RSE - CIRSE.org

2 Welcome Address
Dear Colleagues,
Michael J. lee
CIRSE President
The CIRSE Annual Congress and Postgraduate Course is a trendsetting,
dynamic and service-oriented event, dedicated to education,
science and innovation. It covers the entire spectrum of
Interventional Radiology, and is the largest and most comprehensive
congress in the field on minimally invasive imageguided
therapies. The programme is designed around seven
main themes, including Vascular Interventions, Trans ca theter
Embolization, Interventional Oncology, Neuro Interventions,
Non-Vascular Interventions, IR Management and Imaging.
With over 6,000 delegates coming from over 80 countries,
CIRSE is a unique platform for interaction and the exchange of
scientific information. The educational programme provides
the opportunity for physicians to familiarise themselves with
new devices and master new therapies, continually improving
the service IR can provide for patients.
This year, the congress will take place in the Portuguese city of
Lisbon, a well-connected city with excellent infrastructure,
which provides us with the ideal stage for the world’s largest IR
congress.
One of the key elements of 2012 will be the Student Pro -
gramme, with travel grants, free registration and dedicated
Robert A. Morgan
Scientific Programme
Committee Chairman
sessions being awarded to the first 200 candidates to apply
through our website. This initiative represents a huge investment
in the future of IR, encouraging trainee doctors to
explore and engage with our specialty, and providing them
with an accurate and interactive picture of what a career in IR
can offer.
Parallel to this, young IRs will also have a chance to sit the EBIR
exam. The European Board of Interventional Radiology is an
initiative to harmonise training and qualification across Europe,
improving the safety, quality and standards of IR. So far, 244
interventional radiologists hold this qualification, and many
more have already signed up for the September exams. Those
interested can find more information on www.cirse.org/ebir.
Those considering this exam at a later date can prepare for it
by attending the many Foundation Courses on offer in Lisbon.
Particularly recommended are our sessions on peripheral arterial
disease, including below-the-knee interventions, which
represent a growing force in reducing amputation rates. Due to
its increasing use in the multidisciplinary setting, newly qualified
IRs should also attend our Interventional Oncology
Foundation Courses, where they can gain a comprehensive
introduction to the wide spectrum of therapies on offer.
C RSE
patrick Haage
Scientific Programme
Committee
Co-Chairman