I was honored to participate in the 10th Annual TCIS/SICP Conference in Bangkok, Thailand November 10“12, 2006.

TCIS is Thailand's version of the SICP. Their society is very active, and like the SICP, promotes quality patient care and education for members. Charles Barbiere and Drs. Gumpanart Veerakul and Punee Sathienchoak were instrumental in the organization of the TCIS. Charles Barbiere been involved with the SICP since its inception and is dedicated to the relationship between our Society and TCIS. He now serves as a consultant to TCIS.

We arrived in Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning city of angels), in the afternoon to very hot weather, very much like my home, near Houston, Texas. Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport had just opened in September and is quite impressive and very efficient.

Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, being the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. There was an air of celebration with many people wearing yellow shirts in honor of the recent anniversary of the King's rein. King Rama IX is loved and respected by the Thai people.

Thai food is seasoned with herbs and uses lots of chili peppers. Fish and rice are staples. I especially enjoyed the green curry and Tom Yum soup.

Physician speakers from Thailand, Singapore, and Germany covered many excellent topics. Though most of the speakers spoke Thai, the presentations were in English, so I did not miss any information. I was very interested and impressed with the Cath Lab Directors' Program. Several labs from Thailand were represented. It was an excellent joint presentation that discussed each lab's quality improvement processes and results.

The conference was three days packed full of education focusing on both coronary and peripheral techniques, electrophysiology, patient safety and outcomes, and of course, case reviews. Needless to say, the term nightmare case means the same, no matter what language you speak!

I was thrilled to present Mr. Charles Barbiere and Dr. Veerakul with plaques from the SICP recognizing the hard work they put into this conference every year. Their passion and dedication has ensured that the TCIS will continue to grow and prosper. I look forward to more SICP/TCIS collaboration and especially staying in contact with my new friends that are far away, but close to my heart.

I applaud Drs. Veerakul and Sathienchoak, Charles Barbiere, and all the members of the TCIS for their dedication to our profession. As the president of the Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals, I see examples every day of the exemplary commitment to patients, quality, and each other that cardiovascular professionals everywhere possess. This conference is another example the extraordinary dedication to sharing experiences and knowledge which ultimately improves outcomes for patients. Being a part of the TCIS conference will be a highlight in my life I will always remember.

Lynne Jones, RN, RCIS, FSICP
SICP President