In these difficult times we wish you and your families health and the strength to get through this terrible pandemic in your respective countries. Please be safe and follow the recommendations from your health authorities and governments to avoid, limit and mitigate the effects of the spread of COVID-19!
The WSPCHS Leadership is carefully monitoring the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect around the world, as well as the policies set by institutions and countries. We are concerned about the possible effects on the health of our members, families and patients. We are also concerned about how the pandemic and travel restrictions will impact the ability to hold the 7th Scientific Meeting of the World Society in partnership with the Pediatric Cardiac Society of India, scheduled for September 17-20, 2020 in New Delhi, India.
The Organizing Committee led by Sachin Talwar, Rajesh Sharma and Krishna Iyer, have been working hard to prepare what promises to be another outstanding meeting. The theme of the Scientific Program “Late presentation and remaining challenges in the treatment of congenital heart disease around the world” is really timely in helping with the rapid progress going on in the world.
Although we hope that the meeting will take place as planned, we also remain realistic. In the coming weeks, the unfolding situation will be assessed and any decision about the meeting will be promptly communicated.
In the meantime, we would like to bring to your attention a manuscript by Joseph Dearani and Associates entitled “COVID-19: Crisis Management in Congenital Heart Surgery” that has been posted on the websites of the WSPCHS, ECHSA and the CHSS. This important manuscript has been accepted for simultaneous publication in the World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, the Annals of Thoracic Surgery and the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.
We send you our best wishes for health and safety,
Marcelo B. Jatene
President
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Christo I. Tchervenkov
Executive Director & Founding President
Montreal, Canada
