Welcome Message

  It is our great pleasure to announce that the 2nd International Congress of the Asia-Oceania Neurotrauma Society (AONTS) will be held in conjunction with the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Neurotraumatology in Tokyo on March 6th and 7th, 2010.

  On behalf of the Society, I would like to express our cordial welcome to all specialists who are engaged or interested in clinical practice or research involving neurotrauma, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), peripheral nerves and multiple injuries.

  It is well known that neurotrauma continues to be one of the leading causes of death and disability, especially in Asia and Oceania. With a common recognition of the need for improved care and management, and the importance of developing preventive measures, the Asia-Oceania Neurotrauma Society (AONTS) was founded in July, 2008, during the first scientific and business meeting held in Taipei under the auspices of Professor Wen Ta-Chiu and key individuals from Taiwan, China, Korea and Japan. The executive committee of the newly established society then decided to hold an international congress every two years and is now welcoming members from every country in Asia and Oceania. We are confident that physicians involved in neurotrauma will find this new society the great opportunities to discuss and resolve the difficulties encountered in this field.

  I would like to extend a warm invitation to the 2nd International Congress of AONTS in Tokyo, Japan. This meeting will cover a wide range of topics and issues that participants are certain to find both interesting and informative in the field of neurotrauma. I believe that this congress will provide us an excellent opportunity for close cooperation and interaction among neurosu rgeons, as well as specialists and neuroscientists in related fields in Asia and Oceania. In addition, I hope all of our colleagues and friends enjoy not only scientific communication but also the historical culture and heritage of Japan.

  Lastly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all members of International Organizing Committee of AONTS.

Minoru Shigemori, M.D., Ph, D.
Chairman of AONTS and Congress President
Professor and Chairman
Department of Neurosurgery, Kurume University School of Medicine