[Surgeon. Unde venis? Quo vadis?].

From the Old Age period until the middle of the 20th century, the surgeon was an artisan, whose medical activities were confined to the treatment of the external pathology. After World War II progress in knowledge and technology provided surgery with a scientific basis. The introduction of new anesthetic methods added to the explosion of surgical possibilities. The ancestral general surgeon gave birth to different subspecialties. To share increasing responsibilities the formerly individual surgeon was compelled to practice in a pluridisciplinary team. In the face of threatening governmental interference, the author claims more dedication to the welfare of the patient by better surgical training and increased ethical concern. "Quo vadis" looks ahead into the future; the final outcome, however, is unpredictable, due to rapid technical evolution. According to the author there is still hope for young colleagues who cherish the alliance of spirit and manual skill. In spite of bitter disappointments in recent years he calls upon future surgeons to renew efforts for surgical assistance in developing countries.