PAAO President’s Message

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

“Vaccines are one of our most important tools for preventing outbreaks and keeping the world safe. Unacceptably it’s often those who are most at risk – the poorest, the most marginalized, those touched by conflict or forced from their homes – who are persistently missed.”

– Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Director- General, WHO)

As we all know COVID-19 vaccination campaigns are well under way. Please remember the importance of getting vaccinated in trying to control this pandemic. It is also crucial that we maintain and continue our daily safety measures of hand washing, mask-wearing and keeping our distance. As physicians, it is our commitment and duty to ensure the safety of our patients and to encourage our governments to organize the vaccination process as quickly and efficiently as possible. The vaccine is not only important to keep you safe but also to keep others safe.

As we proceed through this pandemic, we will see more and more scientific associations postponing in-person meetings, as well as continued online discussions and webinars. This will keep us all connected until we are all able to meet once again in person and exchange our scientific ideas. It is important to continue our involvement in our scientific associations.

After giving a lot of thought, the PAAO Executive Committee decided to postpone the PAAO Congress in Buenos Aires to 2023. Since this meeting is usually an odd year tradition, 2023 will be the best suited year to hold this exceptional in-person meeting for many reasons. It will allow time for recovery in terms of the economy and allow time for people to feel safe to travel and meet in person. Our Buenos Aires meeting will take place from March 17 to 20, 2023 at La Rural, a stunning meeting space. We have an exceptional scientific program almost finalized, as well as a great social program to enjoy the beautiful Buenos Aires in one of its best months.  We are working hard to make this an excellent meeting for everyone and we can’t wait to be together then.

Please stay safe, stay positive and let’s continue to do our part in encouraging the vaccination process and in keeping up with safety measures for ourselves and for others.

With best wishes,

Miguel N. Burnier Jr., MD, MSc, PhD, FRCSC

PAAO President