The European Congress of Radiology has been held in Vienna every two years since 1991 and, due to its large success, annually since 1999. As the established location for the ECR, the world cultural capital of Vienna, with its rich artistic heritage and unmistakable Viennese flair, offers the ideal backdrop for a scientific event of this magnitude. The congress is organised by the European Society of Radiogy (ESR), which was founded in 2007. As a nonprofit organisation, its goal is to support and coordinate radiologists from all European countries, in science, research and teaching, and to make the society accessible to as many people as possible. Up to now, the ESR has affiliated more than 30,000 radiologists from 115 countries.
The ESR sees itself as a service company for all radiologists worldwide. "I think that the ESR duly recognised the signs of the times, since medical societies must rethink their positions these days. Old, elite associations that are only accessible to a few select individuals are behind the times," stressed Prof. Maximilian F. Reiser, Director of the Institute for Clinical Radiology in Großhadern, Munich and President of ECR 2008.
"The ESR wants to set an example and offer a platform for the global exchange of the newest scientific findings, for radiologists and members of other disciplines. The low annual membership fee of just 10 is a major step in showing solidarity with colleagues from countries with lower average incomes and allowing as many physicians as possible to exchange international experience in the area of radiology."
This year's congress focuses on women in radiology, with a mini-course in women's imaging, a special focus session on uterine fibroid embolisation and a professional challenges session entitled 'Women in Radiology'. "Women are still at a disadvantage in radiology," said Prof. Reiser. "Many women must sacrifice their career in order to start a family, and therefore face professional disadvantages. The professional challenges session focuses on social responsibility in radiology and discusses possible solutions to the disadvantages still widely recognised in Europe."
Altogether, around 1,800 lectures will be offered at ECR 2008 and over 2,000 presentations of current research results and other scientific findings will be electronically accessible. At the adjoining industry exhibition, 270 international companies will present their products and newest developments in an area exceeding 26,000m2.
Among the scientific highlights are lectures concerning radiation exposure, whereby risks and benefits for patients will both be considered. There will be an interesting session about the current hot topic of obesity and resulting problems for the imaging sector, as this is no longer limited to the North American continent.
Furthermore, the congress will offer a special focus session on the topic of population overaging and the resulting European-wide challenges for the health system and the implications for radiology. The use of mobile examination and diagnostic equipment, as well as the role of teleradiology in healthcare for the elderly will be discussed within the context of this multidisciplinary session. The ECR sees itself primarily as an international platform for knowledge and idea exchange in one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in the world. Under the aegis of Prof. Reiser, the popular 'ESR meets...' programme, in which three countries have the opportunity to present themselves and their latest scientific advances, will be enriched by an important component. Aside from the guest countries Germany, India and Israel, this year, for the first time, a representative from a partner discipline of radiology will be invited to improve the dialogue between the professional fields. This year, general medicine was chosen to be the first partner discipline in this new line of interdisciplinary exchange.
"This new aspect of the programme is especially important to me," emphasised Prof. Reiser, adding that it is very important to offer comprehensive information about todays imaging possibilities to colleagues in general medicine, in order to allow a higher standard of patient care with this additional knowledge. "The more understanding our colleagues have of the newest developments in radiology, the better they will know where to transfer which patients with which diagnosis. A more active role in general medicine can help to take advantage of the possibilities that imaging offers with certain diseases at an early stage. I think especially of interventional radiology or examination methods in coronary artery diseases," explained Prof. Reiser.
The three guest countries will present their radiological advances within the context of the 'ESR meets...' concept. In Israel, many innovative ideas and new concepts in imaging and general medical technology find an outlet. India will demonstrate its international role in radiology and will emphasise tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment as its presentation topic, as in recent years this disease has been on the rise again in the western world. In the context of the 'ESR meets Germany' session, the clinical use of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD), a promising aspect of radiology, will be presented and discussed with all its advantages and disadvantages.
In regard to meeting technology, the ECR is keeping up with the times, and offers numerous innovations this year including the use of interactive elements. "Our 'audience response system' is increasingly used in events for radiologists in specialist training. It allows the lecturer to actively include the audience and ask their opinion during the lecture," says Prof. Reiser. "The new system can also be used to assess learning objective progress."
Since last year, a further innovation, the virtual 'ESR Electronic Congress,' has ensured that the know-how presented annually at the ECR is made available as comprehensively as possible to radiologists who are unable to participate in person. All ESR members thereby have the opportunity to access close to 12,000 abstracts, over 1,000 PowerPoint presentations, 280 recorded lectures and up to 4,000 electronic posters online, free of charge via one single platform.
The exceptional reputation of the ECR is based not only on high scientific standards, but also on its very special services for the delegates. The ESR Travel Service, founded in 2006, offers a unique selection of hotel rooms in over 100 hotels throughout Vienna. From exquisite luxury suites to comfortable double rooms, everything can be found on the online platform specially developed for this purpose.
Another feature of the ECR is the Arts & Culture programme. Interested guests can obtain information about Vienna and its cultural treasures at the stand in the entrance hall of the congress centre. A website and a comprehensive illustrated brochure present detailed information and schedules for museums and exhibitions, opera, concerts and theatre performances and thereby depict cultural life in all its diversity during the congress.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.myesr.org
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About The European Congress of Radiology
The European Congress of Radiology represents the medical specialty of Radiology throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. The ECR comprises an Executive Committee, a Programme Planning Committee, a Technical Exhibition Committee, an International Relations Committee, and 15 Scientific Subcommittees.
For more information on ECR meetings and initiatives, visit www.myesr.org.