Welcome

It gives us great pleasure to welcome you to the Third Congress of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) here in Toronto. "One Problem - One Voice" reflects the primary theme of our congress and speaks to the very nature of the WUWHS. Every four years the WUWHS brings the world together - different disciplines, different cultures and nationalities, working toward a universal solution to improve patient outcomes.

As Wound care professionals from around the world you will hear of the latest developments in wound care, network with and meet new colleagues, and share your collective experiences.

The World Union of Wound Healing Societies is a consortium of associations with a single mission: to enhance the lives of persons with wounds worldwide. The WUWHS executive includes wound care opinion leaders from Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Denmark, the United Kingdom and the United States. The entire WUWHS team joins us in welcoming you to this Congress 2008. Our overall objective for the congress is to provide evidenceinformed information for best clinical practice. This information will allow all congress participants to provide optimal patient care upon returning home.

The host city is Toronto, Canada, one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Toronto is a safe, clean city with many interesting attractions. Free time is included in the program: So take the time to sample our city. Toronto Tourism has a desk at the congress and will be happy to help you.

We are thrilled with all aspects of the program; the faculty, the topics, the format and the venue are second-to-none. The program is a collaborative effort of our partners from all over the world. This will truly be an international event.

We also have one of the world's largest wound care exhibitions. This is your opportunity to see what's new in products, services and technology. Visit the exhibitors-it's their sponsorship which makes this congress possible.

We would like to acknowledge our major corporate sponsors for their contribution to the WUWHS 2008 Congress: 3M Healthcare; Coloplast; ConvaTec; Healthpoint; KCI; Molnlycke; Smith & Nephew; Dermasciences; Coviden; Hill Rom; and Medline. We also acknowledge our satellite symposia sponsors and other exhibitors for their contribution to the success of our congress.There are many ways for you to enjoy this congress and to socialize with colleagues from around the world. We're excited to see you at the congress and look forward to the opportunity to meet you during WUWHS 2008.

Professor R. Gary Sibbald,
BSc, MD, FRCPC (Med) (Derm), MEd
Meeting Chair

Elizabeth A. Ayello,
PhD, RN, APRN, BC, CWOCN, FAPWCA, FAAN
Meeting Co-chair

Heather L. Orsted,
RN, BN, ET, MSc
Meeting Co-chair