Welcome Message from the Local Organising Committee

Dear Friends & Colleagues,
It is a great honour that the Czech Pain Society was asked to host the 4th EFIC Congress in Prague from 2 through September 6, 2003. The Czech Pain Society is a dynamically developing Society, currently having 315 members, the majority of whom are actively involved in the advancement of algesiology in the Czech Republic. At present, there are 85 outpatient clinics and several pain centres (2 in Prague, 1 in Plzen, 1 Brno, 1 in Ostrava, etc.). The Czech Pain Society is multidisciplinary, with a majority of anesthesiologists, but there are, of course, neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychologists, psychiatrists and basic researchers. As everywhere in the world, the mission of the Society is to fight against pain, both through basic research and practical applications. We think that our Society helps fulfil the Congress' mottoes "Europe Against Pain" and "Don't Suffer In Silence", and this is the reason that we are inviting all of you to attend the 4th European Congress of European Federation of IASP Chapters. Our invitation to EFIC members is also extended to our colleagues outside Europe.

Prague is an ideal location for holding congresses as it lies at geographical and cultural crossroads. It has always been a multicultural centre for all areas of European culture. Next to its historical monuments, it offers many contemporary attractions, too. A visit to and sightseeing in Prague has long been a must for modern Europeans and people from outside of Europe.

We trust you won't be disappointed with the level of the Congress, whose scientific merit is guaranteed by an International Scientific Programme Committee headed by Dr. Daniel Le Bars. We hope you will appreciate the arrangement of the Congress and that each of you will find a topic and an interest to pay attention and contribute your findings to. Therefore, we invite you to send your registration and bring along your colleagues or family members. For them too, a varied programme will be prepared, and we are sure they will be enchanted with our beautiful city.

Our thanks go to all EFIC representatives who voted in Nice that the Congress would be held in Prague. Special thanks are due to the EFIC Executive Board. Equal thanks are due to all members of the International Scientific Programme Committee. And, of course, to no lesser degree, thanks are due to all members of the Local Organising Committee who to a significant degree participated in the preparations of the Congress. We trust we will be successful in holding an event that will make history in European and world algesiology. We would like you to be there.