On behalf of the Romanian Society for Surgery of the Hand and the American Association for Hand Surgery, we cordially invite you to the Post-IFSSH Congress to be held in Bucharest, Romania, June 19-21, 2004. Under the theme of East Meets West, we are planning superb scientific and social programs. The congress is endorsed by the American and Romanian Societies for Reconstructive Microsurgery and the IFSSH.

We will have two keynote speakers. Dr. James Herndon's topic will be "Banking on Genes," and Dr. Terry Whipple will share life lessons in his talk, "Courage, Wisdom, and Risk." Dr. Yasuo Yamauchi and Dr. Raoul Tubiana will deliver the Chairmen's Guest Lectures. Three debates will be presented: "Great vs. Second Toe in Thumb Reconstruction," "Surgical Options for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome," and "Vascularized vs. Conventional Bone Graft for Scaphoid Nonunion." Twelve instructional courses will focus on the four primary topic categories of the congress: new perspectives in elbow surgery, contemporary skin coverage in the upper extremity, free flaps, and updates in wrist surgery. In addition, there will be panels, symposia, invited lectures, free papers, posters, and technical exhibits.

Romania is a country filled with fantastic legends. With its dramatic castles, exquisite painted churches, and medieval towns, Romania is one of the true jewels of Eastern Europe. Dracula enthusiasts flock to this land of alpine peaks, Black Sea beaches, and Carpathian Mountain castles. Those with an appetite for ghoulish tales feed on Romania's rich history of medieval princes, about whom heroic and horrific stories abound. Those warlord spirits once lived in Romania's ruined or restored palaces and monasteries. During the journey from Budapest to Bucharest and through the organized morning, afternoon, and full day trips, meeting participants will be able to see, feel, and enjoy Romania's treasures, including Sinaia ("Pearl of the Carpathians"), medieval Brasov, and Bran (Dracula) Castle.

Romania's modern history is equally legendary. In 1989 the world watched as revolutionaries rid themselves of one of the most ruthless dictators Europe has seen this century. Since that time, Romania has been grappling to recover from its communist past. Reform-minded government has brought new hope to people who, for too long, were dominated by the 20th Century "vampires" of the past deleterious regime. The Romanian Society for Surgery of the Hand (RSSH) has developed in the atmosphere of a rebirth that has shaped the new Romania. The society is young but energetic; it is poor in funds but rich in excellent surgeons, enthusiasm, and new ideas. The RSSH is taking its first steps abroad, with the promise to be an important addition to the international hand surgery community. Participation in the meeting will provide the opportunity to meet old and new friends, to exchange innovative ideas and techniques in hand surgery, and to experience this unique and beautiful country and its people. Moreover, this experience will give needed support to our new society of hand surgery colleagues in Romania.

Our most sincere thanks go to Dr. Alan Freeland for his boundless support of the congress, and to Mrs. Jane Wood for her work as line- and language editor for our publications.

We have received positive responses from many societies, and a good turnout is expected. Unfortunately, the number of participants will be limited by accommodation space and the scope of the meeting. Therefore, early response and registration is recommended. We hope you will join us and experience this extraordinary opportunity. See you in Bucharest.

Alexandru V. Georgescu, M.D.
Jaiyoung Ryu, M.D.
Co-chairmen
Post-IFSSH Congress 2004 in Bucharest