title: The realities of idealism.
abstract: I started out asking the question can we achieve our goals and are our goals realistic in the 1990s? I believe that we can achieve anything that we set our minds to. Our goals of providing quality care to our patients, performing research, teaching the next generation, and having an impact on our local environment are worth pursuing. However, the rules have changed and the status quo is simply not good enough. If we are to survive, we must be prepared for the future. You have the ability to change and the power to control the future. You are the future. Seize the opportunity and get involved. Become knowledgeable about health care economics, become involved with the political process, and position yourselves so that you can be a part of the solution to our health care system's woes. Don't allow the moment to pass. Don't be afraid of the realities of today, and don't forget your ideals and principles. Confront today's challenges with the same determination that academic surgeons through the years have confronted the unknown mysteries of disease. Let me conclude by trying to synthesize my remarks in five generic recommendations: 1. We need to go forward in the research area by developing multidisciplinary programs that involve basic science. These programs can be used to highlight our clinical areas and expertise. In this manner, both areas will be benefitted. 2. We need to educate the public and the government about the virtues of research and the importance of maintaining academic surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Roslyn
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D013502:General Surgery / Q000639:trends*; D006040:Goals; D017048:Health Care Costs; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement; D017057:Medically Uninsured