SSAT Presidential Address: Whereof What's Past Is Prologue.

In preparation for an upcoming SSAT strategic planning process, the rich history, current demographics, and financial outlook of the Society are reviewed. Building on a strong tradition of innovative leadership, the SSAT remains a vibrant and financially sound organization that continues to attract new members from across the spectrum of GI surgery. However, several trends-subspecialization, an increasing focus on clinical research, the size of DDW, among others-challenge the society to better to define its identity as we plan for and prioritize for the future.