Taipei hosts 2010 Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology

The Executive Committee of the Asian Oceanian Society of Radiology (AOSR) has chosen Taipei, Taiwan, as the site of the 2010 Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology. This 13th AOCR will be held at the Taipei International Convention Center March 20-23, and all individuals with common interests in the most current research and discoveries in radiology are invited to attend. The congress will be paired with the 2010 meeting of the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (ASCI 2010), to be held at the same venue March 19-20. The 2010 AOCR will offer a rich scientific program featuring the most current and noteworthy research results accompanied by a variety of social events, abstract presentations, and sponsor exhibitions. It is surely an event not to be missed.

The 2010 AOCR will feature the theme: Radiology-the Core of Healthcare. The scientific program will bring in experts and noteworthy speakers from inside and outside the Asia-Oceania region to speak on the most recent discoveries and share relevant experience.

They will offer lectures on a wide range of topics within the medical imaging field, including subspecialties such as nuclear medicine, interventional radiology, and emergency radiology, as well as topics in radiology focusing on specific areas of the body such as genitourinary, musculoskeletal, and neuroradiology, among others. For most topics, refresher courses will also be offered. Each session will be an hour and a half long, with four sessions taking place per day. The morning sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the final sessions for each day will end at 5 p.m. Luncheon symposia will also take place on each day.

As well as the scientific program (lectures and symposia), an industry exhibition on the 1st floor, standing poster exhibits on the 3rd floor, e- poster exhibits on the 2nd floor, and a photo exhibition on the 2nd floor will be open between 08:30 and 17:30 throughout the congress.

Organizers of the congress have invited 142 speakers, chairpersons, and panelists from countries in Asia-Oceania, the U.S. and Europe. Approximately 2000 participants are expected to gather in the convention center for the 2010 AOCR from the following countries and municipalities within the Asia-Oceania region and beyond: Japan, Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, India, Philippines, China, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, New Zealand, as well as the U.S., Germany, Belgium, Egypt, Sweden, and the U.K.

The many speakers, session chairs, and participants attending from further abroad will surely be of great benefit to the congress, as they will help connect the local body of scientific knowledge to the broader world and encourage discussion about progress made in other countries. From participants registered so far, the congress has already received 717 abstract submissions, including oral presentations, posters, and e-posters.

The scientific offerings at the congress will be accompanied by an entertaining social program featuring various activities in the evening. In addition to the opening and closing ceremonies, there will also be the reception, banquet, and Taiwan night. These social activities will provide a more casual setting for participants in the congress to meet and discuss ideas, and it is hoped that the social program will present an opportunity for more informal communication and discussion of the scientific lectures.

Founded in 1971, the AOSR has endeavored to promote radiology and allow greater communication between doctors, researchers, and other interested parties while facilitating interaction among the 25 member countries and municipalities in the Asia-Oceania region. This is accomplished through the hosting of AOCR and other educational programs and forums, which have involved not only inviting acclaimed speakers from within the region but also bringing in experts from overseas to provide insight from beyond Asia-Oceania. The society held the first AOCR, also in 1971, in Melbourne, Australia. Originally, the AOCR convened once every four years, but in more recent years the congress has been switched to a biennial schedule to better keep pace with rapidly advancing radiological science and discoveries.

Responsibility for organizing the 2010 AOCR has in large part been the task of the Chinese Taipei Society of Radiology. The heads of the organizing committee include 2010 AOCR president, Yi-Hong Chou, M.D., 2010 AOCR secretary general Wan-Yuo Guo, M.D., and 2010 AOCR chair of the organizing committee San-Kan Lee, M.D.

Taiwan enjoys a warm, subtropical climate and much natural beauty as seen in its relaxing beaches, lush forests, and high mountains. The island blends modern life and technology with a strong adherence to tradition and cultural values. Nowhere is this clearer than in Taipei, where it is not uncommon to see colorful temples, their air thick with incense, nestled between glass high-rises and luxury shopping centers. The pace of the city can seem frenetic at some times, while casual and relaxed at others. The Taipei International Convention Center, the venue for 2010 AOCR, is part of a larger compound located in the Hsin-Yi district, the financial heart of Taipei. It is also adjacent to the Taipei 101 building, which was, until recently, the tallest building in the world.

The Chinese Taipei Society of Radiology has worked hard to put together a topnotch congress and graciously welcome any participants interested in radiology to attend the 2010 AOCR.

More details can be obtained by visiting the 2010 AOCR website.