This newsletter is an annual communication podium among the Arab pathologists. It aims to communicate news of regional meetings, practice ideas, experiences, and job opportunities in the Arab world. News from the council and from the mother IAP is also communicated. Your contributions of any topic of interest to the Arabic pathologists are welcomed. Please e-mail your article to the address listed at the last page. We look forward to your contributions.
E-mail: wasim.raslan@aramco.com

Wasim F. Raslan, MD, PhD
Editor

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Dear brothers and friends, members of the Arab Division of IAP.  Last year (2006) was full of great achievements reflecting further maturation of our Division.We are all proud of the Golden Medal awarded to the Arab-British School of Pathology  during the centennial celebrations of the International Academy of Pathology IAP in Montreal, Canda last September 2006.  Certificates of Merit were awarded to Dr. Ghazi Zaatari, Secretary of AD-IAP, and Dr. Samir Amr, Past President. The renewal of term of office for Dr. Amr as Vice President for Asia on the Council of IAP was additional happy news. 

The perfect organization and the prominent success of our 18th Congress, held in Casablanca, Morocco last November 2006, by our colleague Prof. Saida Sqalli and her team, was another bright achievement. The Arab School of Pathology continued its successful activities. In Cairo, there was a wonderful course on “The Pathology of Soft Tissue Tumors” including lectures and slide seminars. The course was given in the congress halls of the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University in April 2005. Contributors included Dr. Awatif Nafussi, Dr. Samir Amr, Dr. Salwa Sheikh, Dr. Elia Ishak, Dr. Dina Omar and myself. The attendants were extremely satisfied and considered that this meeting was among the most beneficial ones. Following our meeting in Casablanca, a three-day tutorial on Genito-urinary pathology, organized by Dr Wael Sakr with eminent speakers from USA and Canada, was held at the Faculty of Medicine in Casablanca.

Early in 2007, there was another congress held in Egypt in a Nile cruise, about renal diseases & renal pathology, organized in collaboration with the AD. There was also another short course on “Pulmonary Pathology” given by Dr. Mahmoud El Torky (Texas, USA) in the Department of Pathology, Cairo University; under the umbrella of the AD.   

Other tentative scientific meetings scheduled for 2007 are: Liver pathology in Tunis; Tunisia, renal pathology in Aleppo, Syria and cytopathology in Bahrain. Our annual meeting was scheduled to be held in Beirut, Lebanon in early November 2007. However, due to the recent political instability, the meeting is transferred to Aleppo- Syria. All of these activities reflect the ensutheiasm of our colleagues towards further advancement and booming of the AD, which now stands taller and occupies a prominent position among all divisions of the IAP.  I hope that the efforts done by our colleagues, the previous, current and future presidents of the AD will continue to bring to a higher status. Personally, I wish Dr. Samir Babaker; the future president of the AD greatest success.

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Dr. Samir Amr, Vice President for Asia, attended IAP Council meeting last September during the Centennial Meeting of IAP, celebrating its 100th Anniversary. He presented a report on the activities of the Arab Division. He reported on the tragic events of the terrorist attacks in Amman that took place at the time of the last meeting in 2005 in Amman, and how the Arab Division went ahead and carried on with the meeting as planned. This was received with applaud and words of support and encouragement from the IAP Council members and the Executive Committee.
There were many Arab pathologists at the meeting. Some traveled from Arab countries while others are immigrant Arabs living and working in Canada, USA or Europe. About 40 abstracts in the abstract book were from Arab countries.

From Right to left: Dr. David Hardwick, Secretary of IAP, Dr. Kristin Henry, Vice President for Europe, IAP and Dr. Samir Amr, Vice President for Asia, IAP. Dr Amr and Dr Henry are holding the Gold medal awarded to the Arab-British School of Pathology.

Several Arab pathologists benefited from the educational bursaries offered by the Education Committee of IAP and the British Division of IAP. Special thanks go to Prof. Kristin Henry, Chairperson of the Education Committee of IAP, who announced to us several times regarding the availability of these bursaries; and to Dr Ghazi Zaatari, our secretary and member of Education Committee of IAP who encouraged our junior pathologists to submit applications for these bursaries, and followed up on these applications.

IAP awarded twelve gold medals on this very special anniversary. Four of these medals went to pathologists or individuals who served IAP. Five medals were awarded to the Journals published by Divisions of IAP, such as Histopathology, Modern Pathology, International Journal of Surgical Pathology, Laboratory Investigation and IAP French Bulletin of Pathology. Three medals were awarded to “Schools of Pathology” including the Arab British School of Pathology, European School of Pathology and Hong Kong School of Pathology. There were “Certificates of Merit’ awarded to editors of journals, IAP Divisions and individuals deemed supportive of Schools of Pathology.

The Arab Division was awarded one of those certificates. Dr Zaatari and Amr were awarded similar certificates. Dr. Amr accepted the medal and the certificates from Dr. David Hardwick, Chairman of the Award Committee of IAP, on behalf of the Arab Division.
Dr. Amr expressed his satisfaction and pride of this achievement. Without the support and dedication of our council members and general membership, this would have never happened. He stated that we have to remember that there are almost 50 Divisions of IAP and that our Division was selected among a few Divisions to be awarded such an honor at a historic centennial meeting. That is quite an accomplishment. Our status in the eyes of world pathology is outstanding. We have to keep the momentum going: hold more educational seminars, hold annual meetings, participate in other Divisions activities and reach out to our young pathologists in training.

Dr. Fred Silva, Secretary of USCAP, gave Dr. Amr a DVD that contains over 4.5 gigabytes of lectures and slide presentations in various areas of pathology. These presentations were given at USCAP Meetings over the last few years. Dr. Silva authorized Dr. Amr to copy this DVD and distribute the copies to the members of the Arab Division or other Divisions for educational purposes, respecting the copy rights of USCAP and its speakers. One hundred copies of this DVD were produced, through a gift from anonymous donor, and were distributed to the participants at Casablanca meeting. The Organizing Committee of the Moroccan meeting agreed to make more copies to distribute to all registrants at the meeting.

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About three years ago, Dr. Frank W Kiel, a retired US pathologist and former pathologist at the National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia contacted Dr. Samir S Amr, Vice President for Asia, IAP and asked him if he can help get some support from IAP to hold the first meeting for pathologists in countries located at the Western side of the Indian Ocean. These countries include several islands in the Indian Ocean of the coast of Africa as well as African countries that has shores along the Indian Ocean. They include Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Comoros, and Seychelles.

Meeting of organizing committee with the invited speakers

Participants group picture in front of Meeting place at CHU/HJRA Government Hospital

Dr. Kiel had been volunteering his time and expertise in Madagascar for over 8 years as a Project Director for Operations for Pathologists Overseas, a nonprofit California corporation. Volunteers from pathologists overseas trained several local pathologists and supervised the operation of a medical laboratory which belongs to the medical services of the Lutheran Church, named SALFA, in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. Dr. Kiel and his dynamic wife Ruth, thought that having a pathology meeting in Madagascar, the first ever to be held in this under-developed African nation of 18 million people, can help in exchange of information regarding health problems of that geographic region, to provide continuing medical education from international experts, to promote collegial relations among pathologists in the area, and as a result of these activities to enhance health care of the people of Madagascar and neighboring countries.

Dr Amr asked the Council of IAP during its meeting in San Antonio in 2005 to support the proposed meeting in Madagascar. Aid was granted by IAP after proper process through the Education Committee, and with support from the South African Division of IAP and from Dr Martin Hale, Vice President for Africa, who “adopted” the new group (WIOP), since they did not have a Division of their own.
The organizers extended invitations to speakers to participate in this meeting. Dr Amr traveled to Madagascar to support the new group on behalf of IAP and the Arab Division. Other guest speakers came from South Africa and Australia.
In addition to Dr. Kiel and Mrs Kiel, organizing the meeting was carried by local Malagasy pathologists, particularly Dr. Andriamanantsoa Rakouth and Dr. Ramiandrasoa A. Lalaoarifetra. The President of the meeting was Prof. Nantenaina Randrianjafisamindrakotroka, from the Medical School of the University of Antananarivo. Malagasy names can be notoriously long!.. 

There was an opening ceremony held at the Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 16, 2007. Several government officials and representatives from the University of Antananarivo and its medical school gave speeches. Following that, the proceedings of the meeting were held at the Hall of CHU/HJRA Government Hospital.
The scientific program includes lectures from guest speakers and papers from Malagasy pathologists, oncologists and surgeons. Two interesting presentations stand out. One on the “Peopling of Madagascar” by Dr Himla Soodyall, Professor of Genetics at the University of the Witwaterstrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and a researcher at the Human Genomic Diversity and Disease Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics at the National Health Laboratory Service in South Africa. She had with her associates 6 field trips to Madagascar between 1992 and 1996, and collected 2392 blood sample to investigate the exact geographic origins of the parental population of Madagascar. This was achieved utilizing several parameters, the most significant of which are mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome variation. She conclude that he contributions to the Malagasy Y chromosome pool from sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and Eurasia were estimated to be about 68%, 14%, and 12% respectively. There seems to be no detectable male-mediated gene from Oceania. The other paper was on medical geography of Western Indian Ocean presented by Dr Frank W Kiel. He described his trips to medical centers and pathology units in various countries located on the Western side of the Indian Ocean.

Dr Amr gave a presentation on histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi-Fujimoto’s disease) and its differential diagnosis. There were many questions related to other types of lymphadenitis particularly tuberculous lymphadenitis which is quite common in Madagascar. Dr Amr distributed to the participants 30 copies of a DVD containing 4 gigabytes of lectures and slide seminars from USCAP Meetings. These DVDs are a gift from the Arab Division of IAP to the Malagasy pathologists. Authorization to copy and distribute these DVDs for educational and teaching purposes was obtained by Dr Amr from the Secretary of USCAP, Dr Fred Silva.
Other guest speakers include Dr Martin Hale, IAP Vice President for Africa, who gave two lectures on pathology of HIV infection. Dr Jill Murray from South Africa had a lecture on the role of autopsy in modern medicine. Dr R Norton from Queensland, Australia gave a presentation on his experience with melioidosis and Q-fever in Northern Australia. Dr Trefor Jenkins from South Africa lectured on the impact of HIV/AIDS on blood transfusion practice in South Africa with special reference to some ethical issues. Dr Carla Carrilho from Mozambique had an interesting presentation on an autopsy study of the causes of maternal mortality in Maputo Central Hospital, Mozambique. The local Malagasy pathologists and oncologists had several oral presentations on lymphomas, multiple myeloma, ovarian tumors, extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculosis of the breast, squamous cell carcinoma of urinary bladder associated with bilharziasis, soft tissue tumors, thyroid tumors, and intestinal angiodysplasia.

On the third day of the meeting, there was a field trip to observe Madagascar villages, local hospitals and conservation efforts. A bus departed to Andasibe National Park. A rain forest is located within that park. The participants watched lemurs and other primitive primates in their natural habitats. A delightful lunch was taken in the heart of the forest at Vakona Forest Lodge. Following that, the participants visited Moramanga Government Hospital. It is located in a rural area serving local villagers. There is limited laboratory and blood bank facility. No surgical pathology service is done, and biopsies are sent to central government labs in the capital Antananarivo. Malaria is a major concern there. Several surgical procedures are done there. A maternity clinic is available. There are ambulances to get patients into the hospital or transfer them to other facilities when needed.

This meeting in Madagascar represents a landmark for pathology in this underdeveloped country. It is hoped that it will stimulate pathologists and other physicians to carry on with future meetings to enhance teaching and interaction with other pathologists. The support of IAP is crucial for the success of this goal.

The local pathologists, with help from Dr Kiel, are working on establishing an IAP Division for Western Indian Ocean Countries. Dr Amr promised to present their request, along with Dr Hale, to the Council of IAP in its upcoming meeting in Denver next March 2008. A draft of constitution is being prepared, and list of interested pathologists is being compiled. We hope that a Division can be established officially by 2008.
Finally, Dr Amr extends his thanks to the Malagasy pathologists for their hospitality, and kindness. Their enthusiasm to learn and catch up with others is remarkable. They deserve the support of the world wide pathology community, and IAP is at a position that can do a lot to fulfill their aspirations.

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This council meeting was held on Friday, November 3, 2006 at the Conference Room at the Sheraton Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco during the 18th Congress of the Arab Division of IAP held in Casablanca, Morocco on November 2-4, 2006. The meeting started at 12: 35 PM. The meeting was attended by Drs. Ali El Hindawi, President; Samir S Amr, Past President; Samir Boubaker, President Elect; Ghazi Zaatari, Secretary; Hassan Annab, Treasurer; Abdelkhalek Ben Rejeb, Tunisia; Sabah Mzabi, Tunisia, Khaira Bouzaid Bendesari, Algeria; Assia Kaddouri, Algeria; Maysa Al-Hussaini, Jordan ; Maha Akl, Egypt; Salwa El Haddad, Egypt; Fouad Al Dayel, Saudi Arabia (Chairman of Arab School of Pathology); Abdulla Darwish, Bahrain; Mouza Al Sharhan, United Arab Emirates; Ahmad Zahi Al Shawwaf, Syria; Saida Sqalli, Morocco; Lamia Jabri, Morocco; Maher Sughayer, Palestine. In addition the following guests were present: Prof. Kristin Henry, Vice President for Europe, IAP; Dr. Najat Mourra, France; Dr. Nayef Aqel, UK ; and Dr. Fadi Abdul-Karim, USA.

Dr. Zaatari expressed his thanks on behalf of the Arab Division of IAP to our Moroccan colleagues, particularly Dr Sqalli, Dr Jabri and Dr Karkouri, for their excellent preparation of the meeting and their hospitality. The minutes of the last Council meeting held in Amman, Jordan on November 10, 2005 were reviewed and approved.
Dr. Lamia Jabri briefed the Council on the 18th Congress of the Arab Division of IAP. She indicated that preparations for the meeting were in progress for 14 months. Dr Jabri expressed her thanks to the Organizing Committee. There were 160 registered participants from many Arab countries, particularly Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Several pathologists traveled from France and Spain. All invited speakers were able to take part in the meeting. There were 20 guest speakers who covered 14 topics, with a total of 32 presentations, workshops and slide seminars, in various areas of pathology. They traveled from France, USA, UK, Portugal, Germany and Arab countries. There were 180 poster presentations at the meeting.

Themes of the program included the following topics covered by several speakers:
Liver pathology:
Dr. Zachary Goodman, USA; and Dr. Hala Makhlouf, USA.
Hematopathology:
Dr. Kristin Henry, UK; Dr. HK Muller-Hermelink, Germany; Dr. Georges Delsol, France, Dr. Pierre Brousset, France, Dr. Bharat Nathwani, USA; and Dr. A Marx, Germany.
Breast pathology:
Dr. Frederique Penault-Llorca, France.
Urological pathology:
Dr. Wael Sakr, USA.
Gynecologic pathology:
Dr. Awatef Al Nafussi, UK, and Dr. Ruba Ali-Fehmi, USA.
Pediatric pathology:
Dr. Raja Rabah, USA.
Neuropathology:
Dr. A Amarti, Morocco.
Cytopathology:
Dr. Fadi Abdulkarim, USA; and Dr. Ruba Ali-Fehmi, USA
Endocrine pathology (Thyroid):
Dr. Manuel Sobrinho Simoes, Portugal.
Dermatopathology:
Dr. Janine Wechsler, France and Dr. Kevin Hollowood, UK..
Nephropathology: Dr. Laure-Helene Noel, France.
Telepathology: Dr. M Dietel, Germany.
Surgical Pathology (Bilingual session in English and French):
Kamal Ishak Memorial Lecture: Drug-induced and toxic liver disease: Principles of diagnosis. Presented by Dr. Zachary Goodman, Chairman, Department of Hepatic and Gastrointestinal Pathology, AFIP, Washington, D.C.,USA.

A Gala Dinner of Moroccan cuisine at a resort near Casablanca with traditional music will be hosted by the Organizing Committee. Post meeting tutorial for the Arab School of Pathology on Genito-urinary pathology was organized by Dr. Wael Sakr, USA with speakers from USA and Canada.

The Arab British School of Pathology:
The Arab British School of Pathology was awarded at the 26th Congress of IAP (100th Anniversary) held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in September 2006 a Gold Medal for its contribution to education in pathology in the Arab World. Certificates of Merit were awarded to the Arab Division, the British Division, Dr. Kristin Henry, Dr. Ghazi Zaatari and Dr. Samir Amr for their contributions and support for this school. Dr. Amr received the medal and the certificates from Dr. David Hardwick, Secretary of IAP in Montreal on behalf of the Arab Division. This award represents recognition of the efforts of this school in enhancing and spreading advanced knowledge in pathology in the Arab countries. Dr. Kristin Henry stated that IAP is keen on collaboration between various Divisions. She highlighted the activities of the school, which merited awarding it a Gold Medal.

The Arab School of Pathology:
Dr. Fouad Al-Dayel, Chairman of the School presented his report. He stated that the Arab British School Tutorial on Dermatopathology held in Manama, Bahrain in December 2005 was successful. He reported on the upcoming tutorials to be held in 2007 and to be conducted by Arab pathologists: nephropathology in Aleppo, Syria, May 2007; liver pathology in Tunis, Tunisia, June 2007; FNA Cytopathology in Manama, Bahrain, December 2007. Dr. Zahi Shawwaf, Syria stated that the Syrian Society of Pathology is ready to host the Nephropathology tutorial in Aleppo. Dr. Ali El-Hindawi reported on the Soft Tissue Tumors tutorial held in Cairo in April 2006. The speakers were Dr. Awatif Al-Nafussi, Dr. Salwa Sheikh, Dr. Samir Amr, Dr. Ali El-Hindawi, Dr. Elia Ishak and Dr. Dina Omar. About 150 pathologists attended this tutorial. Educational materials including CDs of the lectures were distributed to the participants. The tutorial was a success by all standards.

Report on Education Committee of IAP:
Dr. Zaatari, member of the Education Committee of IAP reported that several pathologists from various Arab countries benefited from the bursaries offered by the committee, and enabled them to attend the IAP Meeting in Montreal. All of these members had poster presentations. Dr. Kristin Henry commented on the number of bursaries offered, and stated that their number was doubled. Several pathologists from Africa, Latin America, India and Arab countries benefited from these bursaries. Dr. Zaatari mentioned that the guidelines for application for these bursaries for future IAP meetings are available at his office. Applications should be submitted 3 months in advance of the meeting of the Education Committee.

Arab Board of Pathology: No progress on this issue.

Pathology journal for the Arab Division of IAP
Dr. Ali El-Hindawi proposed the establishment of a pathology journal for the Division to be its official publication. He stated that there are means to publish such a journal in Egypt, and financing it can be achieved through advertisements and charge per article for authors. He proposed establishment of a committee to study this matter. This committee is requested to submit a report by February 2007 regarding its thoughts and ideas on this matter and its feasibility. Dr. El-Hindawi shall report to the next council meeting on the progress concerning the establishment of the journal. The committee was named on suggestion of Dr. El-Hindawi to include the following; Drs. Nayef Aqel; Najat Mourra; Dr. Salwa El Haddad; and Dr. Abdelkhalek Ben Rejeb

Financial Report by Treasurer
Dr. Hassan Annab, treasurer, stated that there was a gain of US$16,000 at the 17th Meeting held in Amman in 2005. Of this amount, US$7,000 was earmarked to the Jordanian Society of Pathology, which co-sponsored that meeting. Part of that money was used to buy textbooks of pathology for 3 major training centers of pathology residency programs in Jordan. The remaining sum (US$ 9,000) was deposited in IAP’s Arab Division account. Dr. Annab commented that he noticed that meetings in Jordan, so far, were the only meetings that made surplus which was deposited into the Division’s account.

Working Groups
Dr. Fadi Abdul-Karim reported on the cytopathology working group. He stated that he contacted a group of cytopathologists in USA who are willing and interested in giving courses, tutorials and slide seminars in the Arab region on gynecologic and non-gynecologic pathology. Dr. Amr suggested that such courses be coordinated through Dr. Fouad Al Dayel, Chairman of the Arab School of Pathology.

Arab Division Newsletter
Dr. Wasim Raslan, editor of the Newsletter was not present to give his report. Dr. Amr applauded Dr. Raslan’s efforts in editing the Newsletter. The last issue was distributed at the meeting and included a variety of topics related to the activities of the Division. Dr. Raslan and Dr. Amr try to make the Newsletter self sustaining by getting ads for Ventana or other vendors to cover the printing costs.

Report on the upcoming meeting (19th Meeting of the Arab Division)
Dr. Zaatari stated that this meeting shall be held in Beirut on November 1-3, 2007. The following are the proposed subjects of the meeting: Breast pathology; Dermatopathology; Foetopathology; Gastrointestinal pathology; Gynecologic pathology; Hematopathology; Molecular pathology of solid tumors and lymphomas; Neuromuscular pathology; Pancreatic pathology; Kamal Ishak Memorial Lecture; The role of the pathologist in the era of targeted therapy.

Future Meetings of the Arab Division of IAP
The 20th Meeting is to be held in Algeria. Tentatively, the date is set to be at the end of October or early November. Dr. Kheira Bouzaid Bendesari will be the president of this meeting and had established an organizing committee. Suggested theme topics for the meeting are: Extranodal lymphoma ; Bone and soft tissue pathology; Cytopathology and screening; Breast pathology; Gastro-intestinal and liver pathology; Pediatric pathology; Hematopathology: Bone marrow; Thyroid cancer; Germ cell tumors; Mesothelioma; Nephropathology; Pathology of Transplant rejection; Cancer and viruses; New technology in pathology; Targeted therapy.
Dr. Bendesari already started some initial contacts with potential speakers. The Division shall help in recruiting other speakers as needed and shall apply for financial aid for the meeting.

Ibn Al Nafis Awards
Due to the large number of posters presented by pathologists in training, and to encourage more of these young pathologists to get involved in the meeting, it was decided to have three awards to be given to the top three finalists in the following order: First award: US$300.00; Second award: US$200.00; Third award: US$150.00.

The meeting adjourned at 2:40 PM. The minutes were prepared by Dr. Samir S Amr.

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It was a great pleasure when I received a letter from Professor Najib Haboubi, Head of the Department of Histopathology at Trafford General Hospital, Manchester, UK confirming the offer of Ibn al-Nafis Scholarship that includes an honorary clinical attachment and trainee post in histopathology for a period of five weeks from February, 13th to March, 19th 2006.

The department is manned by four consultants: Prof. Haboubi, Dr. Hiam Ali, Dr. Khalid Ahmed and Dr. Emil Salmo. There are three trainees in the department: Heyam Awad (Jordan), Paula Hyder (UK) and Ammar Khattab (Syria). There are six biomedical scientists and four secretaries. The department receives annually around 9000 surgical pathology specimens, 1000 cytology specimens and 500 post-mortems. The surgical cut up is done by the trainees, except for Mondays when it is done by the consultants. The reporting is performed each day by the trainee and consultant in charge. The department is equipped with the latest models of lab machines, for tissue processing and special stains.

Immunohistochemical stains are part of the routine workup. In the department there is a scientific library enriched with the latest journals and latest editions of pathology references in various fields. In addition, there is a continuous access to the internet, with registered access to many well-recognized journal websites for the purpose of continuous study and research. The department is very active in the fields of audit and research. All of these activities are run in a perfect way and, indeed, in a friendly atmosphere. Because of the application the highest standards of patient care and safety, the department is accredited by the Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA).

I am very fortunate to have won this scholarship, which gave me the opportunity to participate in many rewarding activities in the department. These included: Morning grossing sessions, screening the daily slides for all new cases, and discussing cases with the residents and the consultant staff. In addition I had the opportunity to attend the case report sessions with the consultants, who helped me advance my knowledge with their expert opinions in reporting different types of specimens. I attended many post-mortem autopsies and I accompanied Dr. Ali to an autopsy inquest by the coroner at the court. In addition, I attended the multidisciplinary team meetings at the hospital, which was a very fruitful experience. The routine meetings were as follows: A) Surgical meetings once a week. B) Internal medicine meetings once a week, C) colorectal meetings once a week, D) hematology meetings every two weeks.

When I return back to Jordan, I will transfer the experience I have gained to my colleagues. It was a privilege to have joined the pathology team of Dr. Habboubi in this department of histopathology. I advise every colleague who looks forward to advancing his career to apply for Ibn al- Nafis Scholarship through the Secretary of the Arab Division of IAP.

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20th Congress of the Arab Division of the International Academy of Pathology
Place: Algeria
Time: November 2-4, 2008
CONTACT: Prof. Kheira Bendisari
E-mail:bouzidkheira@hotmail.com

27th International Congress of the International Academy of Pathology
Place: Athens Greece
Time: October 12-17, 2008
Web site address: www.iap2008.com

Tutorials of Arab School of Pathology on Nephropathology
Contact: Dr. Fouad Dayel E-mail: dayelf@kfshrc.edu.sa

Contributors to this newsletter:
Wasim F. Raslan, MD, PhD
Samir S. Amr, MD

Editor & Correspondence:
Wasim F. Raslan, MD, PhD.
Saudi Aramco, Box: 10613
Dhahran, 31311 Saudi Arabia
E-mail: wasim.raslan@aramco.com
Fax: 966-3-877-6783

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The Third Ibn Sina International Congress of Pathology was held in June 6-7, 2007 at the Faculty of medicine of Tunis in Tunis-Tunisia. The congress was attended by 42 participants from Tunisia and the adjacent countries. The guest speakers were Prof. Kristin Henri and Nayef Aqel from the United Kingdom and Prof. Nadia Mokhtar from Egypt. The speakers addressed the recent issues in Hematopathology.

A group picture of the participant of the third Ibn Sina International Congress of Pathology

Drs. Henry, Aqel, and Mokhtar during the third Ibn-Sina congress meeting.

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The winner for Ibn Al-Nafis Award during the 18th annual meeting was Dr. D. Itani, (right) from the American University of Beirut (AUB) Medical Center for her poster on sentential lymph node biopsy in breast cancer.

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A group picture of the participant of the Arab School Tutorial on liver Pathology. The workshop was held in June 8-10, 2007 in Tunis, Tunisia at the Faculty of medicine of Tunis. Forty five participants benefited from the experience of the guest speakers in Hepatopathology Dr. Hala Makhlouf from AFIP – USA, (center) and Dr. Ismail Matalka, Jordan (above first from the right).

Drs. A. Benrajab, Bubaker, Makhlouf and Matalka in front of the gate of Faculty of Medicine of Tunis University