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Welcome to Vancouver (bow tie optional)

By Elise Grant posted 04-02-2016 05:42 PM

  

By J. Fritz Angle, MD, FSIR  
Chair, Annual Scientific Meeting Committee

On behalf of the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting Committee, I warmly welcome you to beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, where you, your IR colleagues and industry supporters are in for a week of learning, sharing, and exploring the latest in IR research and innovation. 

As you attend our many scientific sessions from April 2–April 7, you’ll find the promise of IR abounds at SIR 2016. One pilot study shows promising results in the fight against obesity, while another ground-breaking, non-invasive procedure helps wounded warriors combat phantom limb pain. You’ll also hear about how IR is vastly improving the quality of life for men with enlarged prostates and women with uterine fibroids, and how IR is making life-saving transplants possible for pediatric cancer patients. 

While our meeting will showcase the great diversity of IR’s capabilities, our setting, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, also offers unparalleled diversity. Vancouver offers all of the sophisticated amenities of a world-class city plus outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure in the mountains, just 20 minutes north of downtown. The snow-covered slopes are perfect for winter sports and breathtaking views of the city below. It is one of the few places in the world where it's possible to ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon.

It’s also a great walking city—clean, green, safe and accessible—with exceptional public transportation. There are many excellent restaurants and fine hotels within walking distance of the Vancouver Convention Centre, our home for the week. The centre contains a six-acre "living roof" that houses thousands of indigenous plants and recovers rainwater for irrigation, fish habitat and a wonderful promenade on the water.

Vancouver has vision, just like IR—it’s a terrific venue for a week of world-class IR education, networking and fun. I hope to see you in the plenary sessions, our exhibit hall and at our many after hours receptions, particularly the SIR Foundation Gala on April 3. As you know, the SIR Foundation helps fund many of the scientific breakthroughs that are on display at this week’s meeting. Help continue that support at Sunday’s Gala. Despite my personal experience, I can promise you we won’t auction off your bow tie but we will have lots of great items up for bidding as we celebrate IR’s achievements. 

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