President's Message

Our New York conference is coming up in less than two months. As I write this, war clouds loom on the horizon. By the time you read this, the war may or not be raging, or may be over. If war does occur, as in all wars, there will be a lot of human suffering.

In wars, there are many events that we cannot control, but there are, in fact, many events that we can control. Travel medicine, for example, is affected when insecurity and threats loom on the horizon. We experienced it after September 11 and we see it again today. Let us not forget that there are people adversely affected when travelers stop visiting, as has happened in recent years in Egypt, Nepal, Bali, and elsewhere. Simply put, the people who make a living from tourism stop making a living.

The temptation is high for many of our ISTM members to decide not to come to New York for our May meeting as a statement of protest against United States policies. This will not change U.S. policies, but it will weaken our Society. Also, the members who opt to skip the meeting will miss the opportunities to learn, meet colleagues, exchange thoughts, and help build the identity of the Society.

Our biennial conference is of key importance to keep our spirits high and contribute to the strengthening of our field of expertise. So many members of the ISTM have invested so much energy in shaping this conference and in creating a great scientific program. The organizers have done their best to make this venue very attractive, and New York remains a wonderful place. They all should be thanked for all the work already done.

You should come to New York. We need each and every one of you to contribute to the success of this conference. And we need each and every one of you to help prepare for future conferences.

New York is waiting to welcome you. And so am I.

With my warmest regards,

Louis Loutan
President of the ISTM