I take great pleasure in inviting you to this unique event in pediatric rheumatology. This teaching course in basic and advanced pediatric rheumatology, to be held in Mumbai between 21^st and 25^th of November 2012 will train a new genre of pediatricians and adult rheumatologists and update those who already work in this challenging and yet rewarding field.

Pediatric Rheumatology has a 80-20 problem of distribution. About 80% of the trained and qualified pediatric rheumatologists serve 20% of the world’s children. Asia / Pacific and Africa are grossly underserved and the children with musculoskeletal conditions in these regions often remain underdiagnosed or are diagnosed after years of suffering and deformity. A large part of this problem is due to the non availability of trained personnel which in turn is related to the lesser importance provided to teaching of rheumatology at the undergraduate and post graduate levels in both pediatric and adult medicine. There is therefore a clear need to supplement our knowledge in this field with meetings such as this.

The event which will occur under the auspices of PReS (Paediatric Rheumatology European Society) and RCIAP (Rheumatology Chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics) has been possible due to a generous grant from three sources viz PReS, Hargobind foundation and Jaslok Hospital.

Dr Raju Khubchandani
Organizing Chairman

• President – Rheumatology Chapter
  Indian Academy of Paediatrics
  
  
• In Charge Paediatric Rheumatology Clinic
  Jaslok Hospital and Research Center
  Mumbai  India