Welcome

Dear Colleagues,

I am deeply honored and humbled to be the newly elected President of the International Association for Ambulatory Surgery. It is with great enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility that I accept this role, knowing the significance of our mission, vision, and objectives in shaping the future of ambulatory surgery worldwide.

Our mission at IAAS is clear: to promote the worldwide development and growth of high-quality ambulatory surgery. We recognize that day surgery is not just a medical procedure; it is a pathway to efficient, safe, and cost-effective healthcare. As IAAS members, we are committed to advancing this mission without partisan spirit or prejudice, upholding the values of solidarity and equity of access to healthcare for all.

Our vision for the future is one where day surgery is universally recognized as a high-quality, safe, and cost-effective approach to surgical healthcare. Through collaboration and dedication, IAAS members work together to make this vision a reality. We understand the importance of fostering an environment of cooperation and knowledge exchange, ensuring that the benefits of ambulatory surgery reach patients, policymakers, and health professionals worldwide.

To achieve our objectives, IAAS is committed to a wide range of activities. We serve as an international multidisciplinary forum for the exchange of information and the advancement of ambulatory surgery. We encourage the development and expansion of high-quality day surgery, promote education and research, and act as a database for information regarding ambulatory surgery. We also serve as an advisory body, providing guidance to parties interested in maintaining high-quality standards for patient care. Furthermore, we establish good relations with other associations or groups with an interest in day surgery and encourage the development of national associations of ambulatory surgery.

In pursuit of our purpose of international utility, IAAS engages in various activities such as organizing international scientific congresses and meetings, hosting lectures, webinars, and workshops, establishing courses and training, and participating in international projects. We also publish magazines, handbooks, and other publications to disseminate knowledge and best practices in ambulatory surgery.

As the President of IAAS, I am committed to leading our association in fulfilling these objectives and advancing our mission and vision. Together, let us continue to work tirelessly to promote high-quality ambulatory surgery worldwide, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Thank you for entrusting me with this important role. I look forward to collaborating with each and every one of you as we embark on this journey together. Please do not hesitate to contact me at president@theiaas.net or arnaldo.valedon@theiaas.net .

Arnaldo Valedón, MD, MBA, FASA, SAMBA-F