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Spotlight On: The European Society of Surgical Oncology
Mission
The aims of the European Society of Oncology (ESSO) are to advance the art, science and practice of surgery for the treatment of cancer and to disseminate knowledge to help provide the highest possible standard of surgical treatment
for cancer patients. Special objectives are:
- to improve methods of surgical treatment either used alone or jointly with other therapies
- to encourage and promote education and training in surgical oncology at all levels
- to encourage and promote clinical and laboratory research in oncology
- to participate in the organisation of cancer services throughout Europe
- to promote and encourage mutual collaboration between specialists in all branches of oncology,
- to maintain close relationships with other oncological societies within Europe and throughout the world.
Actions
ESSO was established in 1981 to advance the art, science and practice of surgery for the treatment of cancer. Ways in which the Society achieves these include:
- organising the biggest congress in surgical oncology in Europe;
- unifying the surgical oncology community in a network of more than 2000 members;
- providing education and training to both young and experienced surgeons through courses and e-learning activities;
- partnering in specific projects and courses with other discipline and organ-based societies within ECCO-the European CanCer Organisation, of which ESSO is a founding member;
- providing an attractive fellowship programme facilitating exchange of knowledge and continuing medical education;
- offering specific opportunities for young cancer surgeons and cancer surgeons from developing countries to attend the ESSO Congress;
- organising yearly, in co-operation with the European Board of Surgery, an examination in surgical oncology certifying the competence necessary for the treatment of cancer patients;
- informing on educational and scientific opportunities via its newsletter and website;
- supporting quality assurance projects towards the improvement of cancer care for all patients in Europe.
Organisation
The General Assembly is the supreme governing body of ESSO. It meets once a year at either the ESSO Congress or the ECCO-ESMO Congress. The General Assembly discuss strategic issues, elect the members of the Executive Committee, approve the accounts and budget, and vote on any constitutional changes when relevant.
The Executive Committee conducts the affairs of the society and implement activities that support its mission. Executive Committee members are elected for a term of two years, renewable once. The Executive Committee meets at least twice a year.
A Steering Committee composed of the officers of the society, namely the President, Past-President, President-Elect, Secretary General and Treasurer, meet on a regular basis in-between Executive Committee meetings.
An Education & Training Committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee on the educational and training development strategy of the society and proposes new projects and activities.
Annual Congress
September 15-17 sees the biennial ESSO Congress to be held in Bordeaux, France.
The general theme for the 2010 Congress is "Surgical outcome: can we do better?" The Congress, according to ESSO, is designed to promote the highest standards of surgical care in the management of patients with solid tumours. It is a platform to exchange and debate the very latest in patient treatment and care as well as novel approaches to surgical care in a rapidly changing health care environment.
ecancer will be attending the congress to film interviews with key experts.
For more information about the Congress, click here.
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