Dear Friends & Colleagues 
It is a great honor and privilege to assume office as the President of APLAR.
APLAR was established in 1963 and currently comprises 29 member nations spread over a huge area. A remarkable unity underlies the great diversity seen in the region. All of us are united in the belief that the best possible care should be provided to our patients who suffer from musculoskeletal diseases. We share a common vision -advancement of the science of Rheumatology.
These are exciting times as basic science catches up with bedside medicine. The rapidly changing therapeutic landscape in Rheumatology has made durable remission a clinical reality in several inflammatory rheumatic disorders. In these fast changing times, APLAR must strive to achieve a leadership position amongst scientific societies. I am grateful to my predecessors for laying down the foundation of a vibrant scientific society. It is for us to take it forwards. This can happen only through an active participatory involvement of all stake holders- rheumatologists, allied health care professionals, patients, governments and the pharmaceutical industry.
On our part, we shall spearhead continuing professional development programmes, education and training with the aim of ‘capacity building’, especially in under served areas. We intend to increase the number of APLAR fellowships available to young doctors in the region. In addition to the biennial APLAR Congresses, we plan to start an APLAR Symposium that shall alternate with the Congress. We are exploring ways and means of expanding the reach and readership of our journal, the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, which is now indexed in MEDLINE. A great deal has been achieved. A lot more needs to be done!
May I take this opportunity to invite you to join us for our next Congress in Damascus in September 2012. The 15th APLAR Congress in Syria in 2012 promises to deliver a contemporary scientific programme in the cradle of civilization.
Prof. Rohini Handa
MD, DNB, FAMS, FICP, FACR, FRCP (Glasgow)
Z-6, Hauz Khas
New Delhi-110016
India
Email: rohinihanda@hotmail.com