Dear SAMS member:

I hope your summer was pleasant and fruitful. As we gear toward the next year SAMS convention, I would like to share with you some of SAMS planning for this upcoming year. As you know the last convention was held in Homs and Damascus with a great success attributed to the cooperation between SAMS and the local Syrian physicians especially at Albir institute and the local Syrian SAMS chapter led by Dr. Naim Shahroor. You will find more details in the newsletter to be sent soon.

Next year's convention will be held in Latakia on July 7th through July 10^th. Cleveland Clinic Foundation will be sponsoring the CME program as usual. Workshops will be held in Damascus, Homs, Aleppo and other institutions. Dr. Nizar Zein is the convention chairman. Drs Ayman Khiami and Lama Alaswad are the scientific chairmen. More details to follow.

I would like to share with you a great step forward in the progress of our society. As a result of the extraordinary efforts of Dr. Zaher Sahloul, SAMS foundation was formed with an official tax ID and charitable status . This means that any donation to SAMS foundation is tax deductible with a retroactive effect of 18 months. Each one of you who donated to SAMS last year and half will receive a letter as a receipt for you donation. Future fundraisings to SAMS foundation will also be tax deductible.

I am also pleased to announce the hiring of Lucine Saleh as a full time SAMS administrative coordinator. Lucine has worked for SAMS in the past on a part time basis. She will be instrumental in expanding the database and answering the members needs.

SAMS is always keeping its mission of educating and serving the needy population on a voluntary basis. We are looking forward to productive years.

Naim Farhat,MD FACC

SAMS President