South African congress calendar

February 2024

• UCT Paediatric Refresher course 2024
• ESMO Summit Africa
• South African Medical Association Conference
• Cardiac Arrhythmia Society of Southern Africa Symposium
• OSSA Congress 2024
• SARAA Congress 2024

UCT Paediatric Refresher course 2024
5-9 February
Cape Town

https://www.uctpaediatriccourses.ac.za/

The event revolves around the theme of ‘Compassionate, Comprehensive, and Critical Care’, focusing on delivering top-tier care for critically ill children and their families. Workshops at the start will cover crucial topics like ventilation techniques, emergency vascular access, chest ultrasound, effective communication with children, conveying significant news, and managing respiratory challenges in children with complex neurological disorders. The main programme features plenary lectures and dives into practical aspects of critical care, rehabilitation, and palliative care. Esteemed experts in various fields will serve as speakers, and attendees can engage in workshops and discussions to enrich their knowledge. This event seeks to advance the standards of care for critically ill children through education and collaboration.

European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Summit Africa 2024
9-11 February
Cape Town

https://www.esmo.org/meeting-calendar/esmo-summit-africa-2024

ESMO Summit Africa 2024, spanning three days, is an educational event featuring presentations that emphasise various crucial disease sites. Crafted specifically for oncology experts across Africa, this summit is a collaborative effort between international and local key opinion leaders. Its primary objective is to provide a comprehensive perspective on the major treatment breakthroughs highlighted at the annual ESMO Congress.

South African Medical Association Conference
15-17 February
Sandton

https://samaconference.org/

The South African Medical Association (SAMA), the country's oldest and most prestigious medical association, will gather under the theme ‘Towards Strengthening Health Systems’. This is a theme that encapsulates an urgent rallying cry, acknowledging the distress in SA's public healthcare system and calling for collective action to prevent its collapse. The inaugural SAMA Clinical Coding Conference will be co-located and run concurrently. This dedicated clinical coding event is aimed at improving healthcare via effective coding, promoting the professional development of SA’s clinical coders, and addressing the country’s unique coding challenges. But the real heart of the SAMA 2024 Conference lies in the many insightful sessions where experts will sit down, discuss, and zoom in on some of the most pressing issues facing healthcare and medicine in SA, offering innovative ideas and solutions, through the principles of collective governance. Please note that the final programme may be subject to some last-minute adjustments and reshuffles, so check back regularly at https://samaconference.org/programme-at-a-glance/.

Cardiac Arrhythmia Society of Southern Africa Symposium
24-25 February
Sandton

https://www.cassa.co.za/cassa/?page_id=7822

Cardiac Arrhythmia Society of Southern Africa (CASSA) Annual Clinical Symposium in 2024. Scheduled for February 24th at the Capital on the Park, Sandton, Johannesburg, this event provides a platform for networking among colleagues, peers, and industry partners. The agenda, featuring acclaimed international and local speakers, revolves around the theme ‘Cardiac Arrhythmia Updates’. Exclusive to electrophysiologists, a Working Breakfast on February 25th is by invitation only. Sponsorship packages offer a unique opportunity for insight, brand exposure, and participation in a vibrant community. Join us for an enriching experience, fostering connections in the cardiovascular field. For more information send an e-mail to elouise@shiftideas.co.za.

OSSA Congress 2024
29 February – 2 March
Gqeberha

https://2024.ossacongress.co.za/

The OSSA Congress will take place in Gqeberha, (Port Elizabeth). The congress will be hosted at the newly renovated Boardwalk Convention Centre. OSSA’s is dedicated to assembling a distinguished line-up of speakers. The participation of international speakers, will share a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Local speakers will infuse a unique African perspective to the proceedings. The congress will commence with masterclasses designed to kickstart this event. The Corneal Masterclass will lead the way, featuring interactive discussions on optimising corneal cross-linking, followed by comprehensive lamellar corneal surgery training, catering to both novices and experts (including wetlabs for hands-on experience). Following this, participants can delve into a Retina and Uveitis Imaging masterclass, featuring interactive case discussions.

South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association (SARAA) biannual congress 2024
29 February – 3 March
Stellenbosch

https://saraacongress.org/

The South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association (SARAA) biannual congress is scheduled to take place in Stellenbosch. This event serves as a prominent platform for showcasing the latest South African research in the field of rheumatology. It brings together a diverse group of participants, including seasoned experts and emerging talents in the field. Attendees will have the opportunity to glean insights from renowned national experts and international speakers, who will share their collective expertise and knowledge. Interactive sessions and hands-on workshops will delve into the practical aspects of this specialty. Parallel sessions will cater to both adult and paediatric rheumatologists, as well as allied health professionals, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. Moreover, this congress serves as an invaluable occasion for networking and collaboration, allowing attendees to connect with colleagues, national and invited international faculty, and trade partners.

March 2024

• Wits Pulmonology CME meeting
• 2024 SA-ACAPAP Congress
• Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG) Congress
• South Africa's Dedicated General Practitioners/Doctors Event
• 2024 Bloemfontein Pain Academy Meeting

Wits Pulmonology CME meeting
2 March
Johannesburg

https://conference.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/2024saacapap/sp

For more information, contact joey@takenoteevents.co.za.

South African Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (SA-ACAPAP)
7-9 March
Stellenbosch

https://conference.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/2024saacapap/sp

Congress theme:
Growing and sharing child and adolescent mental health:
Building relevant evidence and solutions for our future.

Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG) Congress
8-10 March
Umhlanga

https://sasreg.co.za/

SASREG represents Gynaecologists with a special interest in Gynaecological Endoscopy, sub-specialists, embryologists and scientists working in the field of reproductive medicine. The Society also supports fertility and theatre nursing sisters, allied practitioners as well as psychologists and social workers working in the field of Gynaecological Endoscopy and reproductive medicine.

South Africa's Dedicated General Practitioners/Doctors Event
13-14 March
Sandton

https://gpexpo.co.za/

The expo will provide the opportunity for doctors to expand their skills and knowledge across many different areas. From enhancing their business knowledge to discovering the future of their practice, the expo will be the go-to event which will provide business and clinical forum combined with a commercial exhibition which is aligned to the profession. It will incorporate a free to attend the conference with CPD accreditation focussing on business and clinical streams and include a sourcing platform with over 50 relevant exhibitors, including specific medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, technology and finance and insurance.

2024 Bloemfontein Pain Academy Meeting
16 March
Bloemfontein

https://painsa.org.za/events/

Effective pain management is crucial for enhancing the quality of life. Whether chronic or acute, unmanaged pain can impede daily activities, hinder emotional well-being, and even lead to long-term health issues. Implementing personalised and comprehensive pain management strategies is essential to alleviate suffering, restore functionality, and promote overall health and well-being. For more information about the 2024 Bloemfontein Pain Academy Meeting, send an e-mail to contact@velocityvision.co.za.

April 2024

• 3rd SASMO-SASCeTS Congress
• Critical Care Society of Southern Africa (Egoli branch)
• International Conference on Oncology
• Congress of the Neurological Association of South Africa
• RSSA Prostate MR Imaging Course

3rd SASMO-SASCeTS Congress
5-7 April
Cape Town

https://www.sasmo-sascets2024.co.za/

SASMO, the South African Society of Medical Oncology, is dedicated to several key objectives. These include advocating for the well-being of medical oncologists within the healthcare sector and actively engaging with relevant platforms, such as health industry bodies, governmental entities, legislative bodies, and healthcare stakeholder coalitions. SASMO seeks to enhance the visibility of medical oncology and improve the welfare of oncology patients in South Africa by collaborating with patient groups and cancer research collectives. To achieve this, SASMO organises a biennial scientific gathering, in the form of a congress or conference. On the other hand, SASCeTS, the South African Society of Clinical Haematologists and Stem Cell Transplantation Specialists, primarily consists of clinical haematologists and medical oncologists involved in bone marrow and stem cell transplantation for the treatment of haematological diseases. Nevertheless, membership is open to all medical practitioners and allied healthcare professionals who share an interest in this field.  

Critical Care Society of Southern Africa (Egoli branch)
13 April
Johannesburg

https://velocityvision.co.za/events-1/

Critical care is indispensable in medicine, providing life-saving interventions for severely ill patients. Swift, specialised attention in critical care units is vital, significantly impacting patient outcomes and recovery. The Critical Care Society of Southern Africa (CCSSA), established in 1977, is a non-profit organisation committed to delivering high-quality care to critically ill patients. Representing healthcare professionals in critical care, including affiliated societies like the South African Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Group, as well as special interest groups (eg Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), CCSSA provides vital resources, professional development, research, and patient advocacy, all overseen by dedicated volunteers. For more information, email: ccssa@velocityvision.co.za

International Conference on Oncology
15-16 April
Cape Town

https://waset.org/oncology-conference-in-april-2024-in-cape-town

This congress has a primary objective of uniting prominent academic scientists, researchers, and scholars to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of their expertise and research findings across all facets of Oncology. Furthermore, it serves as a top-tier interdisciplinary forum where researchers, practitioners, and educators can showcase and engage in discussions about the latest advancements, emerging trends, and pertinent issues within the realm of oncology. Additionally, it offers a platform to address practical challenges faced in the field and the innovative solutions that have been embraced.

Congress of the Neurological Association of South Africa
17-20 April
Bloemfontein

https://nasacongresses.co.za/

The event is a balance between local representation, with a significant presence from South Africa, and a global perspective, featuring speakers and faculty members who are internationally renowned academics and researchers in diverse fields within neurology. Speakers will share wide range of medical disciplines in the field of neurology, genetics, and pathology, neuromuscular disorders, radiology genetics, pathology and include psychiatrists who may also specialise in neurology and neuropsychiatry. Their research will cover various neurology domains, from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, sleep disorders, movement disorders, Parkinson's disease research, stroke and headaches consciousness, cognition (including ADHD), eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, corporate mental health awareness, neuroscience, neurocognition, neuro-tuberculosis, neuropathology, foetal alcohol syndrome, and sudden infant death syndrome.

RSSA Prostate MR Imaging Course
19-21 April
Sandton

https://consultus.eventsair.com/rssa-prostate-mr-imaging-course/

The 2024 RSSA|TECMED Prostate Imaging Course is an educational programme. The primary objective of this course is to provide comprehensive training in Prostate MR imaging, focusing on a contemporary approach, and facilitating discussions on prevalent pathologies and potential pitfalls, particularly cantered around the latest PIRADS Classification system. The course structure will involve didactic lectures, followed by individual computer-based case reviews and subsequent group discussions for collective learning. The venue for this event will be the Investec facility in Sandton, made available for this collaboration between RSSA and TECMED. However, due to infrastructure constraints, only a limited number participants can participate.

August 2024

• SAAMS Symposium (South African Addictive Medicine Society)
• Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology Congress 2024
• CBT Psychology Congress
• Southern African Hypertension Society Biennial Congress
• CCSSA Congress
• The 8th Combined Dermatology Congress of South Africa
• The South African Thoracic Society Congress
• 5^th Surgicom Private Practice Conference
• SASOG Congress
• RSSA/SASNI/ESNR Brain Imaging Congress 2024
• 2024 Cape Town Pain Academy Meeting

SAAMS Symposium
(South African Addictive Medicine Society)
2-3 August
Sandton

https://saams.co.za

The Symposium is dedicated to the promotion of evidence-based addictions care. The SAAMS Opioid Management Course is a valuable training tool for healthcare professionals, especially doctors, who prescribe opioid medications. It provides guidance on assessing and treating individuals with opioid dependence. This platform also shares updates on addiction medicine trends and SAAMS activities, with a focus on promoting ethical and evidence-based practices in South Africa.

Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology Congress 2024
2-4 August
Johannesburg

https://www.semdsa.org.za/news-events/local-events

The 26th Annual Congress of the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, dedicated to advancing the crucial dialogue on effective diabetes management, will be held at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg. In an era where diabetes prevalence continues to rise, this congress serves as a pivotal platform for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to converge and share groundbreaking insights. Through engaging discussions, and expert presentations, this congress seeks to empower attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to address the multifaceted challenges posed by diabetes, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and enhanced public health. Join us in this collective effort to shape the future of diabetes care.

CBT Psychology Congress
9-10 August
TBC

https://easternsun.eventsair.com/2024-cbtasa-congress/

This inaugural event promises to be a remarkable gathering of leading experts, professionals, and educators in the field of cognitive behavioural therapy. Our esteemed line-up of speakers has made significant contributions to the field and have been carefully selected to provide insights that will greatly contribute to the understanding and use of cognitive behavioural therapy.

Southern African Hypertension Society Biennial Congress
16-18 August
Gauteng

https://www.hypertension.org.za/

The scientific programme of the SAHS Biennial Congress in 2024 offers a unique platform for cross-disciplinary education, engagement, and connecting with participants, global experts, and influential local figures in the field of hypertension management. The agenda encompasses informative talks and lively discussions on the latest developments in clinical hypertension management, complemented by research-based oral and poster presentations.

CCSSA Congress
22-25 August
Sandton

https://criticalcare.org.za/

We are looking forward to a robust, interactive world class meeting presenting a broad spectrum of critical care topics ranging from fundamentals to the absolute cutting edge of this rapidly evolving field. 

The 8th Combined Dermatology Congress of South Africa
22-25 August
Gqeberha (Nee Port Elizabeth)

https://www.derma.co.za/

The congress is hosted by the Dermatology Society of South Africa (DSSA) and the South African Society for Dermatologic Surgery (SASDS) in association with the Vitiligo Society (VSSA), South African Mohs Group, the African Woman’s Dermatologic Society (AWDS) of South Africa and Melanoma Society South Africa.

The South African Thoracic Society Congress
22-25 August
Cape Town

https://pulmonology.co.za/upcoming-events/

The South African Thoracic Society (SATS) is a leading professional society committed to advancing lung health in South Africa and Africa through education, training, research, and advocacy. Established in 1972, SATS represents pulmonologists, paediatric pulmonologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and respiratory therapists. Its three key focus areas include: (1) Education and Training, with bi-annual accredited examinations and a national congress, (2) Research, offering grants to support lung health research, and (3) Advocacy, conducting public awareness campaigns on major respiratory illnesses and collaborating with the Pan African Thoracic Society to promote lung health in Africa. SATS plays a crucial role in guideline development, education programmes, and research initiatives for respiratory diseases.

5^th Surgicom Private Practice Conference
24-25 August
Umhlanga

https://www.surgicom.co.za/news-events/upcoming-events

Founded in 1996 as the business arm of the Association of Surgeons in South Africa, Surgicom oversees strategic private practice affairs for General Surgeons. As a publicly owned company managed by General Surgeons, it requires enhanced membership support to address growing challenges, including government criticism, National Health Insurance, income issues, and regulatory reforms. For more information, email joey@takenoteevents.co.za.

SASOG Congress
28-31 August
Sun City

https://sasog2024.co.za/

The conference will align with SASOG's mission of promoting excellence and equity in women's health, emphasising lessons learned from the challenges faced during the pandemic. Renowned local and international experts in Obstetrics and Gynaecology will present up-to-date, clinically relevant topics in plenary and breakaway sessions. Abstract presentations will be included. We anticipate reconnecting with colleagues from South Africa and around the world at this event.

RSSA/SASNI/ESNR Brain Imaging Congress 2024
30 August – 1 September
Somerset West

https://consultus.eventsair.com/brainimaging2024/

Following the success of the recent RSSA/SASNI/ESNR Spine Imaging Course in Sandton, we are excited to announce the upcoming collaborative event. Brain Imaging 2024 will feature informative lectures and hands-on workshops covering various topics, such as anatomy, multiple sclerosis, dementia, glioma imaging, and infection, with a special focus on stroke imaging and management. Attendees can also participate in quiz cases and submit abstracts for poster presentations. This two-and-a-half-day event is beneficial for trainee registrars, general radiologists, and other specialists involved in neuro case reporting. The audience will include radiologists, radiographers, and neurologists. The faculty includes prominent European Neuroradiologists known for their teaching expertise, alongside accomplished South African Neuroradiologists, including ESNR Neuroradiology Diplomates (EDiNR). Join us for a comprehensive update and networking opportunity in the field of neuroradiology.

2024 Cape Town Pain Academy Meeting
31 August
Cape Town

https://painsa.org.za/events/

Effective pain management is crucial for enhancing the quality of life. Whether chronic or acute, unmanaged pain can impede daily activities, hinder emotional well-being, and even lead to long-term health issues. Implementing personalised and comprehensive pain management strategies is essential to alleviate suffering, restore functionality, and promote overall health and well-being. For more information about the 2024 Cape Town Pain Academy Meeting, send an e‑mail to contact@velocityvision.co.za.

December 2024

• The International Congress on Infectious Diseases

The International Congress on Infectious Diseases
3-6 December
Cape Town

https://isidcongress.org/

The ISID Congress stands as the foremost gathering for Infectious Disease professionals, bringing together clinicians, allied health experts, and scientists to exchange world-class knowledge in tackling global challenges. This distinctive event centres on various aspects, including clinical practice, fundamental and translational research, and innovative strategies for infection management and prevention. The 20th ICID in Cape Town brings together over 2500 infectious disease experts from more than 100 countries. The ISID and our many stakeholder partners are working together to create a unique event focused on clinical knowledge and practice, novel translational science, infection prevention protocols and the epidemic intelligence of infectious disease. Every two years, the Congress – where world-renowned experts share innovative ideas and colleagues spark critical connections – is a place for our global industry and medical community to share groundbreaking solutions for prevention, management, and cutting edge treatments for all those impacted by infectious diseases.