Welcome Note

Dear RSSA member,

It is a great pleasure  and privilege to announce the first and exclusive RSSA/Leuven Ear Imaging Course, 16-18 April 2010, at Spier Estate Stellenbosch, Cape Town.

This hands-on , interactive teaching course on temporal bone imaging, is currently in its 4th European cycle.The course is conducted by internationally renowned Belgium and Dutch radiologists, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Robert Hermans of the Department of Radiology, University Hospitals, K.U. Leuven, Belgium.

The cost effective, pragmatic and comprehensive  imaging approach to the patient with  hearing loss  is of particular importance to  clinicians , audiologists and speech therapists caring for these patients. The human and  social impact as well as the  financial implications of  a  "lost ear"  are far reaching, especially in developing countries.

The aim of this course is to make the participants familiar with the different state-of-the-art imaging methods of the temporal bone and related structures, to provide guidelines for optimal use of these methods, and to illustrate the impact of imaging findings on patient management.

Starting from normal radiological anatomy, the appearance of common and uncommon diseases of the temporal bone and related structures on imaging studies will be explained; the relative value of the different available imaging modalities will be explained. Apart from lectures, practical teaching will be done during workshops, where the participants will have the opportunity to test and expand their knowledge by reviewing clinical cases, with direct feedback from the teachers.

The course will take place at the historic, beautiful and tranquil Spier Estate, against the backdrop ot the Stellenbosch mountains and vinyards.   Registration is exclusively reserved for RSSA members until 31 January 2010.  Please note that Radiologists that are not members of the RSSA can not be accommodated on this occasion.   Enrollment is limited to 90 participants.

I look forward to welcome Prof.  Hermans and his team as well as the delegates to this long overdue and  fine event.

With best regards,