South Africa, Sun City, 18-22 MARCH 2009
Surgeon-directed workshop room a big hit
With over 150 delegates in attendance, the five-day 20th Biennial Congress organized by the South African Arthroplasty Society was an informative and action-packed event. The Smith & Nephew Demonstration Room provided surgeons with the opportunity to make personal appointments with Dr Mike Solomons and Dr Jan Victor for...
Surgeon-directed workshop room a big hit
With over 150 delegates in attendance, the five-day 20th Biennial Congress organized by the South African Arthroplasty Society was an informative and action-packed event. The Smith & Nephew Demonstration Room provided surgeons with the opportunity to make personal appointments with Dr Mike Solomons and Dr Jan Victor for surgeon-selected discussions and product demonstrations.
Program
Held at the Sun City resort, approximately 135 km from Johannesburg in the North West Province, the congress took place from March 18 to 22, 2009. The event program was tailored to the specific needs of orthopedic surgeons with an interest in arthroplasty. Delegates came from all over South Africa to attend and Smith & Nephew were one of the sponsors of the congress, which takes place every two years.
Of particular interest in this year’s program was the invitation and participation of internationally recognized podium speakers. Presentation topics addressed the hip and knee joint. The schedule was arranged to include emerging issues in the field and some such as “Achieving Correct Alignment in TKA”, presented by Dr Jan Victor, considered controversial rotational issues.
Breakaway workshop
Smith & Nephew were pleased with the reception of the Demonstration Room, which operated out of the Cheetah Room at the conference center. For three days attendees were able to book appointments at specific times to meet with either Dr Mike Solomons or Dr Jan Victor.
Surgeons were able to choose a topic for discussion with these renowned speakers or select a specific product for demonstration. It was a popular offering and 93 delegates took advantage of this unique opportunity calling it “a highlight of the congress.”
KLEOS well received
In addition, the KLEOS website was launched at the event. It had an enthusiastic reception with over 46 surgeons registering for membership and a number of others signing up after the congress had finished.
The online resources at www.kleos.md provide surgeons with lecture videos from KLEOS events, course dates, cadaver workshop videos, and current scientific literature. It is constantly updated to reflect the most current issues in the field of orthopedics.
In the future…
Smith & Nephew South African Endoscopy and Arthroplasty National Training Manager Samantha Buitendag commented that for the upcoming 2011 congress they hope to build on the successful model of this year’s Demonstration Room. Improvements to efficiency and opening the experience to more surgeons are of priority.