After almost 55 years of absence on the Cuban stage, the 35th Pan-American Congress on Otorhynolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery began today in Havana attended by specialists from more than 30 countries.
 
Sponsored by the Pan-American Congress on Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, the event will host about 750 delegates.
 
"It is an honor and a great responsibility for Cuba to lead this congress; it is a major event that has not taken place in Cuba since its 3rd edition in 1952," Antonio Paz, president of the organizing committee, told Prensa Latina.
 
The most recent General Assembly of the Pan-American Congress on Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in 2012, decided that Havana would be the next conference venue.
 
Several factors influenced the decision. One of them was the reputation this discipline has within the Cuban health system, which has a high number of physicians participating in international congresses. In addition many physicians in this area are trained in Cuba.
 
The Congress, to be held at the Havana's International Conference Center, includes lectures on Otoneurology, cochlear implants, Otomastoid Surgery, Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo, glomus tumors and osteointegrated prostheses.
 
In parallel to the conference, is an exhibition fair with 25 stands; specialized national and international companies will exhibit and sell their products, services and related materials.
 
Experts from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Cuba, are attending the event, which run until Friday, Jun 17th.
 
Others from Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Turkey are also present.