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The International Surgical Group (The ISG) is an international
surgical society formed after World War II when surgical leaders from
the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Canada, and the United States of America
wished to rekindle professional relationships established during the War.
The founders of the ISG were convinced that small surgical "clubs"
made popular in Great Britain prior to WWII serve as wonderful vehicles
for the exchange of ideas and shared experiences, which prove more difficult
in large group meetings. A transatlantic surgical group was formed and
the founding members were selected on their reputation as academic and
clinical surgeons and their willingness to travel around the world to
attend regular meetings.
From its inaugural meeting at Surgeons' Hall in Edinburg in 1958, The
ISG has invited a rich mixture of leading surgeons to join its small group
dedicated to the development of surgery internationally while preserving
the intimacy of small group meetings. The accomplishments of the members
are striking with many Presidents or Chancellors of Universities, Nobel
Committee members, Presidents of the Royal College, knighted officers
of the UK, Lords, and Chairs of Surgery from prestigious medical centers.
To quote Eivin Hasner, ISG Secretary from 1958 until 1980: "The original
aim of the founding members was that a circle of distinguished, scientifically
active and internationally-minded surgeons should meet at regular intervals
to exchange experiences and ideas for the preservation of sound ethical
principles among surgeons and physicians in general. This purpose has
been realized in full measure in the past, and there is every reason to
believe that the Group, consisting of new and younger members will continue
to play an equally important role in the future."
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