On Behalf of the International College of Surgeons, The Australasian College of Tropical Medicine, and James Cook University of north Queensland I would like to invite you to attend  ”TROPICAL SURGERY – THE ECLIPSE MEETING” at the Rydges Esplanade Hotel on 12-13 November 2012. 

We are looking forward to an important regional meeting around the theme of “Tropical Surgery” The meeting follows the International College of Surgeons conference being held in Brisbane between the 7th and 10th of November. We hope that delegates to that conference will take the opportunity to visit north Queensland and enjoy all there is on offer in the region: The Rainforest, Reef, Tablelands and enjoy the adventure activities like diving on the Great Barrier Reef, white water rafting, skydiving, and mountain biking  - just to name a few. In addition to all of this there is a TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE on the 14th November, the day after the meeting – and Cairns will be one of the best places in the world to view this unique phenomenom.

We also welcome members of the Australasian College of Tropical Medicine, and anyone else interested in the unique aspects of Surgical practice in the Tropics, and particularly in resource poor settings. The Scientific committee has put together a great program. Download a conference Agenda or a flyer.

The popularity of the solar eclipse will mean that accommodation (at least in the major hotels) will be highly sought after, and more expensive than usual. We have secured a quota of rooms at the conference venue. The venue, right on the famous Cairns Esplanade, is easily accessible from many other small hotels nearby – and we will list these in our accommodation section. The key message is GET YOUR ACCOMMODATION SECURED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

The ACTM, ICS and JCU acknowledge the generous support of Silver sponsors Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd and  Matrix Surgical, and Bronze sponsors W.L. Gore & Associates, Atrium Medical (Atrium Australia Pacific-Rim Pty. Ltd.), Bard Australia, KCI Medical Australia Pty Ltd., LifeHealthcare, Mölnlycke Health Care, AstraZeneca and Baxter Healthcare.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cairns for what should be an unforgettable few days!

Professor John McBride – President elect of the Australasian College of Tropical Medicine on behalf of the Organising Committee

Mr Max Downham – the International College of Surgeons

Associate Professor Alan DeCosta – James Cook University

and Ms Lisa Jones – James Cook University