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The World Congress of Anaesthesiologists is a very special event. Held only every four years, it is a unique opportunity for members of our world-wide family of anaesthesiologists to get together to share educational experiences, to discuss scientific progress in our specialty, to learn about activities in our 122 member societies and to develop a better understanding of anaesthesia around the world. The 15th WCA will take place in the gracious city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The host society from Argentina was one of the founding societies of the WFSA in 1955. This is only the second world congress to be held in South America and it will feature a strong Latin American presence.
As always, the diversity of topics covered will be amazing, covering everything from molecular genetics to mass casualties, from innovation in anaesthesia education to informatics, from organ preservation to the origins of the specialty; there will be something for everyone. The language of the congress is English but there will be simultaneous interpretation into Spanish and many workshops will be presented in Spanish and English. We are expecting a particularly large attendance of Spanish speaking colleagues from Latin America.
This is a good opportunity to express our appreciation to all of our speakers without whom the congress could not take place. They willingly donate their time, energy and expertise to preparing presentations and travelling to the congress at their own expense. They do this because they understand that any surplus raised from a World Congress is used by the WFSA to support its educational programmes. Without this, WFSA would not be able to continue its work. During the congress there will be many opportunities for delegates to learn about all of our activities.
The Congress Organising Committee, led by Dr Alfredo Cattaneo, is working extremely hard to put on a great event. Besides the scientific programme there will be a unique social programme which will feature Argentine culture and cuisine. This will provide an opportunity for everyone to mingle and get to know colleagues from all over the world. What more could anyone ask than a glass of great Argentine wine and a tango?
Please mark the dates of March 25th-30th 2012 in your calendar and come to the 15th World Congress of Anaesthesiologists in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I will look forward to seeing you there. Nos vemos in Argentina.
Angela Enright
President of the World Federation of the Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA)
Dear Colleagues, Friends and Future Friends:
We are proud to be the hosts of the 15th World Congress of Anaesthesiologists (WCA) which will be held between the 25th and the 30th of March of 2012 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.This is the third WCA to be held in Latin America but will be the first time the congress has been in Argentina.
It is without doubt a unique opportunity for anaesthesiologists, not just from Argentina and our neighbouring countries in South America but also for our colleagues from all over the world, to be exposed to the most relevant topics of modern anaesthesiology and to interact with the international key opinion leaders in our discipline.
The Organising Committee is developing an innovative and ambitious Scientific Program which will cover the very latest developments in the different areas of the Anaesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine and Pain Treatment. It will include not only clinical aspects, but also Research, Organization, Economy and Education. We are working to make the event of great value and interest to anaesthesiologists of all levels of experience.
The programme will be delivered by an extensive, globally renown faculty, through both traditional lectures and a comprehensive programme of practical workshops allowing genuine hands on training in many areas of our speciality.
Even though English is the normal language for the lectures in World Congresses, in this one there will be simultaneous translation (English/Spanish) in the main scientific sessions and workshops to ensure full and perfect comprehension of our Spanish and English speakers.
The congress will be supported by a full, attractive and exciting Social Programme. It will include pre and post congress tours to all the traditional sites of both Buenos Aires and Argentina allowing delegates and partners to enjoy all the history, entertainment and the main icons that characterise the capital city and the rest of our country. Be prepared for Tango classes!
Please take this opportunity to both share knowledge and enjoy interaction with your colleagues and friends by joining this real occasion in the World of Anaesthesiology.
It will be our honour for you to be our guests and we look forward to seeing you in Buenos Aires!
The Congress Organising Committee
2012 World Congress of Anaesthesiologists