Dear Colleagues,

Thank you for choosing Yokohama in Japan as the host city for Trauma Care 2008!

For the first time in the history of annual symposium of International Trauma Anesthesia and Critical Care Society (ITACCS), it will be held in association with a major meeting of the national society of anesthesiologists. A study group of physicians named Japanese Society of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care (JSAECC) and the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists (JSA) are co-hosting the Trauma Care 2008. A large number of leading physicians in the area of emergency and critical care medicine in Japan are from JSA.

Yokohama is Japan's second largest city with a vibrant port. It has a rich history and culture, with splendid natural scenery, and a long tradition of welcoming guests from overseas. Easy access is available to and from two major international airports and central Tokyo. The venue for Trauma Care 2008 and the memorable 55th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists is Pacifico Yokohama, an ultramodern portside complex featuring a magnificent international hotel and convention facilities. Presiding over this event will be Professor Shuji Dohi, MD PhD. Yokohama can also be a convenient starting point for exploring futuristic and exotic Japan, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji and many other local attractions.

Trauma Care 2008 Symposium will feature a Key Note Speech by a distinguished guest along with other program sessions such as Trauma System/ PrehospitalCare, Trauma Education, Multiple Trauma/ Damage Control, Coagulation or Anticoagulation, Critical Care for Trauma, Pediatric Trauma, Disaster/ NBC/ Poisoning, Anesthesia for Trauma, and the Resuscitation Council of Asia (RCA) symposium. Free Papers for poster presentations related to anesthesia, critical care and trauma will also be presented in association with the scientific presentations of JSA. Some workshops related to emergency airway management or prehospital care are planned. AIso planned is a large scale industry exhibition related to anesthesia, critical care and emergency medicine.

Due to the drastic deflation in Japanese economy, the registration fee for the meeting is nominal as compared with the previous meetings and registrants for Trauma Care 2008 are entitled to attend all the scientific sessions of both Trauma Care 2008 and the 55th Annual Meeting of JSA. The Annual Meeting of JSA will feature a great number of programs including guest lectures, scientific presentations, symposiums and workshops.

On behalf of the members of the Japanese Society of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, and the members of the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists, I sincerely welcome you to Yokohama in 2008.

Yours respectfully,



Keiichi Tanaka, MD, PhD
President
Trauma Care 2008