The care of the patient: Character, science, and service

Surgery as a profession rests on an age-old foundation based on 3 fundamental pillars: the collective character of our surgeons, their commitment to a practice based on science, and their pledge of service to humanity. The past 2 centuries bear witness to the success of surgical science. Significant improvement in the remaining 2 pillars is less evident. Our profession would be transformed in a positive way if we strengthened our commitment to improving our character while consciously building the character of our young, if we made the scientific method a way of life, and if we truly dedicated ourselves to the service of others.