Dear Colleagues and Guests:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Tenth Interventional Pain Conference September 3-6, 2005, in Budapest, Hungary, where once again physicians will gather from around the world seeking to grow in the field of interventional pain practice. Over the years, interaction of attendees with sponsors who realize that we need better equipment and better-trained physicians has allowed a friendly atmosphere to develop at this annual meeting. The atmosphere ignites fresh ideas and pursuits. Patients need the interventional pain physician, as well as the spine surgeon, the neurosurgeon, the neurologist and the primary care physician to work together, and this happens in Budapest.

The Sixth FIPP (Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice) Examination will be held September 8-9, 2005 following this conference and workshop. I am very pleased to see the Examination producing an increasing number of highly qualified graduates. The number of graduates will exceed 200 during the Examination in Budapest. Individual physicians have realized that to successfully pass they simply have to prepare for the Examination. The Examination Board of the World institute of Pain is very careful to maintain the highest standards, to use the best consultants, and to maintain the integrity of the Examination system. I strongly encourage those of you who have the ability and knowledge, and are willing to prepare for the Examination, to join with us and take the Examination this year.

We could not carry out our mission without the sponsorship of our commercial supporters. Our main supporters have been Medtronic, Allergan, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Tyco Radionics and Epimed International. Phillips Medical Systems and GE OEC Medical Supplies have provided equipment and personnel essential for our cadaver workshops and the FIPP Examination. We are looking for further significant support from our partners in industry. The World Institute of Pain and its leadership appreciate and acknowledge our corporate sponsors, as quality recognizes quality. Please join us for what promises to be a wonderful occasion to learn and socialize in the beautiful city of Budapest.

With fondness and best personal regards,

Gabor B. Racz, M.D., DABPM, FIPP
Budapest Course Director and President of World Institute of Pain
Professor and Chair Emeritus
Director Pain Services
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, Texas USA