(October 2006 – No. 5)

Dear Delegate



The 10th Congress of the IFSSH is fast approaching (11-15 March 2007). You will find all the information on website www.hands2007.com Please be reminded that the “early bird” registration date is before 1 December 2006. The registration fee is substantially cheaper than the regular registration fee. Also do not forget to book your accommodation before 22 January 2007. A variety of options is available to suit your specific needs/requirements.

The World Congenital Symposium precedes the IFSSH Congress, 9-10 March 2007. Michael Tonkin is in charge of this Meeting and plans an exciting and informative program. You will find all the necessary information on website www.worldcongenital2007.com

The Delegates Council Meeting is on Sunday 11 March 2007 at 14:00-16:00, i.e. before the Sydney Congress. Please ensure that you arrive in time for this important Meeting, since you will have to vote on who the host Society will be for the 2013 Congress (the 2010 Congress will be held in Seoul, Korea).

The Opening Ceremony of the Congress will be on Sunday 11 March 2007 at 17:30 and includes a number of items, which will reflect Australian Culture. Also during this Ceremony, we will celebrate the “Pioneers of Hand Surgery”, an honor granted to Senior Colleagues of ours who have contributed exceptionally to our profession. It would therefore be fitting to acknowledge their distinction with your presence.

The IFSSH (as well as generous contributions from other Organizations and Foundations) has sponsored a DVD on Pollicization, put together by Pete Carter and Marybeth Ezaki from the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, USA. It consists of two parts – one for the surgeon (history, technique etc.), and one for the patents (pre- and post-op function, etc.) I have viewed both and am impressed by the quality, clarity and technique. This DVD is available free of charge to any serious Hand Surgeon. This is purely an educational DVD with no soliciting, advertising, commercial or other motives attached. Hand Surgeons interested in receiving this DVD are welcome to contact the following email with all your mailing details: Linda.Weatherwax@tsrh.org.

The Regional Federations (Asian-Pacific, European, South American, and soon to be formed the North and Central American) organize their own Meetings and Activities. They form part of the International Hand Surgery Family. The European Federation (FESSH) has it’s next Congress in Athens, Greece, 27-30 June 2007. Abstract submission deadline is 27 November 2007. More information can be found on www.fessh2007.com