Welcome Message

Dear colleagues,

On behalf of the Hellenic Spine Society and the Board of Directors, we would like to welcome you to the 14^th Annual Congress of the Hellenic Spine Society and 44^th Symposium “N. Giannestras – P. Smyrnis”. Our congress will be held at The Met Hotel in Thessaloniki from the 29^th until the 31^st of October 2021.

At the peak of a pandemic infection which has forced countries and people to self-isolation, the congress of our society brings the message of hope for reunion. The main reason our society was established was to unite people, to unite scientists, to bring together all physicians from different specialties who are caring and treating patients who are suffering from diseases of the spine.

The city of Thessaloniki was always a multi-cultural city where people from different cultures, different religions and different heritage lived together. 100 years ago, Greeks, Turks, Jews, Armenians, Slavs, people from all over the Balkans lived together in this city. Many varied religions were practiced, and many languages spoken. Every person in their very own individuality co-worked with the other communities, exchanged ideas, exchanged cultural elements and looked for prosperity.

So, in today’s era of self-isolation, Thessaloniki is a symbol of reunion of people.

The program of this meeting is multi-thematic and emphasis is given on controversial issues in spinal surgery, complications, rehabilitation as well as on new aspects such as tissue engineering and spinal technology advances. A joint meeting with the Israel Spine Society and the Cyprus Neurosurgical Society will give an exceptional opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences.

It is my honor and pleasure to invite you all to participate in the 14^th Annual Congress of the Hellenic Spine Society and 44^th Symposium “N. Giannestras – P. Smyrnis”.

I welcome you to the city of Thessaloniki, hoping that you will enjoy your visit through its unique multiethnic heritage and culture, vivid nightlife and traditional gastronomy.

Ioannis Balogiannis
President of the Hellenic Spine Society