It is a singular honor to give this prestigious lecture to the Pacific Coast Surgical Association, an association unique for its splendid fellowship. The Pacific Coast Surgical Association's annual meetings successfully combine science with pleasure and culture, and they give members' spouses an important role to play in all aspects of the meetings.
But the honor is even greater because I was invited by Robert Lim, MD, to give this President's Invited Lecture. I have known of Bob for 3 decades and have had the privilege of being his colleague for 13 years. I have been inspired by his commitment to patients, to the institution, and to the students and residents. I have been awed by his clinical judgment and great technical prowess, and I have been immensely enriched by his friendship.