David Cirigussi, a 4-year medical studentat School of Medical Sciences (SMS) of University of Campinas (Unicamp) took over in January 2020 the leadership of the South America chapter of the International Association of Student Surgical Societies (IASSS), being the first Brazilian in this position.

IASSS aims to bring together the existing surgical student interest groups in the world, facilitate the creation of new ones and ensure that every aspiring surgeon around the world has the opportunity to connect locally and internationally with people whos hare similar interests. Throughthe network, IASSS hopes that surgical societies around the world can work together to set the agenda for the future ofsurgery. The organization is recognized as an official pre-specialist society by the International Surgery Society. As a benefit, the Association assists in the exchange of members and participation in researchwith a focuson surgery.

David, who is also a student member of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Brazilian Trauma Society(SBAIT) comments:“It is very gratifying to be part of an organization like IASSS, whose main objective is to promote global networking among future surgeons. At the CoBraLT Board and at the Unicamp Board of Trauma League, I was able to witness the dedication of the binders to promote the awareness of lay people and academics about trauma, in programs such as P.A.R.T.Y. and Salvando Vidas. This connection will make it possible to share the programs we promote in Brazil with student societies from all over the world and to bring new ideas and programs to South America”.