We are approaching the end of the first year of my term. At this point it is right that we reflect on what has been achieved and look forward to the challenges of the next year.
Communication and growing involvement of the cardiological community was the predominant theme. There is no doubt that much closer interaction between the Society and its constituent bodies has been achieved and I believe well received; active engagement of the National Societies with ESC presence at National Society meetings and, in return we will be welcoming the National Societies to Vienna and providing them with all the support necessary to make this meeting a huge success for their members.
Interaction with Working Groups, Associations and Councils has led to a better understanding of their needs and the Society is responding by actively investing time, money, and human resource, in the knowledge that the success of these scientific constituent bodies is a measure of the success of the Society.
I am particularly pleased with the huge response of our members to take the step and apply for Fellowship of the European Society of Cardiology. The standards of applicants are very high and we look forward to introducing them to our cardiological community in Vienna. The future of the Society depends very much on the active involvement of these new young cardiologists, clinical and basic scientists and I feel very reassured that there are now increasing number who would be willing to shoulder this responsibility.
We now need to start to think about the challenges ahead. For me the biggest challenge has to be to continue to identify future leaders and cardiologists as well as basic and clinical scientists who are prepared to give of their hard earned and valuable time to our Society so that our vision of the future of cardiology in Europe is not lost. Although much has been achieved in terms of communication with constituent bodies, Fellows and members, it is not possible to communicate too much and we must continue to maintain this as a priority for the future because it is only through communication that we will achieve our goals.
Again, we and our partners in Industry will be challenged by resources and restrictions to maintain the investment necessary to pursue our mission and support our congress. Further restrictions by employers will make it increasingly difficult for us as physicians and scientists to be engaged in the Society. We must be sympathetic and understanding of public and government opinion, whilst at the same time holding on firmly to our ideals.
The next year will be an exciting one as we will see the development of two new Councils, one in Primary Cardiac Care, the second in Imaging, the Heart Health Charter will be launched across Europe and we will take the steps to develop our Research Foundation.
I look forward to Vienna, and an even more successful congress than every before. Do come to Vienna, come and learn, but more importantly come and communicate with your colleagues from all over the world; enjoy the camaraderie of our cardiological community so that you can replenish your batteries for the year ahead before meeting again in Munich. It would be my pleasure to welcome you personally.
Professor Kim Fox, ESC President