CIPP XIX President's Address

Dear colleagues,

On behalf of the Executive Committee and International Advisory Board, it gives me huge pleasure to welcome you to Thessaloniki and the XIX International Congress of Pediatric Pulmonology (CIPP). CIPP is truly unique as it is the only international meeting focussing exclusively on pediatric respiratory diseases and the ways we can improve life-long lung health for children all over the world. Over more than two decades, CIPP has acquired an excellent reputation among practicing paediatricians, clinical academics and allied health professionals as the optimal forum for sharing advances, updates and new information in all areas of paediatric pulmonology. It is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity for interactions between clinical and academic communities. The truly inclusive nature of CIPP is reflected in the CIPP faculty which comprises experts, leading specialists and researchers from all parts of the world, all of whom are bound by the common purpose of improving the health of children. The faculty includes strong participation from developing countries, offering a rare opportunity for the developed and developing world to learn from each other.

The programme includes detailed postgraduate courses to provide in-depth learning for specific topics and the main congress has plenary sessions, topic symposia, and interactive sessions, including research presentations, poster discussions of abstracts of original research, clinical case discussions, chest imaging quiz, and bronchoscopy and lung function courses. Another unique aspect of the congress is a strong focus on the next generation of clinical and academic leaders, with a forum for Young Investigators to present their exciting work in unopposed sessions, and an Award program to promote attendance and active participation of junior researchers. The meeting has been organised in such a way that it minimises time away from the office or university while allowing you to earn continuing medical education (CME) credits. By attending three consecutive days you can earn up to 26 CME credits.

For CIPP XIX in Thessaloniki, we have continued our long-established and successful practice of having clinical and translational science sessions covering all aspects respiratory diseases in childhood - look for the labels and key for various tracks inside the program. The program has been expertly finalised by Dr Amir Kugelman and Dr Manuel Soto-Martinez (Scientific Program Committee Co-Chairs), with invaluable guidance and input from the Central Organising Committee and our International Advisory Board. The topics to be covered include the broad range of paediatric respiratory disorders affecting all children worldwide, such as asthma and respiratory allergies, respiratory infections and their complications, neonatal lung diseases and their outcomes, cystic fibrosis, sleep disorders, critical care and rare lung diseases. In addition, this year, we have included post-graduate courses on Pediatric Sleep Disorders, Clinical Radiology and Therapeutic Bronchoscopy.

We hope you have a truly successful and congress and that you enjoy your time in Thessaloniki.