PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Dear colleagues,
European plastic surgeons have participated in a variety of important activities in Europe and indeed all over the world during the first half of 2011. These activities not only included scientific events but also Humanitarian work which is most impressive...
The sixteenth world congress in Vancouver ended up with an overwhelming success in both quantity and quality.
Our Canadian colleagues excelled themselves in organizing the biggest ever Congress with over 1700 participants. The scientific program was of the highest level and satisfied everybody’s interests. The social program was also attractive and pleased all.
During the congress the business meetings of IPRAS took place. At the Council of National delegates the new bylaws revision was approved and Prof Marita Eisenmann-Klein (German) became the first IPRAS President unanimously. Nelson Piccolo from Brazil was also unanimously elected, as the new General Secretary. The new structure of the IPRAS ExCo and Subcommittees, in which many Europeans members of ESPRAS are involved, were elected. Presentations of the candidate countries for hosting the 2015 congress were followed by a secret vote which resulted in choosing Shanghai. For2017 the vote was won by Brussels and so, the world congress will be returning to Europe once again.
The ESPRAS European appointed National Congress of the Armenian Society took place in Yerevan on 28th -30th, 2011. This was supported by IPRAS and the local University and it was organized by the IPRAS official organizer Zita. I was given the opportunity to address the opening ceremony on behalf of ESPRAS and had a meeting with the dean of the university and the IPRAS President. The event was widely projected by the media, especially the television channels of the country. A public day proved to be very successful since many non medical people attended and asked questions following the presentation on various subjects of interest.
ESPRAS endorsed the “Second National Conference” of the Bulgarian Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, which took place in Pravets Bulgaria on April 8th – 10th, 2011. This was a successful event with international participation. It was particularly attended by many colleagues from the Balkan countries and Europe.
I would like to tell you about the Humanitarian work in which ESPRAS/SHARE is involved under the leadership of the chairman Prof. Christian Echinard (France). Several missions have been organized in close cooperation with IPRAS (Woman for Women) and with other organizations in Haiti, Afghanistan, Bangladesh a.o. These activities attract our admiration and respect. European Plastic Surgeons are committed to humanitarian work and I strongly urge all interested colleagues to get in touch with us and participate.
Congratulations are in order to EURAPS for another successful annual meeting on the island of Mykonos in Greece which attracted the biggest ever number of participants. The scientific value of this event is indisputable and at the highest level. Congratulations to the new leadership of EURAPS, the President Andrej Banic (Switzerland) and the General Secretary Professor Manfred Frye (Austria).
ESPRAS is participating as an observer in the ongoing process of Standardization of Aesthetic Surgery Services conducted by the CEN. This will take a few years to finalize hoping that at the end there will be standards in these services for the benefit of the public and the profession.
In the autumn of this year more activities have been planned, among which the European Course in Plastic Surgery in Marseille which will be followed by the EBOPRAS exams for the Fellowship.
Also this year is the Turkish Society’s 50th anniversary which is celebrated at the 33rd Annual Congress (14 Sep 2011 to 18 Sep 2011) at Izmir, Turkey. This event has been granted the title of ESPRAS European Appointed Congress for 2011.
Active participation of European Plastic Surgeons in the scientific events and humanitarian work promote our specialty at all times. ESPRAS and IPRAS are at the forefront of this continued endeavor by providing support and publicity and any other assistance.
With heartiest regards,
Prof Andreas Yiacoumettis
ESPRAS President
Dep. General Secretary IPRAS