Syrian National Osteoporosis Society (SYNOS)
SYNOS hosts Vth Pan Arab Osteoporosis Congress in Damascus
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| Opening ceremony |
The Syrian National Osteoporosis Society (SYNOS) organized and hosted the Vth PAOS Congress at the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus (Syria) from 28th to 30th April 2010. The Congress was under the Patronage of H.E. Mrs. Asma al-Assad, The First Lady of Syria.
This was the first time Syria hosted the PAOS Congress. The president of the Congress was Dr Gemma Adib, president of SYNOS and of PAOS, and the honorary president was Prof. John Kanis, President of IOF (International Osteoporosis Society). H.E. Mrs. Asma al-Assad, The First Lady of Syria delegated H.E. Dr Rida Said, Minister of Health to the opening ceremony, and he conveyed Her Excellency's interest in the congress and in the efforts to combat osteoporosis, as well as her support and wishes for the success of that encounter.
Dr Gemma Adib inaugurated the opening ceremony by a welcome address, and Prof. John Kanis delivered the keynote lecture about osteoporosis status in the world, facts about epidemiology, size of the problem, research, prevention, available treatments, and prospects for the future. He kindly answered questions form the audience, medical and non-medical participants alike.
The opening ceremony was followed by a concert at the Opera House. The Syrian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mr. Missak Baghboudarian offered a much appreciated repertoire of classic European and Syrian music. Two soloists performed brilliantly: Mr Kinan Azmeh on the clarinet and Mr Simon Shaheen on the oud.
On Thursday 29th and Friday 30th, a rich program of lectures was given.
There was a scientific program addressed to the physicians interested in osteoporosis and a public session program intended for the non-medical public.
In the scientific sessions, international, Arab and Syrian speakers covered the wide spectrum of subjects pertaining to osteoporosis. The participation was excellent in number and quality. There were rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, internists, gynecologists, pediatricians, radiologists, physiatrists and nutritionists. An active post-lecture question and discussion period followed.
The public sessions took place in three rooms concomitantly. The speakers conducted interactive discussions about a given topic with about 50 attendants in each room. For the public, it was a unique and unprecedented experience. They showed a keen interest in the subjects and asked numerous pertinent questions, denoting an already present awareness on osteoporosis. The subjects that were covered were: The size of the problem of osteoporosis in the world, the fracture risk in the Middle East, the prevention program, the role of nutrition, the relationship between hormones and osteoporosis, and the treatment.
On Friday 30th, a walk in Old Damascus with media celebrities took place and was followed by a bone-friendly Syrian breakfast. It was intended to convey the message about the importance of exercise and sound diet in preventing osteoporosis.
At the end of the Congress, a press conference was given, with the presence of the Syrian Ministers of Social Affairs and of Health. There was extensive coverage by the media for the entire congress, and especially the press conference.
H.E. Mrs. Asma al-Assad, The First Lady of Syria, kindly received the members of the scientific committee, asked about what could be done actively in Syria in that respect, listened to her guests' suggestions, and offered her enlightened support for future projects.
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| Dr Gemma Adib, Congress President and President of SYNOS and PAOS welcomes participants |
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| One of the public sessions |
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| One of the public sessions |
June 17, 2010
