Alumni Association president co-chairs World Congress for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmology and World Congress for Bronchology and Esophagology as Rochester, Minnesota, hosts

Mayo Clinic Alumni Association president Eric Edell, M.D. (THD ’88), Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, co-chaired the 20th World Congress for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology and World Congress for Bronchology and Esophagology in Rochester, Minnesota, in June 2018. His co-chair was Jan Kasperbauer, M.D. (ENT ’89), chair of the Division of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

The theme of the joint meeting of the two societies, World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology and International Bronchoesophagological Society, was “Continuing the Legacy of Innovation and Global Collaboration.” The meeting had a Minnesota flavor, with a ceremonial blessing and Circle Dance of Unity featuring singers and dancers of Native Pride. Guests experienced Minnesota music, food and culture at a gala dinner. Many tried roasting marshmallows for the first time and tasting s’mores.

Closing ceremonies of the World Congress included a ceremonial handing over the flags to the next Congress organizers. In 2020 the Congress meets in Shanghai, China.