9-12 April in the Granite City (Aberdeen)

The Granite City prepares for the National BGS Scientific Meeting on 9-12 April, at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

As April is mere weeks away, the final touches are being made to an outstanding programme for the forthcoming UK Scientific Spring meeting (details and on-line registration facility at: www.bgs.org.uk/meetings/meetdate.htm). The varied programme promises to encompass a wide range of topics (identified within the CPD programme) and will surely whet the appetite (literally and metaphorically!) of all those who plan to attend.

The scientific programme boasts keynote addresses by Professor Stuart Ralston on “The Genetics of Osteoporosis” and Professor Gordon Lowe on “Secondary Vascular Prevention in Older People”. In addition, Professor Sir Graeme Catto will give a “View from the GMC”and there is an informative session on “Reflections on Geriatric Medicine and Government” with views from all four corners of the U.K.

There are four clinical updates in two parallel sessions (one each on Thursday and Friday) with four Special Interest Groups holding sessions on Friday morning. Free communications, poster viewing and four sponsored symposia complete the programme on the 10th and 11th.

The scientific programme is brought to a close on the Saturday morning with an excellent session by our colleagues in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine on “Seating, Posture and Spasticity” followed by presentations on community aspects of geriatric medicine, which has a distinct multidisciplinary flavour. This will also be of special interest to our colleagues in general practice, nursing and allied health professions.

The social programme kicks off (or should that be “tees” off?) with a golf tournament at Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club, a traditional seaside links course, on Wednesday afternoon. A Civic Reception, hosted in the Aberdeen Art Gallery, follows on Thursday evening. Places are limited at this function, so early booking is essential. For those with boundless energy (and good co-ordination), an invigorating Scottish ceilidh has been organised after the Civic Reception at a nearby hotel. The Gala Dinner will take place at the Ardoe House Hotel, one of Aberdeen’s finest, on Deeside. With superb cuisine and fine wines, this promises to be a most enjoyable way to spend a Friday evening.

The Woodend Department of Medicine for the Elderly celebrates its 50th year in 2003 and we feel this exciting programme befits our “Golden Jubilee”. We would recommend early registration and hope that specialist registrars and other staff, are encouraged to support the conference. We look forward to welcoming colleagues from the United Kingdom, and beyond, to what will be an excellent meeting.

Donald Newnham