Medical association slates convention for June 2007 at Soyuzivka estate (09/10/06)

Medical association slates convention for June 2007 at Soyuzivka estate

CHICAGO - The Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA) will hold its regular biennial convention on June 21-24, 2007 at the Soyuzivka estate in Kerhonkson, N.Y. Planning for the 39th Scientific Convention and 39th Assembly of delegates is well under way.

Dr. Ariadna Holynskyj, convention coordinator, met on-site with Soyuzivka Manager Nestor Paslawsky and the estate's sales manager, Olesia Guran, in mid-August to finalize details for the 2007 meeting.

Dr. Holynskyj, president elect of UMANA, led the search for an appropriate location for the biennial convention. "Soyuzivka was a logical location due to its reputation as a convention center, its accessibility for the entire East Coast, and its family-friendliness," said Dr. Holynskyj. "UMANA's last meeting at Soyuzivka in 1995 was a smashing success. We aim to repeat that." Members are encouraged to bring their families, and activities will be available for spouses and children.

UMANA's 2005 convention was held in Edmonton, in order to appeal to Canadian colleagues and West Coast membership. Buoyed by last year's successful convention, UMANA is reaching out next year to the New York Metro, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Syracuse and Buffalo, N.Y. and New England branches. These chapters represent well over half of UMANA's active membership. Early interest, especially among the younger branch members, points to a sizeable turnout of members and guests.

The scientific conference will explore the currently hot topic of "Preventive Medicine - To Screen or Not To Screen." What is the rationale and effectiveness of mass screening for diseases of the colon, breast, prostate, chromosomal abnormalities, calcium in blood vessels and others? Controversy swirls around many screening techniques - are they helpful, or are they risky? What is the yield, and who will pay for the costs? Do they prolong life? UMANA's scientific committee, under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Melnyk, is currently compiling a panel of knowledgeable speakers to dissect this topic for our personal as well as professional edification.

All branches of UMANA are eligible to send voting delegates to the assembly relative to their number of active branch members. Soyuzivka's verdant location in New York's Shawangunk Mountains will undoubtedly lend a relaxing atmosphere in which UMANA's highest deliberative body can hold productive discussions.

Members are encouraged to call Soyuzivka now at 845-626-5641 to reserve their choice of accommodations. After December 21, the block of reserved rooms will be released to the general public. Registration forms will be mailed to the membership and be available for download on UMANA's web site, www.umana.org, in early fall of 2006.

Dr. Holynskyj said she encourages "all members to come out for this extended weekend with colleagues, update their medical database, and have a great time." For further information, see the UMANA web site or call 773-278-6262.

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