Dr Kah-Lin Choo, On behalf of the Organizing Committee, ASM 2002
Built on last year’s successful model of international joint venture, this year’s meeting continued to flourish with the support of the leadership from American College of Chest Physicians and Chinese Thoracic Society, and the enthusiastic participation of leading respirologists from the region (Singapore, Korea and Thailand). A total of 350 medical and allied health professionals registered for the meeting which opened on a very practical topic, the management of respiratory diseases ranging from acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia (community-acquired and nosocomial) and bronchiectasis. On the second day of the meeting, the audience was enlightened on the global epidemiology of tuberculosis and the difficulties encountered in different parts of the world in the treatment of this resilient disease. Six outstanding free papers were presented and our congratulations go to Dr CL Lam for winning the Young Investigator Award for his research on the development of new primary lung cancer cell lines from Hong Kong patients. The allied health workshop was well attended by both physicians and allied health colleagues who no doubt found the topic of new ventilatory modes and the discussion of non-invasive ventilation scenarios both stimulating and entertaining. The highlight of the meeting was once again the interactive case presentation where both discussants and audience were able to wax their brain muscles. Thanks to the skilful and witty guidance of the honourable chairpersons (or “executioners”), the session was not only intellectually challenging but also highly enjoyable. The meeting ended on practical issues encountered in the region such as the implementation of GOLD guidelines in Asia and the organization of semi-intensive care beds in medical wards in Thailand.
