The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT)

The history of the SSAT begins in 1957 when Dr. Robert Turell dreamed "of launching a new surgical organization oriented to the problems of the alimentary tract and of creating a research or educational foundation. "(1) He discussed the possibility of a new society with many prominent surgeons and many discouraged him, but he found substantial support from Dr. Warren Cole, who agreed to help under the condition that Dr. John Waugh would assist in the formation of the society. The three met in Rochester, Minnesota, at which time Dr. Waugh confessed that he had been entertaining similar thoughts for a society devoted to the advancement of alimentary surgery.

Mission:
The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract is to lead in advancing the science and practice of gastrointestinal surgery.

Vision:
The SSAT is a global community leading the future of GI surgery through innovation, research, advocacy, and dissemination of knowledge to advance clinical excellence.

Objectives:
The SSAT strives to:
• stimulate, foster, and provide surgical leadership in the art and science of patient care;
• Teach and research the diseases and functions of the alimentary tract;
• Provide a forum for the presentation of such knowledge; and
• Encourage training opportunities, funding, and scientific publications supporting the foregoing activities.