Message from the Organising Chairmen

The 2008 Obstetric Ultrasound Outreach Course is the fourth ISUOG Outreach Course conducted at the Singapore Teaching and Training Centre (TTC). This year, the ISUOG Outreach Course is conducted in conjunction with the Scientific Congress of the College of O&G, Singapore. The event will be held at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre between 10 and 13 November 2008. The 3-day ISUOG outreach course starts on Monday, 10 November 2008 ending back to back with the College of O&G Scientific Congress on Thursday, 13 November 2008.

During the course, experienced ultrasound practitioners with a special interest in prenatal diagnosis can benefit from the 3 intensive days of the ISUOG outreach course. At the same time, ultrasound practitioners can obtain a better understanding of the perspectives and needs of the patients in other aspects of O&G in relation to ultrasound at the Scientific Congress of the College of O&G on Thursday. The general clinician is expected to gain a better understanding of the scope and depth of O&G ultrasound during the ISUOG outreach course and combine ultrasound with clinical practice on Thursday.

The focused ultrasound lectures at the outreach course offers a broad knowledge of ultrasound screening for common important congenital anomalies and a comprehensive understanding of how to manage and counsel the patients. These are complemented by problem-based learning sessions to explore commonly encountered clinical situations. A multidisciplinary approach to birth defects will be incorporated to complement diagnosis with therapeutic postnatal follow-up. Posters and free communication sessions allow a wider participation of practitioners, new and experienced in O&G ultrasound alike.

Following its tradition, the ISUOG TTC will continue to organize educational O&G ultrasound courses in the region. In the near future, we will be exploring various other instruments of education and strive to bring the current and best practice into the region. I hope to see many of you from the region. Your attendance and contribution on ideas in regional education will result in better pregnancy outcome for the mothers in the region.

The theme of the College of O&G Scientific Congress on Thursday, 13 Nov 2008 is “Evidence-based O&G”. With the emerging wealth of evidence transforming management options and with the increased sophistication of our patients, a one-day review is timely. The scientific programme will review current data and knowledge as well as explore how new evidence can be incorporated into clinical practice.

Singapore is ideally suited to host this inaugural meeting, being strategically located in Asia with its well-developed infrastructure and high standard of O&G practice. We assure participants of first-class conference facilities, a wide range of accommodation options, an exciting social programme and our keen hospitality. The registration fees have been kept affordable to encourage strong regional participation.

Dr George SH Yeo Chairman

Dr Chang Tou Choong Co-chairman