Messages from the Congress Chairs

Inaugural Congress

October 31-November 3, 2001 Taipei, Taiwan

We are pleased to update you on the progress of the preparation for the Inaugural Conference of the World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery. Sixteen past presidents of ISRM and IMS, and 140 featured speakers of significance in their specialized fields have agreed to attend this conference. We have expanded our scientific program to include seven presidential symposiums, 12 panels and free discussions, six instructional courses, 15 free paper sessions, as well as poster presentations. These are made possible only because of the support of the pioneers already mentioned.

Topics covered in these programs will incorporate all aspects of microsurgery, including replantation, head and neck, upper and lower extremity and breast reconstruction, brachial plexus, facial reanimation, perforator flaps, flap fabrication, tissue engineering, allograft transplantation, and related basic research.

The presidential symposium will feature presentations of the pre-merger presidents of the two societies. These honored guess will share their experiences in their pioneering fields of expertise, research of significant achievement, as well as insights into the future of microsurgery. As for the ``brain-stimulating'' panels and free discussions, the committee has arranged for the best panelists and most fascinating topics to encourage your active participation. Moreover, the 450 abstracts we have received will be presented either as free papers or as poster presentations to maintain the traditional program of IMS. They provide the best occasion for new information and techniques. It is especially noteworthy that this program is designed to allow the non-English-speaking participants to partake without the barriers of language.

The instructional courses and pre-congress live surgery demonstrations concerning the knowledge and techniques of perforator flaps, endoscopic flap harvest, toe transfer, esophageal reconstruction, brachial plexus reconstruction, mandibular reconstruction, and lower extremity reconstruction, are specifically intended for junior reconstructive microsurgeons who are interested in learning more about these topics, which also serve to complete the entire program with in-depth coverage. The scientific program, in sum, is designed to provide equal and ample opportunities to participate in specific areas of interest, without obstacles in either language or experience levels.

Finally, in addition to the intense scientific program, the committee has prepared a fascinating exhibition of microscopic sculpture and medical illustrations for your entertainment. Our social program will take you on an unforgettable trip around Taiwan. The magnificent scenery of this island, its rich culture, museum treasures, and the best and most diversified ethnic Chinese cuisine will surely provide additional attractions for your visit. The conference venue, the Grand Hotel, which portrays the beauty and culture of China, is a perfect setting for our professional gathering. We guarantee that you will enjoy a most memorable stay here on the beautiful island of Formosa. Please remember to make a note on your busy calendar for all the events of this special occurrence.