On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the 11th Congress of the ISODP, of INCUCAI and AAPROTT entities and of the Presidents of the ISODP and the SICT, it is with great pleasure that I would like to invite you to attend the 2011 Organ Donation Congress to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 27 – 30 November 2011.
We are pleased to announce that the 2011 Organ Donation Congress includes several outstanding meetings: the 11th Congress of the International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement (ISODP), the 2nd Congress of the Iberoamerican Society of Transplant Coordinators (SICT), and simultaneously the VII Congress of the Argentine Association of Organ and Tissue Procurement for Transplantation (AAPROTT), together with the II Bioethics Forum of the Latin American and the Caribbean Transplantation Society (STALYC). The XI Congress of the Argentine Transplantation Society (SAT) will be held closing the week. This meeting promises a chance to increase our knowledge and open up our minds to a worldwide panorama. On this occasion, we will also have the satisfaction to host the meetings of the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group and of the Iberoamerican Council for Organ Donation and Transplantation.
Together with the Organizing Committee and wishing to follow the lines of past ISODP congresses, we have designed a scientific program including the participation of world experts and opinion leaders. Priority and challenging issues, such as the management and organization of donation and transplantation process, will be dealt with. The different Equity, Accessibility and Public Policies for Transplantation, so significant for developing countries; the progress in technology allowing a quality assurance system; the key role that donation and transplantation registries have acquired, leading to correct traceability will be discussed as well. The new developments in transplant tourism since the Declaration of Istanbul, the Madrid Conference on Organ Donation and Transplantation and the Resolution WHA 63.22; the advances in stem cell use, an update of both research and therapies; an exchange of different education and communication programs, aiming at the creation of public awareness are also included in our agenda.
Buenos Aires is a fascinating city. Take some time off to go sightseeing a European style city with Latin charm. We are organizing different social programs such as, tango lessons, city tours, and much more. The Congress venue is situated walking distance form the Obelisco, in the heart of the city. You can enjoy a night at the Colon Theatre, ranked as one of the five most important opera theatres in the world due to its size, acoustics and history. You can tour the roaring Iguazu Falls; the breathtaking glaciers and lakes in Los Glaciares National Park, declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site as well as the multicolored mountains of Quebrada del Humahuaca where the most amazing sunsets can be admired; or if you have a fine taste for food and wine, visit the provinces of the wine region! And of course, no need to mention our famous and renowned argentine beef! There are innumerous tourist destinations you can enjoy!
We truly hope to spend a memorable week, interchanging experiences, networking and specially contributing to the development of organ donation, preservation and transplantation. We very much look forward to meeting you in Buenos Aires.
Carlos Soratti, MD
Chair for the Organizing Committee
President of INCUCAI - Argentina
