When you elected me your President you conferred upon me the highest office in your power to give and the greatest honor a proctologist can receive. This is especially poignant because all who have preceded me in this high office have been distinguished proctologists from large metropolitan or clinical centers, while I am a proctologist in private practice in a relatively small community which is nearly one hundred miles from the nearest medical school. This is an impressive example of the “American Way of Life,” and is convincing evidence that here in our great United States opportunity is truly unlimited. With mixed emotions of profound gratitude, and with justifiable pride tempered with humility, I thank you for this highest of honors.

The Presidential Address to an organization of this size and importance is traditionally one of philosophic reminiscences, pronouncements, and admonitions based upon a background of wisdom attained during a long life of professional achievement.