Dear Colleague, for the first time, our three international meetings will be merged and collectively referred to as a “Multidisciplinary Conference”. This new paradigm will redirect our focus to the integration of many different medical subspecialties in order to solve important clinical problems. Furthermore, topics in translational medicine will be presented to advance our own research and educational programs. This approach has gained popularity, especially in the international arena, by incorporating divergent thoughts, practices and cultures within the global scientific and medical community. It is hoped that new ideas will emerge from this conference rather than fragmented information with limited applicability and interest. One example of a topic that will be discussed is senology, which has traditionally been a surgical subspecialty devoted to diseases of the breast. However, with significant advances in molecular medicine and novel imaging technologies, a multidisciplinary tactic to solving these clinical problems seems optimal. In general, clinical problems in oncology, also including thyroid and neuroendocrine malignancies, will be preceded by relevant discussions in biomaterial technologies and endothelium physiology. Formal dialogues among participants will foster innovation and progress. In addition to formal discussions among participants, a culturally-rich and engaging social program is including in this meeting. This includes stimulating talks in historical venues, wonderful Italian cuisine, and other things are in preparation. Our experience with the informal and extemporaneous interactions among our international faculty and attendees has been successful in the past and this tradition will continue. Overall, we offer an intriguing program spanning a broad area of topics with relevant clinical problems that is paired with a social program to make a delightful, energizing and intellectually gratifying experience. If this program meets your approval, I look forward to meeting you in Pisa in October 2008.
Angelo Carpi