THE THIRTIETH IMSA
NATIONAL CONVENTION
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
San Diego, CA
May 29 – May 31, 2015
2015 IMSA Convention: At a Glance
The 13th National IMSA Convention in San Diego, CA was well attended. The convention was held in the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.
Friday, May 29th started with registration and cocktails. Dr. Raad Toma the president start by welcoming everyone and a special welcome to the members who came from overseas.
Everyone enjoyed the saxophone music by Raad Korkees.
On Saturday, May 30th the scientific program began with a continental breakfast for the registrants and a welcoming speech from the scientific committee chair, Dr. Saad Shakir. This was followed by CME lectures presented by our volunteer IMSA Iraqi medical professionals. The lunch program started with a welcoming speech by the IMSA president. Dr. Saad Shakir distributed certificates to all speakers. We played a movie about the Baghdad college of medicine.
During the evening on Saturday, the IMSA members attended the convention’s gala. The gala was attended by over 350 members and their families. The ceremony began with an essay written and presented by the Master of Ceremony, Dr. Abdullah Aldamluji. The members and their families then partook in proudly singing Iraq’s national anthem, “Mawtani”. The lifetime achievement award presented to Dr. Hamid Al-Mondhiry. Dinner and dancing was enjoyed by all. Music was provided by Wisam Al-Iraqi and his band and the Brazilian samba show.
Sunday, May 31st, began with a general assembly meeting attended by the active IMSA members who were present. Attendees nominated several names to run for the next board elections. This meeting was followed by a cruise trip with lunch and violin music by Andrew Zakko.
At night all the guests gathered at St. Peter Banquet Hall and enjoyed a great night of dancing and music performance by Adnan Mansour. All guests were dressed in traditional Iraqi uniforms and dresses. Also, the food was ethnic Iraqi and all traditional famous dishes were served.