relay race where one member of the team passes the baton to the next member of the team.

    I feel that the new council members have the potential to create new doors and channels to advance the society to what it deserves as one of the earliest and most active societies to be founded in the country. New ideas for improving communications between the council and the members reached me and already action has been taken for the society to have website for both local and international use. We plan to continue publication of the Iraqi Cardio-Thoracic Journal and the Bulletin. Many other ideas are under consideration to test their applicability of service to the society.

    The council feels strongly that each member of the society should share in it's welfare and his effort will be well appreciated. members should feel that the society is theirs and it's success should concern them.

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank the immediate past president and members of the previous council for their wonderful efforts to the society and may God give us all, the health and determination to continue our efforts to the society and this nation.