While Hungary is not a big country, and the number of the Hungarian cardiologists amount merely to 840 individuals, the number of participants to our congress reached 1800 (a number almost identical to that of 2008)
There were abstract sessions organised including 167 abstracts. Furthermore, 26 scientific symposia and 16 sponsored scientific symposia were organised with specified topics such as: athlete’s heart, the fibrillating heart, guidelines contra guidelines, Focus sessions, interactive case report sessions, etc.
Three distinguished official guests came to the congress, Professor Panos A. Vardas on behalf of the ESC board, Ms Isabelle Collin, from the National Societies Relations office of the ESC, and finally, our new honorary member, Professor Navin C. Nanda from Birmingham, Alabama. Professor Nanda received the „Pro Merito” medal, and Professor Vardas received the „Pro Societate” medal of the Hungarian Society of Cardiology. 200 foreign, but Hungarian speaking cardiologists also participated at the meeting.
Even though the weather was brilliant and sunny, cardiologists mostly stayed at the congress venue diligently working together. The Young Cardiologist Award Sessions were almost the most successful part of the meeting with a constant jury. Dénes Kemény, the Olympic Gold Medal winner as the Hungarian water polo team captain also visited the congress and presented two lectures regarding the athlete’s heart and physical conditioning.
The social program was outstanding: there were performances every day at the end of the day: violinist, opera singer, dance ensemble performances and – naturally – dance.
The Hungarian Society of Cardiology looks forward to welcoming you next year in May!