British Medical Ultrasound Society - Annual Scientific Meeting December 2004

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Whilst most people in Europe are thinking of running down to Christmas traditionally the hard working Brits hold their Annual Scientific meeting in early December.

This year was no different in that respect but returning to Manchester after only a couple of years we were on familiar territory for the scientific sessions. As usual we had three parallel sessions for two and a half days covering all the usual areas of interest. The proffered papers now make up a much smaller part of the meeting and this year we had a record number of invited presentations. Mike Bradley and his team had decided to put on a programme with many short presentations rather than traditional long presentations on a wide range of areas of special interest and it worked extremely well although it became quite a challenge to chairmen to keep speakers to time but most managed admirably.

It is perhaps invidious to pick out individual sessions but this reporter particularly enjoyed the several short presentations on embryology relating to fetal ultrasound. A subject which is difficult to understand and even more difficult to teach was made not only understandable but enjoyable by Marjorie England with her exquisite illustrations and even more helpful paper models.

Mrs Jane Bates Past-President BMUS

The poster exhibition was of a high standard but considering the value of the prizes on offer it is perhaps a bit difficult to understand why even more people don't put in a poster of their work. It is a lot of work but good to share your interests with others. I certainly always find much of interest in areas even not of primary interest in day to day work.

The programme always leaves a little time to catch up on Christmas shopping and with the Manchester International Conerence Centre only being a few minutes walk from the shops there is no excuse for not having finished (or in my case started) your shopping before going home.

The Annual General Meeting is always held during the Annual Scientific Meeting and saw the retirement from office of several Council members as well as the Past President who had been coming to Council meetings for more than 10 years and most were quite glad to see the back of him. Jane Bates is to be congratulated on two most successful years as President and is succeeded by Grant Baxter to whom we all wish great success.

The Social Programme has always been a highlight of the meeting and this year was no exception. Following a Civic Reception on the first evening was a Chinese Banquet on the second evening and on the final night a Gala Dinner in the magnificent surroundings of the Manchester Town Hall which will be remembered by many as one of the most atmospheric Annual Dinners - so good that it has been booked for next year.

We occasionally have visitors from Europe who always enjoy the meeting but to anyone who hasn't tried it why not next year- same time same place. Even if the thought of Manchester has not attracted you before perhaps the science or social or one of the biggest exhibitions of equipment from the whole ultrasound industry should. David Evans, President Elect of EFSUMB has been coming for about 30 years so there must be something worth seeing!

David Pilling

Editor Newsletter EFSUMB