Dear colleagues,

it is my pleasure and joy to invite you to participate in the 11th Congress of ESPRAS in 2009 on the scenic island of Rhodes.

ESPRAS, the European Section of IPRAS can be congratulated to its great achievements within the past couple of years: many of its members have proactively approached their governments and were successful in protecting the future of our specialty with impressive results: In Spain the Federal Court confirmed that Aesthetic Surgery can only be done by plastic surgeons, France increased its requirements for accreditation of outpatient centers, Denmark identified procedures which only can be done by plastic surgeons and Germany introduced a law banning advertisement for aesthetic surgery. The recommendations of the European Parliament concerning breast implants are considered to be outstanding and many innovations in our field were introduced first in Europe. The European Boards in Plastic Surgery have been institutionalised before many other fields started to work on the European exam. We have all reason to be proud of the achievements of our European members!

IPRAS does and will even more benefit from this progress in the future. Since the International Society of Burn Treatment decided to join IPRAS as a coopted society, the number of individual members of IPRAS comes close to a 100.000. The number of Board certified plastic surgeons in the world has increased to 21.500.

Global thinking is advanced in Europe. Therefore every member of IPRAS should join us for this very special congress. The organizers guarantee an outstanding program and a unique surrounding. Almost inevitably you will make new friends and meet old friends as well. More than anything else this will promote global thinking among us for the benefit of every single member, of our patients and our families.

Welcome to Rhodes Island.

Marita Eisenmann-Klein, M.D.
General Secretary IPRAS

Prof. Dr. Jean-Philippe A. Nicolai
Chairman ESPRAS

Dear friends,
I trust you are ready for the ΧΙth European Congress, THE event of the year. As announced earlier, it promises to be exceptionally memorable. Not only innovations in the format, but also a trip to Kos, where Hippocrates taught and where we collectively renew our Hippocratic Oath.
The fees and hotel costs are well within reasonable limits, thereby making it possible for the vast majority of us to participate.
See you all in Rhodos!

Cordially,
Jean-Philippe

Andreas Yiacoumettis, M.D, PhD
President 11th Congress of ESPRAS

Dear colleagues, friends and guests,

The quadrennial Congress of the European Societies of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery is the greatest scientific event of our specialty in Europe. It not only attracts European participants, but also colleagues from America and indeed from all over the world. For many years, this event was organised in one of the major cities of Europe such as Vienna (2004), Rome (2000), Lisbon (1996), London (1991) e.t.c.

This time we shall have the opportunity to go to a famous Greek holiday resort, the island of Rhodes (Rhodos in Greek), which is renowned for its history, excellent facilities, social life, culture and so many other things we like to enjoy. We are also introducing a "break" in the middle of the Congress to have "a day off" for a visit of great importance to the island of Kos, the birth place of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. We shall be visiting the Aesclepeion, where he taught, practiced and established the principles of scientifically based medicine. Besides free-paper, poster sessions and key note lectures etc we shall try to organise sessions like "debates on hot issues", "how I do it", "my mistake" and many more. The Organising Committee will seriously consider any suggestions from the National Societies.

There is no doubt that this is a popular Congress attended by a large number of participants. The Hotel venue along with other hotels, mostly within walking distance, will comfortably cover all our needs. Bungalows and flats will also be available especially for those of you bringing your family and also for those who may like to group and share accommodation. For trainees and other categories, there will be a reduced rate of registration fee and of course, for all who wish to take advantage of the "early bird" registration. Please note, the weather is still mild at this period, the hotels are situated near the beaches, so do not forget to bring your bather with you for a splash in the wonderful waters of the Aegean.

An attractive social program will include cocktails, "sound and light" show, Greek dining and dancing as well as organised trips and visits to the most interesting sights of the island.

So, we are looking forward to welcoming you to the island of Rhodos. In the year 2009 "all roads lead to Rhodes" for a week full of science, pleasure, history and culture.

The Organising Committee will spare no effort to make this event successful and unforgettable for all.

Best Wishes
Andreas Yiacoumettis

Prof. Andreas Foustanos
President of the Hellenic Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery


Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, I have the pleasure to invite you at the 11th ESPRAS Congress which will take place on the island of Rhodes.

I am hoping to a numerous participation of all colleagues from Europe and all over the world.

We will do our utmost for the perfect organisation of this congress, so much for the scientific part as much for the social part.

The Greek colleagues and I will be at your disposal so as to have a pleasant stay at the beautiful island of Rhodes, where we will offer you, the famous Greek hospitality.

Until then, I am sending you my cordial regards,

Andreas Foustanos