President’s Welcome Message

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 8th Liver Update to be held from 14th to 19th 2009. This is a biennial international scientific meeting jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and the Malaysian Liver Foundation.

The Liver Update is a meeting for specialists, doctors and allied health professionals to be updated on the current diagnostic methods and treatment strategies pertaining to all aspects of hepatobiliary disease.

This year the meeting begins with concurrent endoscopy, radiology and cytopathology workshops. The 9th Advances International Endoscopy Workshop will be transmitted live from Selayang Hospital to One World Hotel. The core meeting will address medical and surgical aspects which should be stimulating and exciting. We have included, apart from the viral hepatitis updates, a special ASIAHEP forum whereby the experts will interact with the audience to discuss interesting cases. We will also have for the first time a “round table discussion” on pancreatic cancer and have an input from experts from all fields – endoscopy, radiology, pathology, surgery and medical. There will also be a debate on the management of cystic lesions of the pancreas.

The committee has assembled a brilliant panel of speakers and created an invigorating scientific programme that will help maintain the close rapport necessary in providing a multi-disciplinary service to the patient. This conference aims to create an avenue for colleagues and friends to share their experiences and inspire the next generation.

I trust you will enjoy the social aspect of the meeting. Liver Update provides an opportunity to foster new collaborations and I look forward to welcoming you to Kuala Lumpur once again.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Haji Mohd Ismail Merican
Organising Chairman
8th Liver Update,
President, Malaysian Liver Foundation & Director General of Health, Malaysia