The Ravdin Rhoads Society had its origination in the 1940s. The intent was to be an all inclusive group of interns, residents, anyone who trained in the Department of Surgery and past or present faculty members. The only meeting of the society that took place was the annual dinner at the American College of Surgeons Meeting in October.

During my first year as Chairman, Dr. Rhoads, Dr. Barker and I had a number of conversations about the need to give the Ravdin Rhoads Society a facelift. However, I must admit it was not until we published the 2002 Annual Report that I realized how far removed we had become from our alumni. Clearly that was not the intent of those who participated in the creation of the society.

So today, Ravdin Rhoads takes on the new name of the Penn Surgical Society and does so with enthusiastic support of Dr. Barker and the Penn faculty. We will continue the annual dinners at the American College of Surgeons but in addition you will receive an annual report on the Department, a bi-annual newsletter, a comprehensive directory of members and access to the Penn Surgical Society website. I welcome your suggestions to enhance and improve this organization of which we are a part.