Dear colleagues and friends,

It is an honor and pleasure for the Board of Directors of the Greek Association of Paediatric Surgeons (GAPS) and for me, personally, as President, to announce the organization of the 34th Panhellenic Congress of Paediatric Surgery, with International Participation, on 20th – 22nd October 2023, at the Mediterranean Palace Hotel, in the beautiful and historic city of Thessaloniki.

The Greek Association of Paediatric Surgeons, successor of the former “Hellenic Society of Paediatric Surgery”, completes 48 years of life this year, represents about 160 Paediatric Surgeons, while it also has cadet members who are paediatric surgery residents, as well as current members from other related specialties. From the first day of its foundation until today, GAPS remains faithful to its purpose, which is none other than the promotion of Paediatric Surgery in Greece and the utilization of the work performed by Greek Paediatric Surgeons, for the benefit of the Association, but also for the scientific status of the Paediatric Surgeons as well.

The scientific program of this year’s congress will focus on this purpose, since it will include all current issues that concern the modern Paediatric Surgeon and will contribute to the dissemination of new knowledge from renowned col- leagues from Greece and abroad. Continuous education and information, exchange of knowledge, opinions, concerns, and experiences will be offered to all participants and will be a resource for the practice of Paediatric Surgery and the provision of better quality care to the child. Round Tables, Lectures, Oral & Poster Presentations and Parallel Courses will keep the interest of all those who share the love and passion for our profession undiminished.

The guarantees for the success of the 34th Panhellenic Congress are ensured by the participation of all of us and the long experience of the Greek Association of Paediatric Surgeons in organizing Panhellenic and International Congresses.

All the above will not be achieved without the active presence of all of us who, through our daily work, under difficult conditions, constantly expand the role of the Paediatric Surgeon as a healer for the child and a supporter for the parent.

We are waiting for you all!!!

Dr. George Tsikopoulos,

President of the Greek Association of Paediatric Surgeons