Chicago, also known as “the Windy City”, is a beautiful and vibrant city located in the northern end of the United States. It is located in the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. This great lake sets a fantastic background for this 3 day conference. Dr. Carl Backer, the local host, chose the Drake Hotel as the venue for this occasion. This prestigious hotel, located downtown, was the perfect setting for this event. Two blocks away from the lake and in the heart of the city, members could explore the architectural richness of Chicago without having to wander far from the conference.
A very strong scientific program with speakers from the CHSS and ECHSA provided the academic core of the conference. There was a nice balance of practical basic science papers and a wide variety of clinical presentations. As a contrast to the scientific sessions, the conference also provided a short series of three non-academic lectures on “life’s lessons in medicine” given by Dr. Leonard and Nancy Bailey, Dr. Antonella Rastelli, and Dr. Roberto and Laura Canessa. This session was a tremendous success.
In addition to all of this, Dr. Backer planned several cultural activities including a visit to the brand new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago and an Architectural Boat Tour of Chicago.
The World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery was also present with a booth. Journals and society information was provided to attendees. Great expositions by WSPCHS members were made including a lecture by our president, Dr. Stellin, on late outcome of One and a Half Ventricle Repairs.
The meeting was a huge success. We thank our gracious host Dr. Backer for hosting an excellent venue and high quality meeting.
