Introduction to the World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery 2013 Meeting

The World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (WSRM) was born in June 1999, following a merger of the International Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery and the International Microsurgical Society. The purpose of the Society is to stimulate and advance knowledge of the science and art of microsurgery and thereby improve and elevate the standards of practice in this field of surgical endeavor. The Society shall be the highest medium of recognition in the field of microsurgery as evidenced by superior achievements and by contributing to its advancement. It shall provide an international forum for the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of innovative techniques.

The WSRM has been instrumental in providing six international forums for the exchange of thoughts and ideas. It has and will always continue to contribute to the development of reconstructive microsurgery all over the world. During my tenure as the President of the WSRM, the 7th Biennial Congress of WSRM was held in Chicago, between July 11 and 14, 2013. It was a pleasure to have greatly succeeded in achieving our set goals. I congratulate Prof. Robert Walton, the Chairman of this Congress, and his team, for organizing this spectacular meeting that highlighted new innovations in reconstructive microsurgery and complex reconstruction.

The theme of this Congress, “Achieving Normal: The Ultimate Paradigm in Reconstructive Surgery” was unique. This meeting stressed the importance of aesthetics in reconstruction, and highlighted animation, sensibility, and motor restoration.

The meeting concluded with a wrap-up session that explored the realities of “achieving normal” using current techniques, employing technology, and defining problem areas. In total, 580 attendees from 34 countries took part in the meeting. There were 160 speakers, 28 scientific panels, 13 invited lectures, 19 instructional courses, and 19 free paper sessions.

Prof. Bernard T. Lee and the publishers at Thieme kindly invited the members of WSRM to publish the proceedings of the 7th Congress in the WSRM special issue of the Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery (JRM). We are happy to cooperate with JRM to further develop Reconstructive Microsurgery all over the world. I greatly appreciate Prof. Lee and Thieme's friendly support for WSRM.

The 8th World Congress of the WSRM is slated to be held in Mumbai, from March 19–22, 2015.

I am looking forward to seeing you there.