by Dr Evelyn Ho

The Council of Delegates of the AAR L to R (standing): Dr John Hoe (Singapore), Dr Basri JJ Abdullah (Malaysia), Dr Pham Ngoc Hoa and Dr Pham Minh Thong (Vietnam) L to R (Seated): Dr Sri Andreani Utomo (Indonesia) Dr Evelyn Ho (Malaysia), Dr P. Sathyamoorthy (Malaysia), Dr Emmanuel Almazan (Philippines), Dr Catherine Lazaro (Philippines) and Dr Hoang Duc Kiet (Vietnam)

The AAR 2006 Congress was the successful culmination of a week-long series of radiology and oncology conventions. This was the second time since 1995 that the Philippines played host. The congress was held at the historical landmark, the Manila Hotel at One Rizal Park, Manila.

A rendition of the Philippine National Anthem marked the beginning of the Opening Ceremony held on 18 January 2006. The keynote address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was delivered by the Secretary of Health, Francisco T. Duque III, M.D. In the speech, the development and progress of Radiology and Radiotherapy in the Philippines was traced and although growth was evident, there was still a need for more radiologists to serve the growing population. The high cost of acquiring advanced radiology equipment has also hampered the delivery of services to the grass roots. He reiterated that the Philippines has always adopted policies and strategies that complied with world standards and policies. The Department of Health had developed strategies to ensure the quality and affordability of health goods and services. For the full speech, click here.

After the opening ceremony, the Congress resumed in full force with a series of “power packed” lectures for 4 days. The topics covered musculoskeletal, urogenital, gastrointestinal, cardiac, paediatric and breast radiology, neuroradiology and some general topics. A trade exhibition was also available for participants to stay abreast of developments, make contact with the vendors or test-run some of the equipment!

A dinner for speakers and national delegates to the AAR was held on 18^th January evening while the Fellowship Night for all participants of the AAR was held on 19^th January. Fellowship Night was the social highlight of the AAR, where all were treated to a show by the talented radiology residents presenting cultural dances as well as songs. It left no doubt in the mind of the participants of the Filipinos’ hospitality and prowess in singing and dancing. It was also during this event that the winners of the Free Papers (posters) were given their prizes!

As has been the tradition at every AAR, the passing of the Chain of the Presidency of the AAR was held in a simple Awarding Ceremony on 20^th January. The President of the AAR (2004-2006), Dr P. Sathyamoorthy from Malaysia handed over the chain to Dr Emmanuel D. Almazan, the new President of the AAR (2006-2008). Dr Almazan in his inaugural speech spoke of the AAR’s united effort to pursue the highest attainable goal of improving Radiology in the ASEAN region. Helping less fortunate members in the region was imperative and that continuing medical education and fellowship grants will continue to be the battle cry of the AAR. Improving communications would be needed for better exchange of ideas and research. He ended by asking all to move forward hand in hand to reach the goals of the AAR. Read the Full Text of his speech here.

Plaques of merit for services rendered were also awarded to Dr P. Sathyamoorthy as well as the Secretary-Treasurer of the AAR, Dr Evelyn Ho, from Malaysia where the previous secretariat was.

2006 also marked the inaugural AAR Educator Award. This was presented to Dr Jennifer Cawson from Australia. Since 2001, she has been accepting radiologists from the ASEAN region for Breast Radiology Fellowships at St Vincent’s BreastScreen, Victoria. She has shown her unwavering commitment to assisting the AAR in the development and advancement of Radiology in the ASEAN region. It was therefore timely that she be recognized for her efforts.

A half-day city tour, courtesy of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippines was conducted for the foreign national delegates to the AAR. Ms Day Cruz, from the DOT was the tour guide on the comfortable coach. It was indeed a very historic and educational tour with a drive by the key establishments in and around Manila Bay, as well as the Intramuros (“within the walls”) – where the city of Manila was founded. The Intramuros served as the political, cultural, educational, religious and commercial centre of Spain’s empire in the East for over 300 years. Visiting the Museum of Sound and Light completed the condensed history of the liberation and independence of the Philippines.

Congratulations to the organising committee and the Philippines College of Radiology for the successful AAR 2006.

The 2006 AAR Congress made the Editorial headlines in the Manila Bulletin!