It has been a great honor to serve as President of the American Proctologic Society. During my term of office I have endeavored to execute faithfully the duties assigned by the Constitution and By-Laws, and by the will of the Society. On this one occasion, your President has the opportunity and privilege of expressing to you his own personal thoughts. He is permitted to select any topic of his choice for the annual Presidential Address.

The past, present and future of proctology have been reviewed admirably in the Addresses of previous Presidents. The history of the development and growth of this Society and its scientific achievements are recorded in the Proceedings of our Annual Meetings. This audience is a worthy symbol of the strength and dignity of our organization.