Welcome letter by the Scientific & Organizing Committee of the ForumDear Colleagues, dear friends,We are pleased to announce the organization of the 19th Scientific Con<strong>gr</strong>ess ofHellenic Medical Students and the 7th International Forum of Hellenic MedicalStudents and Junior Doctors, which will be held between the 19 th and 21st of April,at Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens, Greece.This International FORUM, organized by both the European Society of HellenicJunior Doctor and the Scientific Society of Hellenic Medical Students (EEFIE) oncea year for the past 7 years, applies to Medical Students, Doctors and Researchersand to the new colleagues who desire to enrich their knowledge towards this importantsector. The scientific pro<strong>gr</strong>amme is designed to enhance the experienceand skills of the participants and covers a wide range of subjects.Through round tables, lectures, free papers, posters and workshops studentsparticipate in this unique event, exchange ideas and update themselves on noveltiesin Medicine.Since 2007, the International Forum of Hellenic Medical Students and JuniorDoctors has been taking place along with the con<strong>gr</strong>ess and international invitedspeakers have been presenting recent achievements and pro<strong>gr</strong>ess in differentsections. This time, many distinguished guests such as doctors, consultants, registrarsand trainees from different countries have joined the faculty and will take partin the Forum by giving lectures or organizing round tables.We have gained valuable experience from previous con<strong>gr</strong>esses. Presented works,scientific sessions, distinguished guests and personal communications pose us adifficult task: to continue the idea of meetings, to bring together experts and youngcolleagues, to exchange and spread information on basic and clinical medicine, to encourageinvestigation, to arrange visits for education, to promote new technologies,to increase membership and to adapt to contemporary tasks and demands. It is withthis thought that we wish this Forumto be a successful one as well.The place and date of Forum were selected by the organizing committee. The cityof Patra represents a historical crossroad for centuries.We would like to express special thanks to our invited speakers for accepting ourinvitation as well as to our colleagues and friends for their help, support and advicein planning and arranging this meeting.We hope that you will enjoy the conference and that your interaction withcolleagues not only from all Greek medical schools but also from many differentcountries will stimulate a creative exchange of ideas and will be personally rewarding.We also hope and trust that you will enjoy your visit to the very beautifulcity of Patra, in April 2013.We are looking forward to welcoming you in Patra!Yours sincerely,On behalf of the Scientific & Organizing Committee of the ForumThe Honorary Presidents Τhe President of the Con<strong>gr</strong>ess The President of the ForumMichael Ch. Sideris Ioanna Pentara Ioanna-Georgia MoschouNikolaos S. Lymperopoulos5
Welcome letter by Scientific Society of Hellenic Medical Studentsand the European Society of Hellenic Junior DoctorsDear friends and colleagues,We are delighted to announce the organisation of the 19th Scientific Con<strong>gr</strong>ess ofHellenic Medical Students and the 7th International Forum of Hellenic MedicalStudents and Junior Doctors which takes place in Patra, one of the most beautifulcities of south and west.It is true that the difficult financial circumstances that our country runs, has made itmore challenging for us to successfully carry out this event. However, the power ofthe will, along with the team spirit and the organizing skills of these guys that orchestrateour society, has made it possible for us to come and participateeffectively as part of the International FORUM.At this point, I would like to thank all our participants for accepting our invitationto provide excellent teaching to the Hellenic Medical Students. Via three highly interactiveworkshops and numerous lectures, we aim to figure out how NHS worksand provide valuable clinical knowledge along with all fundamentalpractical skills.We hope that you will enjoy the conference and that your interaction withcolleagues from all over Europe will stimulate a creative exchange of ideas.We look forward to welcome you in Greece!On behalf of the Scientific Society of Hellenic Medical Students and the EuropeanSociety of Hellenic Junior DoctorsMichail Ch. SiderisHonorary President of the Con<strong>gr</strong>essNikolaos S. LymperopoulosHonorary President of the Con<strong>gr</strong>ess6