The following appeared in the

APSR Newsletter

Vol. 11, No. 1 supplement, 2002

7th APSR Congress

October 25-28, 2002
Taipei, Taiwan

Message from the Congress President of the 7th Congress of the APSR

Dear Colleagues and Friends

On behalf of the organizing committee, it is my great honor to announce again that the Seventh Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR) will be held in Taipei, Taiwan on October 25-28, 2002. We cordially invite you to participate in this congress.

As all of us are well aware, respiratory diseases continue to increase in importance as the major causes of disabilities and deaths worldwide. Although many diseases are of global interest, the increasing incidence of respiratory diseases is of special concern to Asian Pacific countries. The main goals of the congress will be to improve the exchange of scientific information, promote international cooperation, and improve the quality of research and clinical practice in the field of respirology.

Preparations of the Congress are proceeding smoothly at the present moment. The scientific program contains five keynote speeches, five workshops and 11 symposia. The main themes include: the advances of respiratory medicine during the post genomic era, the latest progress in asthma and COPD research, new aspects of pulmonary infections, advances in lung cancer and thoracic image, current development in ventilatory therapy and intensive care medicine. More than 70 locoregional and global speakers are invited.

Taiwan is a beautiful island. Taipei, the island's largest metropolis, is one of the facet growing cities in Asia, while still retaining a rich Chinese cultural heritage. We shall do our best to arrange social and cultural events for you and your accompanying persons. We offer you the chance to enjoy Chinese cuisine, visit the National Palace Museum in Taipei, which houses a priceless collection of ancient Chinese art treasures, and explore scenic spots such as Taroko Gorge.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Kwen-Tay Luh, M.D.
Congress President
Taipei, Taiwan

World Asthma Meeting

The Organizing Committee of the 4th World Asthma Meeting (WAM) takes great pleasure in inviting all participants to attend this comprehensive World Meeting to be held in Bangkok, Thailand in 2004.

Following on from the 3rd WAM in Chicago, Thailand is proud to have been selected to host the 4th WAM and plans are already well advanced to ensure delegates, spouses, exhibitors and all attendees enjoy a valuable and worthwhile experience in the best traditions of the World Asthma Meeting programs.

On behalf of the Thailand Organizing Committee of the 4th WAM we look forward to seeing you in Bangkok in 2004, and we look forward to welcoming you to our country and to our way of life.

Conference Programme

The Organizing Committee of the 4th WAM will present a series of stimulating sessions on a diverse range of subjects related to the subject of asthma. Topics to be covered will include: biology of inflammation, initiator and effector cells, immunomodulators, leukotriene modifiers, worldwide asthma epidemic, corticosteroids, severe difficult asthma, airways remodeling, allergic inflammation, implementation of asthma guidelines, bronchodilators, genetics and natural history of asthma, patient education, monitoring asthma severity and inflammation, how to control asthma in the Asia-Pacific region and asthmatic death in Asia.

International speakers of renown, representing many years of experience will address the 4th WAM and participants will be given opportunities to meet and discuss far reaching issues of common interest in all fields related to respiratory medicine and treatment.

The 4th World Asthma Meeting is sponsored by the ATS, ERS, ACCP, AAAAI, EAACI, IUATLD, GINA and APSR.

Suchai Charoenratanakul M.D.
Professor of Medicine
Bangkok, Thailand

Message from the ERS President

The European Respiratory Society was founded 11 years ago by the merger of two existing European societies, involved in scientific and clinical activities.

The core activities of the society are mainly addressed to its European membership, ranging from the tiny San Marino to the eastern borders of Russia, speaking almost as many languages and having just as many training curricula and practices. The cosmopolitan flavour of the society is probably part of its attractiveness for members from more than fifty other nations, from all over the world, including China, Japan, India and even Polynesia, some of whom are involved in our executive bodies. This tower of Babel has English as an official language although the English we use seems strange from time to time to our native English-speaking colleagues.

The annual meeting of the society gathered more than 13,000 participants, from all continents, in Berlin this fall. Apart from this yearly event we devote considerable funding to the European School of Respiratory Medicine, the part of our organization devoted to post-graduate teaching. Educational seminars on basic Pulmonology have been held all over the world, particularly in eastern European countries but also elsewhere, to help standardize learning and practices. This is complemented by numerous travel and scientific grants to help the exchange of scientists and clinicians within Europe and to support task forces and guidelines in collaboration with ATS and other societies, as well as research seminars on hot scientific topics. Because we believe that there are no boundaries to disease nor for medicine or science we also provide grants to young scientists from outside Europe, including the Asian Pacific region, who wish to acquire additional training in Europe.

Because of the lessons learned from Europe's tumultuous history, ERS believes strongly in collaborative work and looks forward to collaboration with other regional societies interested in lung diseases. It has recently developed the European Lung Foundation to address matters of general interest and public health, as we believe that physicians should concern themselves with more than the technical aspects of pulmonary medicine. We definitely encourage all lung physicians of the Asian-Pacific region to join their own regional society to obtain strong representation in their homeland and region, but we do welcome them to become, jointly, members of ERS if so they desire. ERS looks forward to continuing the collaborative discussions with ASR for years to come, with great pleasure and expectations.

Mare Zelter, M.D.
President
European Respiratory Society

Battling Lung Disease Globally Through Collaborative Partnerships

Since its inception in 1905, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) has been committed to combating lung disease not only throughout the United States, but also globally. And today, more than ever, this mission is quite challenging as respiratory diseases, on a global scale, account for a considerable fraction of overall morbidity and mortality. As we begin a new millennium, it is estimated that 250 million people suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and an equal number from asthma worldwide, with the latter constituting the most prevalent chronic disease in childhood. Every year the tubercle bacillus infects up to 100 million people, 8 million of whom develop active tuberculosis (TB). Globally, there is a 3 percent annual increase in new TB cases. Approximately 17 percent of all deaths and 13 percent of all disability-adjusted life years are attributable to respiratory disease (TB, lower respiratory tract infection, COPD and lung cancer predominantly in association with tobacco use, and asthma) according to the World Health Report 2000 of the World Health Organization (WHO).

In view of these epidemic proportions of the respiratory disease burden, the question arises how can professional respiratory societies contribute to the prevention, control and cure of lung disease worldwide? The answer is clear through collaborative partnerships. With 13, 500 members, 25 percent of whom reside outside the United States, the ATS has long valued its close relationships with national and international organizations, such as the APSR, who share our similar goals. While we have always enjoyed the benefits of informal partnerships, now, through the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, a concept initially conceived by the ATS and European Respiratory Society (ERS), the APSR, ATS, ERS and five other international respiratory societies have the opportunity to make significant progress in the fight against lung disease globally. The objective of' the Forum is to engage in united advocacy and provide scientific and professional medical input into the world lung health programs. Representatives from the eight professional international respiratory societies, which include the Union Against TB and Lung Disease (UATLD), American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), ULASTER and the Latin American Thoracic Society (ALAT), in addition to the ATS, APSR and ERS, will meet regularly with an invited observer from WHO. The Forum, represents more than 50,000 physicians, scientists and allied health professionals, from all inhabitable continents. an important feature since the perspectives and priorities in lung health may not be the same throughout the world's regions.

The ATS has a long-standing commitment to international relations in its pursuit of the long-range goal to decrease morbidity and mortality from respiratory disorders and life- threatening acute illnesses in people of all ages. We look forward to working more closely with the APSR and other sister respiratory societies through the Forum to improve the state of lung health and the health of lung patients throughout the world. While the statistics on respiratory disease around the globe are sobering, the future is promising as the spirit of cooperation grows and our fight against lung disease is strengthened by combining our resources.

Adam Wanner, M.D.
President
American Thoracic Society

Report from the Secretariat

A meeting between executives of the ERS and the APSR was held at the ICC Berlin during the ERS Annual Congress on 23 September, 2001. The participants were Drs. Roca, MacNee, Zelter and Mr. Turnbull from the ERS, and Drs. Fukuchi, Horie, Hashimoto and Mrs. Sato Cochrane from the APSR.

The main topics were preparation for the next Congress, an International Forum, the relationship between the ERS and the APSR, and the World Asthma Meeting in 2004. Concerning the preparation for the next Congress, the ERS reported that they had begun making a programme two years ahead of the event. The programme will include a major symposium, strategy and a scientific programme. It would be necessary to discuss the preparation of a Scientific Meeting with the APSR for the next ERS Congress one year before the event.

There was enthusiastic discussion on the possibility of organizing an International Forum involving the ALAT, APSR, ATS, ERS, IUATLD. Spring 2003 was suggested as a possible date. Both the ERS and the APSR agreed that the event should be treated as a Forum for maximum dialogue and interaction, rather than following a rigid agenda. Dr. Fukuchi explained the current state of the APSR and hoped to establish a bilateral and prosperous relationship with the ERS in the future.

Thailand has been selected to host the World Asthma Meeting (WAM) which will be held in Bangkok on February 17-19, 2004. Dr. Suchai Charoenratanakul, an executive member of the APSR, is Chairman of the International Organizing Committee. The WAM is sponsored by the ERS, ATS, ACCP, AAAAI, GINA, EAACI and IUATLD, and the meeting discussed involvement of the APSR.

APSR Meeting held in Berlin, 2001

An informal APSR meeting was held at the ICC, Berlin on 23rd September, 2001. Several people were absent due to recent air travel concerns. Dr. Fukuchi acted as chairman and other participants were Drs. Berend, Seale, Horie, Hashimoto, Tan and Mrs. Sato Cochrane.

APSR activities for 2001 were reported by Dr. Fukuchi. Although the APSR was given booths at the several Congresses in the past, not many visitors were attracted. It is important to focus more attention on this for future booths. In addition to general awareness and recruiting, booths serve a useful purpose in `networking' and being noticed as part of the international respiratory community. It is also a useful opportunity for promoting the journal and a chance to promote future Congresses.

Dr. Fukuchi also reported progress of the 7th APSR Congress in Taiwan in 2002 and the 8th Congress in Malaysia in 2003. It was agreed that Dr. W-C Tan would liaise between the Malaysian committee and the APSR Executive. The aim is to get an update of their plans within the next three months.

The problems of increasing the Society's membership was discussed. Membership is still below 1000 and while strides are being made in Hong Kong and Japan, recruitment is still a major issue. APSR membership at a national thoracic society level is considered to be very important for the future of the APSR. The cost of producing Respirology would considerably be reduced if we had 10,000 members. Therefore, a discounted membership fee should be possible, and such a discount might make joint membership more attractive to people.

It was agreed that Dr. Berend would prepare a short discussion paper on membership at the national thoracic society level, and distribute it to executive officers. If agreement can be reached quickly, members in each country can approach their national thoracic society and get feedback from them to present to the next informal meeting during the ATS Congress in Atlanta in 2002. That Meeting can then formally review strategic policy and where necessary, revise the society's constitution and Articles of Association to facilitate such membership.

The following plan of action has been recommended to develop closer links with National Societies, which may require several steps as follows:

  • revising the constitution to facilitate Presidential representation from national societies to sit on the Council of APSR
  • mechanisms for APSR membership fees to be collected by national societies
  • informal discussions with national societies to seek their views on what APSR can offer them.

Possibilities include:

  • publishing abstracts in Respirology
  • APSR funding for speakers at National Meetings
  • A membership certificate for "framing and hanging on the wall"
  • Regional accreditation of CME programs, akin to that provided by ERS in Europe

Dr. Seale will initiate informal discussions with his colleagues in the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) to opportunities for bilateral arrangements APSR and the TSANZ.

APSR Secretariat

12th World Congress for Bronchology (WCB)

12th World Congress for Bronchoesophagology (WCBE)
Boston, MA, USA
June 16-19, 2002

Program Topics

  • Endoscopy unit design and management
  • Minimally invasive assessment and to treatment of pleural disorders
  • Early recognition and minimally invasive treatment of carcinoma of the aerodigestive tract
  • Multidisciplinary and multimodality approaches
  • Advanced imaging of the aerodigestive tract
  • New diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to bronchoesophageal disorders
  • Special pediatric problems in bronchopesophageology
  • Physician affiliates forum

General Information

  • Location: Boston Marriott Copley Place Hotel, Boston, MA,USA
  • Hotel Accommodations: A block of rooms has been reserved at the Boston Marriott Copley Place Hotel. Other accommodations, including rooms at local colleges, will be listed in the next mailing.
  • Congress Language: The official language of the Congress is English.
  • Second Announcement: October 2001
  • Abstract Submission deadline: January 15, 2002
  • Early registration deadline: April 1, 2002

For Further Information

12th WCB & WCBE
Congress Secretariat
Tufts University School of Medicine
Office of Continuing Education
136 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02111 , USA
Phone # : (617) 636-6509
Fax # : (617) 636-0472
Web Site: aabronchology.org

Notice from the APSR Secretariat

  1. Bids invited for the Congress in 2005 and 2006! We would like to invite you to present your case to host the APSR Congress in 2005 and 2006. Bids will be considered at the Executive Meeting in October. 2002 in Taipei. You will be requested to present a plan, venue and y our country’s Thoracic Society’s plans for the arrangements and infrastructure of the Congress (Local Organizing Committee, etc.)
  2. Respirology : Please send your manuscripts to: Dr. Philip J. Thompson, Editor-in-Chief
    C/o Asthma and Allergy Research Institute
    Ground Floor, E Block
    Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
    Verdun Street
    Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009
    Australia
    Tel:+61-8-9346-3262
    Fax:+61-8-9346-4159
    e-mail: respirol@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
  3. We welcome statements, notices and other information from your country's Thoracic Society (e.g. Annual Meeting, etc.) to be printed in the Newsletter to encourage more vigorous exchange of scientific accomplishments in Respirology within the APSR region.

Yoshinuke Fukuchi, M.D.
Secretary General, APSR

Promotion for APSR Membership

The executive members in Japan have been discussing ways of increasing membership of the APSR and have taken the following steps in the last three months:

  1. Sent Application Forms and letters asking for support to 400 councilors of the Japanese Respiratory Society.
  2. Printed an Application Form in the JRS monthly journal, which has been done twice before.
  3. Prepared slides (below) and asked each JRS regional branch to show them, and appealed to the JRS members for support for the APSR.

As a result of the above, we are pleased to report that approximately 50 people have become APSR members.

8th Congress of the APSR in Malaysia

July 17-20, 2003
Theme: An Evidence-based Approach to Management of Respiratory Diseases in the Asian Pacific Region
Venue: Shangri-la Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Organization Committee
Chairman: Chong-Kin Liam
Secretary: Norzila Mohamad Zainudin
Treasurer: Jessie de Bruyne
Chairman of Scientific Programme: Roslan Harun