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Send to a FriendWith a view toward enriching the content on CTSNet, in November, 2000, we initiated a new column called "In My Opinion." This is perceived as a free-flowing editorial-type contribution that can be as widely ranging as the guest writer wishes it to be---serious stuff, humorous, anecdotal, or simply a commentary on some subject of the day. The point of the column is to let members of CTSNet become better acquainted with each other, and to explore the humanistic side of the international names we encounter on the papers we read in print journals. After all, our CTSNet cardiothoracic family now consists of almost 20,000 surgeons, and we need to stay in touch!
To jump-start the program, we have asked a number of individuals, primarily officers and councilors of the three sponsoring organizations (AATS, EACTS, and STS), for contributions. We emphasize, however, that this column belongs to all 41 organizations that already are or will soon be participating in CTSNet, and to the additional groups that will join us in the future. We encourage you to write a column for inclusion in "In My Opinion." It will be a great way to let your views be known to your fellow CT surgeons around the world, or just simply to get something off your chest.
The column is not intended to be a chat room, or a repository for a book chapter. We envision that most contributions will follow an editorial style, and as a general rule should be between 500 and 1000 words in length. If you wish to include an illustration, you are encouraged to do so. And the wonderful thing about CTSNet is that we can do what we like. If you wish to send us your commentary as a poem rather than prose, do it!
We will post a new "In My Opinion" every several weeks, and will maintain a complete archive of previous posts for your convenience. Get in the habit of reading the newest contribution when it is announced. You will not be sorry. And, most importantly, send you own contribution to me at one of these addresses (we will take it in any format you wish), and let your fellow surgeons know what's on your mind today.