Welcome to the European Days of the French Society of Cardiologie 2011

Welcome to the XXIst European Days of the French Society of Cardiology. As every year, this event is an opportunity to report on medical practice in the field of cardiovascular disease and put a spotlight on a popular and current topic. This year, the common theme of the European Days will be thrombosis and antithrombotic drugs, a field which is undergoing a complete overhaul, with a new understanding of the mechanisms of thrombosis, an apprehension of the importance of antithrombotic treatment safety, and the advent of numerous new drugs for the treatment of arterial and venous thrombosis. Thursday morning, the American Conference of Dr Robert Harrington (Duke University, North Carolina, United Sates) will provide an opportunity to take stock of these new treatments. Moreover, in order to attract more attention to this topic, we have created a ”Thrombosis Village” for you this year, which is situated next to the Bordeaux studio and amphitheater. In this village, you will find non-stop computer posts for self-learning, interactive practical case sessions, and informal meetings with experts. We hope that this highly practical and interactive format will appeal to you. More detailed information is given on the next page.

The French Society of Cardiology’s European Days provide the opportunity to bring together the various actors of French and European cardiology: university and non-university cardiologists, active in hospitals or private practices, as well as physicians, whether general practitioners or specialists in other fields interested in cardiovascular medicine. These include diabetologists, angiologists, emergency medicine specialists, geriatricians, anesthesiologists/resuscitation specialists, and this year, hematologists, who have been taking part in the European Days for many years. Another unifying factor of the European Days is the organization of numerous joint sessions with French and foreign medical societies, in particular, cardiology societies from French-speaking countries. Additionally, cardiology societies from many European countries including Romania, Portugal, Poland, and Germany are present.

During the European Days, the French Society of Cardiology also wishes to give its different task forces and affiliates the opportunity to demonstrate the validity of their research and activities. This opportunity will be given on an invitation basis during the sessions and through free communications and posters. This year, the posters are grouped together in two protected areas on either side of the Bleu amphitheater (and close to the refreshment areas), thereby making it possible to combine the mundane domain of food with intellectualism!

In addition to these works, major clinical trials will be presented, particularly those conducted under the authority of the French Society of Cardiology itself. Lastly, the scientific production of young cardiologists will also be emphasized through free communications. Research grants and prizes will be awarded, attesting to the commitment of the French Federation of Cardiology and the French Society of Cardiology to actively support fundamental and clinical cardiovascular research in France.

In other words, the scientific program for the XXIst European Days is varied, and we hope that all participants will therefore have the opportunity to update their knowledge and practices, both essential elements for the improvement of our patients’ care. Beyond their scientific aspect, the European Days are a major event in terms of logistics, with approximately 9,000 participants each year. Organizing such an event is only possible thanks to the support of our partners from the pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic industry, as well as the efficiency of the Europa-Organisation and the organizational committee of the French Society of Cardiology, who both work all year round to prepare these 4 days. On behalf of all of the participants, we wish to express our gratitude to them.

Enjoy the congress!