Welcome to the inaugural ISTM Weekly. It is a real pleasure to introduce this weekly edition designed to keep you informed about all the activities by and of interest to our members. The real intention of this new publication is to communicate and engage with you, our members.
As I complete the first 6 months of my term as president, it remains an honour to serve the society. I am so very proud of our member volunteers, who continue to work tirelessly. We are all so indebted to our professional team, who have been modernizing and professionalizing the society, under the leadership of our Executive Director Missy Zagroba.
I cannot help but feel so proud of our collective successes. There continues to be so much work and so many initiatives by our committees, professional groups and interest groups. Please review the website to find out more about each of our committees and groups, and volunteer – it is a wonderful chance to meet and collaborate with your colleagues. Make sure that you sign up for our webinars, listen to our podcasts, read our Journal and many other activities.
The stage is set for the celebration that will be CISTM20. We will be meeting May 2 to 5 2027 at the Centara Grand in Bangkok, Thailand. Start planning now! This vibrant and exciting city is ranked as 2025’s second best city in the world (Time Out Magazine). This ranking is based on culture, food, nightlife, residents’ happiness and overall value for money. Please plan to use CISTM20 for its remarkable scientific content of Travel Medicine expertise, but also as a chance to explore this wonderful city, The Land of Smiles (Thailand) and the region. Bangkok is a beautiful gateway to remarkable adventures throughout Asia and beyond.
This will be our 20th Conference, a chance to highlight past conferences and celebrate. CISTM20 will be the first ever in-person meeting outside of North America and Europe. CISTM17 was the first planned expansion into a true international destination in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia but COVID forced a pivot to a virtual platform. So lets embrace this truly International opportunity!! We look forward to welcoming you all.
Please take the time to read and contribute to ISTM Weekly. Like many of you, I am an avid photographer, and so have added one of my pictures to this publication. You have a great opportunity to contribute as well, through your words or images.
Enjoy!
Anne McCarthy
ISTM President
Canada