title: [On the search for excellence: skills and requirements of modern cardio-thoracic and vascular surgery].
abstract: In this article the author evokes the figures of the past-presidents of the Portuguese Society for Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, since its foundation, and enhances their qualities, regarded as examples for the new generations of cardio-thoracic and vascular surgeons in training. He approaches and describes the skills and personal requirements considered as essentials to be developed nowadays, by all those who dedicate their lives to those exciting and passionate surgical specialities.
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Cirurgia Cardio-Torácica, Hospital de Santa Marta, Lisboa.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Roquette
mesh_terms: D000288:Administrative Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D007857:Leadership; D011174:Portugal; D012955:Societies, Medical; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000592:standards*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000592:standards