THE HOST SCHOOL

In April of 1996, Roger Koment made the decision to accept the invitation of the Medical University of South Carolina to once again host this conference at the Hawthorn Suites Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. Those who participated will remember that this was the site of the First Biennial Conference held in 1993. Gabriel Virella, M.D., Ph.D. will again be the Site Coordinator responsible for all logistical concerns of the conference. In addition, this year we have engaged the services of Ms. Sheilab Jewart, a Certified Meeting Planner from Windermere, Florida. We anticipate that registration, hotel accommodations, travel arrangements, and meeting setups will all be handled directly through her office, permitting the Program Committee to concentrate solely on developing program content.

THE PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Several individuals were considered to serve on the Program Committee for the 1997 conference, and in May of 1996, Roger and Gabe chose five individuals. Selection criteria included consideration of medical discipline, experience in medical education, previous involvement with the BSEF, and gender. An important component of curriculum is the integrated teaching of science and medicine, and we acknowledge this by including a practicing physician on our team. The committee is as follows:

Sandra Lee, Ph.D. Biochemistry Chicago Coll Osteopathic Med Fax: (+) l-708-971-6414
Charles Puglia Ph.D. Pharmacology Med Coll PA & Hahnemann Univ Fax: (+) l-215-843-6530
Michael Schmidt, Ph.D. Microbiology Medical Univ of South Carolina Fax: (+) 1-803-792-2464
Jane Scott, Ph.D. Anatomy Wright State University Fax: (+) l-513-873-3391
Thomas Viggiano, M.D. Internal Med Mayo Clinic Fax: (+) 1-507-284-5486

LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

A major strength contributing to the success of our previous Biennial Conferences was the intimate atmosphere created by limiting registration. Although understandably many will again be disappointed, we will continue this practice in 1997, this year accepting only the first 160 registrants. Furthermore, to encourage the greatest number of medical schools and countries to participate, registration will be limited to a maximum of 4 individuals from each school until May 15th, 1997. If openings remain, additional individuals from the same school -- whose applications were submitted prior to May 15th -- may be considered and will qualify for the early registration fee. The Registration Fee has not yet been determined, but as in prior years, will include the Conference Reception, all Breakfasts, Lunches, Refreshment Breaks, and a Social Event. The Social Event this year will be a Sunday evening Dinner Cruise on the Charleston Harbor.

A Preliminary Brochure describing conference sessions, call for Poster Abstracts, and containing materials for Early Registration should be mailed to all BSEF members on November 1, 1996. If you are interested in contributing to any aspect of this conference, please contact Roger Koment at the address listed on p3 1.