The International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG) is holding its annual conference in Bristol, UK, from 19-21 May, 2007.   This is the first time this conference has been held outside North America and the first conference of this type held in Europe.   The conference is titled ‘Global Issues in Genomic Healthcare’ and aims to address issues of relevance to genetic healthcare professionals worldwide.  The conference venue is the Bristol City Centre Marriott Hotel.   

ISONG believes that many issues in genetic healthcare transcend disciplinary and national barriers and has adopted an inclusive approach.  The program committee is liaising with representatives from many national professional groups (including AGNC, NSGC, ASGC) and from many countries (e.g. UK, Netherlands, US, Japan, Australia) to ensure a program that is appropriate for current practice, research and education for a range of professionals in this field.  This includes genetics nurses, genetic counsellors, nurses and allied health professionals involved in clinical care of patients with genetic condition, researchers and educators.  As well as a program of spoken and poster presentations, a debate and three pre-conference educational workshops are offered.  A full social program is planned in the historic harbour city of Bristol, including Saturday evening reception party, Sunday evening conference dinner and special rates for sightseeing tours of Bristol or Bath.  

This is a wonderful opportunity to update on the latest developments of relevance to your practice, meet and share with colleagues from many countries and present your work to a truly international audience.  Health professionals who are involved in delivering genetic healthcare clinical practice, in genetic counselling, professional education and/or research are invited to attend the conference and to submit abstracts.  The call for abstracts closes 29 January, 2007.

All details are available on the website, http://www.isong.org/ or contact Heather Skirton at [log in to unmask]

 

Dr Heather Skirton

Reader in Health Genetics

Faculty of Health and Social Work

University of Plymouth

Wellington Road

Taunton TA1 5YD

44 (0) 1823 366911

Fax 44 (0) 1

823 366901

Immediate Past President of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG)