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Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 1981, 5,119
Editorial
Once more activity is building up in preparation for the next World Congress in London in 1983.
Elsewhere in this issue a first announcement presents details of venue and date. This simple statement is
the tip of an iceberg of committee work and planning. The selection of the site is followed by preparation
of budgets and planning of the scientific programme, instructional courses, commercial and scientific
exhibitions, film programme, social events, associated visits and the multitude of other details which
combine to produce a successful event.
The World Congress is after all to many of the members one of the highlights of the triennium. It is
the opportunity to learn and impart new ideas, to meet professionally and socially and to gather as a
corporate body to review progress and plan for the future. The 1983 Congress is the first in which the
Society will not be joined by another of our international or national collaborating societies as cosponsor.
No doubt we will still be joined by many of their members in enjoying London 1983.
The last meeting of the Executive Board was held in October in London in Imperial College, the site
of the Congress. This was to permit Board Members to view the facilities and interact with the United
Kingdom Congress Committee, offering comment and advice. The 1983 Congress was, however, only
one of many matters which had to be discussed and acted upon. Planning for the Congresses in 1986 and
1989, was also considered. The Canadian National Member Society which made a bid for the 1986 event
has now indicated that it wishes to withdraw its offer. Consequently the Board will now be approaching
other national member societies inviting them to make a bid. 1986 seems a long time away, but in
planning terms, and in the reservation of conference venues, it is not. The Board are most anxious to see
the Congress moving to different areas so that the entire membership has from time to time the
opportunity of taking part. It is hoped that there will be a good response to this invitation and that those
of you who are interested will collaborate through your national member societies to make an offer.
Although a great deal of hard work is involved, the return is enormous in terms of the enhanced
opportunity for a large proportion of the national membership to communicate with professionals from
all over the world.
Another major consideration at the October Board Meeting was the Society's interaction with, and
contribution to the establishment of services in, the developing world. As many will have read, a Task
Force was formed at the time of Bologna which is now actively fostering relations with the international
agencies, such as United Nations and World Health Organisation, with national groups and with other
involved professional societies like World Orthopaedic Concern. The major contribution which our
Society can make is of course to channel the expertise of the membership to assist in planning, in training
and in the establishment and operation of services in these areas. This requires the identification of our
members who are willing and qualified to act in different capacities associated with the fulfilment of these
aims. This is an exceedingly difficult task and to tackle it requires a systematic listing of members'
qualifications and availability. So far we have been unable to fund the computerised professional register
which would provide this facility. We have hopes that this is now in sight. In the meantime, however, we
have designed a brief form which was published in the last issue of the Journal and which, in the absence
of our register, will go some way to meeting our needs. The response to this appeal has so far been
disappointing. Please take the time to complete and return the form so that the resources of the Society
can be put to the most effective use in the development of our professional activities throughout the less
privileged areas of the world.
John Hughes,
Honorary
Secretary.
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