Message from the Program Chair

January 17-20, 2004 Palm Springs, California

Michael W. Neumeister, M.D., F.R.C.S.C., F.A.C.S.

The 2004 meeting of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM) was held in Palm Springs, California. It was filled with intrigue, wisdom, controversy, and entertainment. The scientific program was enhanced this year by a marked increase in the number of instructional courses, and the gracious participation of national and international experts in various areas of microsurgery and complex reconstruction. The first two days of the meeting were conjoint sessions with the American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) and the American Society for the Peripheral Nerve (ASPN). The continued collaboration of the societies was fostered by the unique construction of courses and panels provided on Saturday and Sunday of the ASRM meeting. The continued scientific sessions on Monday and Tuesday encompassed a variety of topics, including outcome studies, clinical studies, ischemia reperfusion, flap physiology, transplantation, and immunology. This year, we attempted to expand the scope of the meeting by including not only microsurgical research, but also complex reconstruction.

There was a total of 24 countries represented at this year's meeting; a total of 288 abstracts was submitted; and about 140 papers were accepted for presentation. The number of instructional courses increased from 12 to 20 this year. The panels sparked great interest, and included discussions on new approaches to nerve reconstruction in the upper extremity, composite tissue transplantation, functioning muscle transfers, the 20-year anniversary of ASRM-“As We Were Then and Where We Are Now”-bilateral breast reconstruction, and research and clinical practice: a microsurgical marriage. The Founder's Lecture was given by Dr. Ralph Manktelow and was entitled, “The Workmanship of Risk and the Pursuit of Excellence.” This was an inspiring presentation that taught attendees about endurance, focus, and collaboration. The Godina Lecture was given by Dr. Milomir Ninkovic and was on “Free Tissue Transfer for Wound Coverage to Functioning Reconstruction.” Finally, the ASRM historian, Dr. Scott Levin, provided an outstanding DVD presentation of the last 10 years in the history of ASRM. His presentation summarized the 20-year history of ASRM in two parts, making note of outstanding members of our society.

The 20th anniversary of ASRM was celebrated at a gala dinner and social event on Monday evening, which was a spectacular combination of entertainment, a vision from the past, and an open discussion among members. The hard work by ASRM Executive Council members, the Program Committee, and the President, Dr. Ron Zuker, was well-appreciated by each and every registrant.

The scientific presentations this year were outstanding. The presenters are to be congratulated for their work and for the number and quality of the abstract submissions, validating that this is indeed a vital and enthusiastic meeting for all our members.