MEDICAL-EXPO 2008 in APLAR's World

2008 APLAR message from David A Fox, MD, President - American College of Rheumatology

On behalf of the American College of Rheumatology, best wishes for a highly successful APLAR2008 Congress. The member countries of APLAR represent more than half of the population of the Earth, and are playing an increasingly prominent role in rheumatology research, patient care and education. At the same time there is enormous potential for growth of the field of rheumatology in many of the APLAR nations. The APLAR2008 Congress will undoubtedly be a vital catalyst in stimulating this growth, and in showcasing the exciting progress in our discipline.

Science and medicine can bring together professionals from diverse cultures, political systems and health care settings. APLAR2008 will provide a venue for renewing old friendships, establishing new collaborations, and promoting international understanding, in order to advance science, education and the clinical care of our patients.

I also want to invite scientists, rheumatologists and other health care professionals from the APLAR nations to the 2008 ACR meeting. This year’s ACR meeting will be held in October in San Francisco, a location especially convenient for our colleagues from across the Pacific. I look forward to seeing you in Yokohama at APLAR2008 and, the following month, at the ACR meeting in San Francisco!