Abstract:The AAST was founded in 1938 with the purposes to furnish leadership and to foster advances in the surgery of trauma; to afford a forum for the exchange of knowledge pertaining to research, practice and training in the surgery of trauma; to stimulate investigation and teaching in the methods of preventing, correcting and treating injuries from all types of accidents; to enhance the study and practice of the surgery of trauma by establishing lectureships, scholarships, foundations, and appropriate evaluation procedures in the surgery of trauma where appropriate; and to afford recognition to those who have contributed to the surgery of trauma by extending to them membership in the Association.