The education of surgeons is primarily the task of their parent departments. In a busy clinical environment, it is often not easy to provide young surgeons-in-training with the intellectual knowledge necessary to be on top of subjects. As a result, there is a need for a comprehensive way to offer everybody undergoing speciality training an adequate background.
The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) has felt this need very keenly. Thus, the Societies have created the European School for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, ESCTS, providing tuition on the curriculum necessary to pass the examination of The European Board of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons. Participants in the Courses are recommended to take the Board examination; however, it is not a requirement.
The Councils of the EACTS and ESTS believe that the School is a great step forward towards a higher level of theoretical knowledge. It will give postgraduate education a face; it will enhance friendship among colleagues and -above all- benefit our patients. All cardio-thoracic colleagues, heads of departments, National Specialty Societies and those responsible for the development of new colleagues are therefore encouraged to send their juniors to the School.