ACCP Overseas

Abstract

The international educational programs of the American College of Chest Physicians express the unique needs of each of the 57 chapters overseas. In every country members identify their medical priorities and define the character of continuing education in chest diseases in that locality. This “scientific self-determination” explains the strength and flexibility of the international aspect of the College. The close administrative bonds which unite the worldwide chapters to the Chicago office permit effective communication within a single state or among many countries. As an example, publicity or mailing of programs can be directed to any “target audience” upon request.There are reports in this issue of three programs; the formats were dissimilar in structure, since they were designed to fulfill different aspirations. The Second Asia-Pacific Congress on Diseases of the Chest, under the Chairmanship of Doctor Sze-Piao Yang, was held in Taipei, Taiwan, November 11-14, 1971. Speakers were predominantly from Asia-Pacific countries and the major themes were related primarily to patterns of health needs in that region. The panels, motion pictures and sectional papers covered the entire spectrum of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases and thoracic surgery.The International Symposium co-sponsored by the Israel Chapter of the ACCP had an entirely different structure. The Program Chairman, Dr. Israel Bruderman, focused upon a single subject, that of chronic obstructive lung disease. Faculty and registrants were international rather than regional in composition. Both the Taiwan and Tel Aviv programs were of splendid scientific calibre.A third type meeting is an ACCP national convention. The annual meeting of the seven Spanish Chapters of the College is described in this issue. The program was held in Leon in the fall of 1971 and attracted over 500 registrants.Regional congresses, international symposia, national conventions and regular chapter meetings represent different formats for different needs, but each facilitates interdisciplinary dialog in cardiopulmonary medicine and surgery. Every four years, international activities culminate in a worldwide ACCP Congress. The Twelfth International Congress on Diseases of the Chest will take place in London, England, July 7-13, 1974. The international educational programs of the American College of Chest Physicians express the unique needs of each of the 57 chapters overseas. In every country members identify their medical priorities and define the character of continuing education in chest diseases in that locality. This “scientific self-determination” explains the strength and flexibility of the international aspect of the College. The close administrative bonds which unite the worldwide chapters to the Chicago office permit effective communication within a single state or among many countries. As an example, publicity or mailing of programs can be directed to any “target audience” upon request. There are reports in this issue of three programs; the formats were dissimilar in structure, since they were designed to fulfill different aspirations. The Second Asia-Pacific Congress on Diseases of the Chest, under the Chairmanship of Doctor Sze-Piao Yang, was held in Taipei, Taiwan, November 11-14, 1971. Speakers were predominantly from Asia-Pacific countries and the major themes were related primarily to patterns of health needs in that region. The panels, motion pictures and sectional papers covered the entire spectrum of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases and thoracic surgery. The International Symposium co-sponsored by the Israel Chapter of the ACCP had an entirely different structure. The Program Chairman, Dr. Israel Bruderman, focused upon a single subject, that of chronic obstructive lung disease. Faculty and registrants were international rather than regional in composition. Both the Taiwan and Tel Aviv programs were of splendid scientific calibre. A third type meeting is an ACCP national convention. The annual meeting of the seven Spanish Chapters of the College is described in this issue. The program was held in Leon in the fall of 1971 and attracted over 500 registrants. Regional congresses, international symposia, national conventions and regular chapter meetings represent different formats for different needs, but each facilitates interdisciplinary dialog in cardiopulmonary medicine and surgery. Every four years, international activities culminate in a worldwide ACCP Congress. The Twelfth International Congress on Diseases of the Chest will take place in London, England, July 7-13, 1974.