It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility that I step into the role of President of the Panamerican Trauma Society. I am honored to serve such a vibrant and committed community of trauma professionals who share a common goal: to improve the care of the injured across the Americas.
I want to begin by extending a warm invitation to our next Annual Meeting, which will take place in Bogotá, Colombia, from August 14–17, 2026. The Panamerican Trauma Congress is more than just a conference—it is a gathering of minds and missions. It provides a unique platform for exchange, innovation, and collaboration across disciplines, languages, and borders. I hope you will join us for what promises to be a dynamic and meaningful event.
As I begin my presidential year, I do so with a focused commitment to advancing the Society’s mission and expanding our impact. Our efforts this year will center around several critical areas:
1. Development and Dissemination of Regional Guidelines:
We are prioritizing the creation and publication of practical, evidence-based guidelines for the management of common traumatic and emergency surgical conditions. These guidelines will address the realities of practicing in resource-limited environments and aim to support decision-making in the absence of highly structured systems of care. Importantly, they will be developed with input from clinicians who understand these challenges firsthand.
2. Strategic Partnerships and Visibility:
We will continue to strengthen our collaborations with organizations such as the World Health Organization, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the Latino Surgical Society. At the same time, we are committed to increasing the visibility of Panamerican Trauma Society as a leader in the region. Our voice matters, and we must ensure that our work and perspective are included in the global trauma dialogue.
3. Education and Mentorship:
The educational programs developed by our Society are a cornerstone of our value to members. We will continue to support and expand these courses while exploring opportunities to reach new learners in underserved areas. Our goal is to make our educational modules assessable regardless of whether Spanish, Portuguese or English is you preferred language. Equally important is our commitment to mentorship—both for trainees and for those in the early years of practice. Building and sustaining the trauma workforce across the Americas is essential for long-term impact.
4. Establishment of a Regional Trauma Registry:
We are in the process of finalizing the legal and operational framework necessary to launch a regional trauma registry. This is a major initiative that will help us collect meaningful data, monitor care, and ultimately improve outcomes across diverse settings.
5. Emerging Projects:
Looking ahead, we are also exploring the development of a practical primer for establishing whole blood transfusion programs in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, we are interested in characterizing the current state of injury care throughout Central and South America, with the goal of identifying specific needs and guiding future interventions.
I am deeply grateful to follow in the footsteps of leaders like Dr. Marta Quiodettis and Dr. Paula Ferrada, who have laid the foundation for much of this work. Together, we will build on that momentum and ensure the Panamerican Trauma Society remains a catalyst for progress.
Thank you for your trust and support. I invite you to participate fully in the year ahead—through collaboration, publication, mentorship, or education. This is your Society, and our strength lies in the shared commitment of our members.
f responsibility that I step into the role of President of the Panamerican Trauma Society. I am honored to serve such a vibrant and committed community of trauma professionals who share a common goal: to improve the care of the injured across the Americas.