Social Events

Congress scientific program will be supported by a unique social program for both delegates and their accompanying persons, exploiting every cultural and entertainment highlight that the island of Kos offers.

Opening Ceremony & Welcome Reception

Wednesday, April 30^th, 2008

The Welcome Reception will be offered under the Tree of Hippocrates, in Kos Island's ancient market, a unique historical setting that is interconnected with the Venetian Fortress situated in Kos main harbour. Participants and registered accompanying persons are cordially invited to attend this ceremony.

The Plane tree of Hippocrates is an ancient monument on Kos which is directly connected with the Father of Medicine and symbolizes the immortal Hippocratic spirit. Much has been written and many legends have been passed down to us since ancient times about the old Plane Tree, the most popular being the story which says that Hippocrates taught his pupils under its shade. This is the reason why, for many centuries, all sorts of efforts have been made to preserve the tree and prolong its life. The Plane Tree of Hippocrates is probably the oldest tree in Europe. In its recently published trilogy, the international ecological institute COLAS includes the Plane Tree of Hippocrates among the 70 oldest trees in the world.

Free for registered participants and registered accompanying persons.
Dress: Smart Casual

Special Event - Revival of the Hippocratic Oath

Thursday, May 1^st, 2008

All participants are encouraged to take part in the Hippocratic Oath Ceremony and the re-enactment of the ancient oath of Hippocrates, which is a wonderful scene representing the feeling and atmosphere of that period. The ceremony will take place in the sanctuary of Asklepion, which was probably the first and the best-known hospital and School of Medicine in the ancient Hellenistic era.

According to Soranus of Ephesos, Hippocrates was born in 460 B.C. on the island of Kos.
He was the first to apply the eternal laws of nature to scientific research, and to teach that experience, observation and experiment are the most reliable guides for the doctor and, more generally, the natural scientist. In this way, he raised medicine from the status of a multiform empirical art to that of a uniform, systematic science.

Hippocrates' greatness lies not only in his remarkable medical discoveries and his wise observations but also in the harmonious combination of scientific knowledge and a rare medical ethos which he achieved. This wonderful combination of theory and life which is reflected in Hippocrates' writings marks him out as an unparalleled model of a scientist and a man. Aware of the important obligations which arise from the medical profession, he tried to inspire in his pupils strong moral principles which remain unchanged to the present day.

Free for registered participants and registered accompanying persons.
Dress: Smart Casual

Gala Dinner - Kipriotis Village Resort

Friday, May 2^nd, 2008

Participants are invited to a very special dinner engagement, a highlight of the Congress program, during which they will have the chance to enjoy Greek hospitality along with refined cuisine. Live orchestra will accompany the dinner while Abstract Awards will be announced during the night.

Ticket(s) can be purchased through registration process or onsite in the Congress Secretariat desk.
Dress: Formal