Dear Colleagues and Friends,
“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, others build windmills”,
Chinese proverb
The challenges that we met in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic have continued into 2021. The pandemic has transformed our lives personally and professionally. Despite the hope that vaccines bring, it will take some time for life to return to anything approaching normality.
As we reflect on the pandemic’s impact, we can and should take pride in how we met the challenges; working as individuals and as a global team of clinicians caring for people with COVID-19 alongside the delivery of routine anaesthetic care. COVID-19 has been a defining moment for Regional Anaesthesia, helping it to at last achieve the recognition it deserves as a genuine alternative to general anaesthesia.
Throughout the pandemic, we were supported in our roles by the rapid development of high-quality online educational forums. ESRA has been a European leader in this area with its highly popular monthly webinars. Since August last year, we have reached around 1000 anaesthesiologists per session!
Despite the hope that has accompanied the vaccine program, the pandemic’s continued impact currently precludes face-to-face meetings. But to serve your needs, we are delighted to announce a virtual version of ESRA’s Virtual Congress on 8-10 September 2021.
The outstanding scientific program includes international experts from the four corners of the world, ready to share their vision and expertise in Regional Anaesthesia to inspire you.
Why should you attend? The scientific program provides 2 days of accredited CME content of Regional Anaesthesia, Pain Therapy, POCUS and Perioperative Medicine with one preceding day, the «Open Forum Day», which will be free to everybody as an All – Round Approach to Clinicians. As with any congress, there will be opportunities to exchange experiences and debate ideas. The presentation of research projects is an integral part of any Congress and will, of course, be a part of our virtual Congress. We look forward to hearing about innovation in regional anaesthesia and rewarding the standout work with the distinction of the best free form of the year! If you are unable to join us live, the presentations will be available for 12 months afterwards to everyone who registers.
Acknowledging the leaders in our field with the presentation of the 2020 Carl Koller Award and the Recognition of Education in Regional Anaesthesia Award will be high points of the meeting. Supporting the development of practical knowledge is crucial to the delivery of Regional Anaesthesia. The congress program will include a range of high-quality demonstrations. These demonstrations can be further consolidated if you choose to combine this virtual meeting with the 4th European Day of Regional Anaesthesia in a city close to you on 11 September.
We are excited to bring you the ESRA 2021 Virtual Congress on 8-10 September and hope you can join us!
Looking forward to e-seeing you.
