An International Celebration

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While recently nursing a pint of Guinness in an archetypal Dublin pub after a few days of visiting with the Irish Association of Hand Therapists, I was hoping to entice the muse-within for an upcoming poetic editorial. I realized very quickly that this was not going to happen as all of Ireland, a large fraction of which was surrounding me in the pub, was engaged in their country's World Cup rugby match on the television. I too became absorbed with the international fervor and diverse perspectives stemming directly from a worldwide event. The passions bursting from the respective international teams and fans paralleled what I have been sensing since the 2007 International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy (IFSHT) meeting in Sydney, a desire to share, nourish, and celebrate an international hand therapy perspective.

This International issue of the Journal is an indirect product of that meeting and, even more, is a reflection of our collegial maturity. The Journal of Hand Therapy, the recognized conduit for hand therapists across the globe, has consummated Evelyn Mackin's original intent of fostering inclusiveness. The current and past IFSHT Presidents echo this sentiment in their introduction to this issue.

Our growth as a profession is evidenced further by the fact that a transcontinental flavor exists in every issue of the journal. As a testament to our commitment to our international colleagues and in celebration of our global community's collective efforts, we dedicate this issue and its unique cover to all engaged in hand rehabilitation.

I urge you to take a moment and grab you favorite beverage, absorb the specially designed image on the cover, and the content within, while celebrating along with me.

Cheers,

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