10th -11th – January 2025, Van Der Valk Mechelen
WELCOME
Dear Colleagues,
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the 2025 NextGen Symposium, proudly organized by KBVR-SRBR, taking place at Van Der Valk Mechelen on January 10-11, 2025.
This congress promises a unique and dynamic experience, with hands-on practical training sessions and interactive workshops designed specifically for rheumatologists in training, those in the early stages of their careers and those young at heart willing to expand their practical skills. We are committed to developing practical skills and knowledge that will empower you in your professional journey. The scientific program and speaker lineup have been carefully designed by the NextGen ACADEMY with the guidance and support of KBVR-SRBR to ensure a valuable and insightful experience.
The NextGen Symposium has also been endorsed by the department heads of your universities, ensuring time off for attendance.
We are also pleased to announce that we will request accreditation points, including points for ethics and economy for participants attending the symposium.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Thanks to the generous support of our partners (Eli Lilly, Abbvie, Alfasigma, and Amgen), we are delighted to offer free participation for all attendees.
However, a refundable €50 deposit is required to secure your spot. The deposit will be refunded after the congress, unless you cancel less than 14 days before the event or fail to attend.
We have reserved a limited number of hotel rooms for the congress.
To ensure your stay at the hotel, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME
**Friday 10th January**
° 13:00 – 13:45 Welcome Lunch
° 13.45 – 16.15 Capillaroscopy Course – Prof. Vanessa Smith – UGent
Hands-on capillary microscopy course. Learn how this important diagnostic tool can
improve your practical skills.
° 16:15 – 16:30 Coffee Break
° 16:30 – 17:00 ETHICS & ECONOMY: Work and disability – Prof. Lode Godderis – KULeuven
Insights on the relationship between work and disability. Explore how these issues impact
modern workplaces.
° 17:00 – 17:30 Imaging: clinical cases – Prof. Lennart Jans – UGent
Discover clinical cases in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis, with a focus on
imaging techniques.
° 17:30 – 18:00 Anti- phospholipid syndrome – Prof. Baldovino – University Turin
° 18:00 – 18:30 Tips & Tricks to successfully apply for funding – Prof. Rik Lories – KULeuven
° 18:30 – 19:00 Professional Speed Dating
Meet new people and exchange ideas during our networking and speed-dating event
° 19:30 Welcome Reception, Walking Dinner and networking in the exhibition area
**Saturday 11th January**
° 09:00 – 10:15 SLE – Prof. Frederic Houssiau – UCLouvain
Overview of current clinical approaches and future perspectives for management
of systemic lupus. This presentation will highlight the challenges associated with its
treatment and the personalization of care.
° 10:15 – 10:30 Coffee break
° 10:30 – 11.30 Osteoporosis – Prof. Olivier Malaise – CHU Liège
Foundational course on osteoporosis, covering key aspects on DEXA interpretation,
biological work-up before prescribing treatment and differential diagnosis of bone
demineralization
° 11:30 – 12:15 ETHICS & ECONOMY: Healthcare reform – Dr. Philip Remans –Pres. BRV-AMRB
Overview of recent healthcare changes and what they mean for professionals.
° 12:15 – 13:00 Farewell Lunch
We eagerly look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an inspiring and enriching event!
Warm regards,On behalf of the KBVR-SRBR NextGen ACADEMY,
Dr. Charlotte Baert and Dr. Gaelle Varkas – Chairs and Scientific Organisers
Saskia Verwijs- KBVR-SRBR Manager
SUPPORTED BY
