Reflections of a Past President

The launch of a new year, a new era, was dedicated by the Romans to Janus, the god of gates and doors. Janus is commonly depicted with two faces: One looking at regarding what is behind and one looking into the future. Janus could look both backward and forward at the same time, reminding us to eventually interrupt our hectic rush, to look backward in order to better understand where we are staying and mainly what we are heading for.

The backward looking bearded face has a grimly appearance. Looking at the recent developments in EFSUMB I see now reason for a face marked by sorrow. The European Federation seems to be in a very healthy and prosperous condition. Recently, three more national societies have joined the Federation and the number of individual members has continuously increased, exceeding 18,000. Most of our societies are playing an active role in the development, spread and optimized use of Ultrasound in Medicine. Training and education for the benefit of our patients is the main goal of our societies. At the same time, EFSUMB has acquired gotten again a scientific platform. Our Journal, Ultraschall in der Medizin/European Journal of Ultrasound, is on its way to being of a real successful, truly European Journal with a high scientific impact (IF 1.5) and a circulation that exceeds all other ultrasound journals. Two thirds 2/3 of the EFSUMB members are subscribers of our Journal.

"The European Federation seems to be in a very healthy and prosperous condition"

The face looking into the future is sometimes shown bearded, sometimes clean-shaven but always symbolizing youth, energy and a bright future. For the future time to come EFSUMB will need a strong leadership, since we will have to face and solve a few problems. Some of our member societies may be really active at home but are not yet an energetic part of the European family. On the other hand, the multifaceted aspect of the multicultural European aspect will be a challenge for our President whenever he has to act as a ringmaster to control the bunch of 28 fleas. In addition, EFSUMB has to consider opening the gate for related European Societies with the same bona fide interest in the development of ultrasound. An open door is, similar to an open mind, a first step to evolution and progress; however, it might be at the same time an unprotected danger. When the Janus gate was closed, this represented peace within the Roman Empire. When the gates were open, it meant that Rome was at war. More than 2000 years have elapsed since then and the interpretation of the fine tradition may have completely changed.

It is my strong feeling that EFSUMB has to open the gates, must play a proactive role and will shall establish leadership in the domain of medical ultrasound in Europe.

"EFSUMB has to consider opening the gate for related European Societies with the same bona fide interest in the development of ultrasound"

EFSUMB would be well advised to give further attention to training and education. Minimal training requirements and guidelines for several specialties have been established. Now they need to be applied and become operational in the daily routine. In some specialties young colleagues may be distracted by fancy modern imaging modalities which may lead to inappropriate training and education and thereby in an under use of ultrasound. The Euroson Congress may only partially compensate for this deficiency in education. In recent years successful annual Euroson Congresses have been held. This should not mask the fact that even well established congresses will be challenged. Funding of meetings becomes an increasing challenge for organizers. Sponsorship is flowing like a high viscosity fluid since the business situation of the manufacturers has changed. New modalities need to be designed and it might be that the consumers will have to cover a part of the expenses. Educational meetings will go from strength to strength as long as they are professionally organized, based on a sound budget, not competing with other ultrasound events.

The past was not bad, let us embark on an even better future!