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EFORT 2009 promises a vibrant exchange of ideas
As the next European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT) congress approaches, those of us who have been busy planning the event or developing the scientific program appreciate the work and time that goes into making such a project happen.
For the upcoming congress (June 3-6 in Vienna), we received a record number of abstracts (3,478). Of those, the EFORT Scientific Committee accepted 673 as free papers, 2,052 as e-posters and four as videos, with a total rejection rate of 21.5%.
Likewise, nearly 8,000 people are expected to attend the 2009 congress – a sign that there is, in fact, a need for and support for a European-wide orthopaedic organization.
Rapid growth
When EFORT was established in 1991, the founders predicted that orthopaedic surgeons would feel a need for a European-based organization that addressed their specific training questions and professional concerns, as well as for a scientific meeting that brought everyone together to share ideas and experiences. Today, there are 38 national member societies from 36 member countries, as well as four associate scientific members, so EFORT is experiencing tremendous growth.
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EFORT is in the process of establishing itself as a pan-European partner for international organizations, authorities, universities, the orthopaedic industry, scientific bodies and professional and patient organizations in the field of musculoskeletal disease and trauma. In light of this growth, it seems like the right time to get involved in EFORT.
Attending the EFORT meeting and participating at the local level not only benefits your own individual professional growth, but it provides an opportunity to network with your colleagues in neighboring nations in a unique way.
The EFORT central office
A team of talented individuals working out of the EFORT office in Zurich collaborated to put together a fantastic event this year. Among those “on the front line” are Régine Brühweiler, Sabrina Wolf, Patrick Collet, Kathrin Bertogg, Larissa Welti, Klaus Hug, Nina Nürnberger and Karl-Hans König. In particular, Regine and Nina, together with Klaus, are doing a tremendous job in conjunction with the EFORT board to push our association ahead.
My hope for the future of EFORT is that, in 4 to 6 years, it will become the primary orthopaedic congress that all European colleagues look forward to every summer. This can be accomplished through a meticulous central organization, highly professional office staff, and certainly through clear and significant “lines”: Good science, good lectures, new symposia and a very close collaboration with the European specialty societies.
For more information:Reference:
- Per Kjaersgaard-Andersen, MD, is an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery, Vejle Hospital at South Danish University, Vejle, Denmark, and is the president of the Danish Orthopaedic Association. He is also the Chief Medical Editor of the Orthopaedics Today Europe Editorial Advisory Board. He can be reached at ote@slackinc.com.