President’s Letter July 2014

Dear SASES member

Our congress this year coincides with the ISUCRS international conference, and will be in the world’s favourite city, Cape Town, from 4 to 7 September 2014. The organizing committee has described the academic programme as the best ever seen in South Africa, and I am certainly looking forward to the input from all the international faculty, but specifically from our invited visitors. Professors Willem Bemelman and Andre D’Hoore are very special SASES friends, as they are also the custodians of the Covidien and Ethicon fellowships to Amsterdam and Leuven, respectively. As a Society, we will have the opportunity to thank them in Cape Town for this wonderful opportunity they are offering our members.

We have also invited Prof Tim Rockall from the MATTU in Guildford as visitor, but also to again present his excellent laparoscopic cadaver workshop prior to the congress. Those members who attended his previous course will remember that this was a high point of the SASES year, and I predict this will soon be filled.

The SASES/Legacy video prize this year is worth R14000 in prize money. We have set aside a whole session for videos, and this promises to be wonderful session. Entries are now open for budding Spielbergs.

Please have look at the programme at www.isucrs.co.za and register soon. This is not only the highlight of our year, the AGM and exco election, but also a chance to see friends and colleagues in the most beautiful city in the world!

I am looking forward to seeing you there.

Regards

Danie Fölscher