Prof. Kadioglu highlights expectations of EAU 6th South Eastern European Meeting
Professor Ates Kadioglu is happy to give us his views on the SEEM meetings and this year´s highlights, venue, etc.
Professor Ates Kadioglu is chairman of the 6th edition of the South Eastern European Meeting (SEEM) that will be organised in Istanbul, Turkey on 1-2 October. He is happy to give us his views on the SEEM meetings and this year´s highlights, venue, etc.
Could you tell us how you feel about the idea behind the EAU South Eastern European Meetings?
I believe that neighbouring countries that have similar cultural and historical characteristics should seek to form a common platform to express themselves. Therefore it is very important to have regional meetings such as the EAU South Eastern European Meeting. The SEEM meeting in Belgrade was the first I attended myself. I was impressed by the scientific level of the meeting and the social interaction between attendees.
Are there any major differences between the Western European and the Southern European countries in urological treatments nowadays?
Although there are some differences between Western and Southern European countries in the field of education and research, these differences are gradually diminishing with increasing income of Southern European countries.
How many participants do you expect to join you this year at the SEEM meeting in Istanbul?
Our target is to have 500 participants. The Turkish Society of Urology, which I represent, guarantees 150 Turkish urologists and we hope the others will join us from abroad.
Which urological fields will be covered at the meeting?
The programme includes oncology, endourology, female urology and andrology sessions. The oncology sessions will highlight management of prostate cancer and small renal masses, the endourology session will highlight new treatment modalities, the andrology session will highlight new treatment insights with regard to premature ejaculation and the female urology session will highlight overactive bladder.
What is the role of the Advisory Board in this meeting? And your own role as chairman?
The chairman and members of the Advisory Board represent their countries and decide about issues such as location, scientific programme and promotion of the meeting. Another duty of the board is reviewing the abstracts.As chairman of the meeting, I encourage urologists to participate in the meeting. I will be organising the social evening so my colleagues can make new friends and will be introduced into Turkish culture.
Can you tell us something about the venue of the meeting?
The 6th meeting of SEEM will be held in Istanbul, the greatest and most densely populated city of Turkey. It has a unique location in the world; part of it is located in Asia, the other part in Europe. The venue of the meeting the Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel. This superb hotel is conveniently located in Taksim Square, which is the centre of Istanbul.
How do you feel about the logistical organisation of this meeting?
Congress Consultants is the core professional congress organiser of the EAU. They are in charge of dealing with registrations, logistics and printed material. All aspects of the congress are handled by Congress Consultants including the complete logistical organisation, scientific programme, abstracts, publications, registration, exhibition etc. Thanks to their close relationship with the EAU, Congress Consultants have a profound knowledge of working in the medical field. They cooperate with a local agency to make sure all delegates are properly housed.
How do you see the future of the SEEM?
SEEM is an important local meeting for Southern European countries where they can express themselves. But the SEEM should continue to be organised in close cooperation with the EAU, under the umbrella of the EAU Regional Office.