A Legacy of Caring: AAST 75th Annual Meeting Presidential Address.

Senior surgeon leaders have unique knowledge and wisdom that should be shared with the next generation of surgeons. In order to assess the type of wisdom and the best methods of transferring it, 62 senior surgeons with more than 30 years of clinical and leadership experience were interviewed to obtain the answers to eight questions. Replies were transcribed verbatim and qualitative research software was used to determine the most frequent replies. The reasserting of core values by today's surgical leaders is the first step in the transfer of knowledge and wisdom to the next generation of surgeons. The second step is that the leader sets an example by living these core values and holds him/herself accountable to the highest standards especially those relating to patient care. By serving others we carry this wisdom forward, make it part of the next generation's life, and earn our part of a heritage that creates a lasting legacy of caring.