In this short time, the Forum has utilized the Internet to integrate the minds and experiences of surgeons from over 65 countries. Services offered over the Web site include a peer reviewed online scientific journal and discussion lists which bring the latest in issues and answers to every surgeon regardless of location on the globe. There are excellent publications already, each of which has a long tradition of service and excellence for the profession. Communication is power.
Information is power.
For the practicing surgeon, there is nothing more powerful than understanding what succeeds and avoiding what fails. To accomplish this on a daily basis requires experience, wisdom, and the benefits of other surgeons trial and error. We are all hungry to know what has worked for others and what will work tomorrow. In the past, we have gathered this fruit from many trees, usually from conferences, discussions with colleagues, and our traditional publications. Until now there were real limits on how much and what kind of information could be presented clearly in printed journals.