The World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) was founded in 2004 by a group of international physicians and surgeons who recognized the need for a cohesive approach to promoting research, fostering education, and improving the survival of patients with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and/or abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). While it remains a fledging society, the WSACS has arguably accomplished a great deal in its first three years including the development of evidence-based medicine consensus definitions and recommendations statements, publication of the first textbook on ACS as well as a monograph of cutting-edge research findings, and development of a worldwide network of clinicians and research scientists.

Looking forward

The previous three years have been challenging years for all. The COVID19 pandemic has provoked profound and probably long-lasting changes to healthcare systems and the delivery of educational material to colleagues. Face-to-face conferences have had to be rescheduled and replaced with online meetings, given the continually evolving travel restrictions. The WSACS conference planned to be held in Snowbird in May 2021 (Utah, USA) has not been spared these tribulations and had to be canceled.

With the growing awareness of diversity and equity in the workplace, it is essential to create inclusive environments. Recent events on social media have once again brought the issue of gender and racial diversity to the fore. Like other progressive organizations, WSACS is committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, specifically focusing on increasing participation of underrepresented groups. WSACS has always been proud of the innovation, interaction and provision of opportunities to our next generations of colleagues.

The WSACS constitution can be found here: https://www.wsacs.org/join/what-is-the-wsacs/wsacs-constitution/