In early May, the GUARANT International team had the opportunity to visit Zurich, Switzerland, where the 11th Congress of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders – European Chapter (IFSO-EC) was held. The congress started with pre-congress courses on May 3, 2023 and the scientific program continued over the next three days, from May 4 to 6, 2023, at the Kongresshaus Zurich, which is an excellent starting point for sightseeing tours around the city thanks to its central location. Various cultural and natural sights are located close to the congress centre, including the Opera House and Zürichsee.
The congress attracted 538 experts from 36 countries. Congress participants could enjoy an excellent programme consisting of pre-congress courses, interesting lectures by outstanding speakers, interdisciplinary panel discussions, abstracts on the latest scientific papers and video presentations. With its rich program, the congress brought together bariatric and metabolic surgeons, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, and health professionals in the field of obesity treatment.
The first social event was the welcome reception, which took place on the first day of the congress in the evening. The welcome reception included the playing of the Alpine horn, which is literally one of the national symbols in Switzerland. The congress dinner was held on the second day and the participants enjoyed dinner in a beautiful historical space – the Zunfthaus zur Meisen. This historically treasured building is located in the Lindenhof district and was built by architect David Morfe in 1757 when it served as the guild house of Zunft zur Meisen.
The 11th Congress of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders – European Chapter (IFSO-EC) was accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME®) and was awarded 20 European CME credits (ECMEC®). In addition, the Congress was also accredited by the Swiss Association of Registered Dietitians for a total of 18 SVDE ASDD credits and by the Swiss Society of Gastroenterology for 3 CME credits.
The congress included an extensive exhibition with 13 exhibitors. The event was supported by 5 partners.
We are thankful to the Scientific Committee, the IFSO-EC Executive Council and the local organizing committee for preparing an excellent program. Thanks to all partners and exhibitors for their support, without which the congress could not have been held, and to the speakers and participants for creating a friendly atmosphere during the congress. Last but not least, we would like to thank the GUARANT International team led by project manager Petra Závodná.
