Scientific congresses, old and new

The American Heart Association just wrapped their Scientific Sessions 2008 at the Morial Convention Center, which drew over 30,000 health professionals to the area this week. Meeting abstracts are available online for free in Circulation.

Back in the 1930’s, 3,500 people was big news. A Times-Picayune newspaper clipping from November 11, 1937 announces: “3500 will attend Southern Medics Convention here,” reporting on the 31st meeting of the Southern Medical Association, which met in New Orleans in 1909, 1923 and 1931 as well. In 1949, surgeons from around the world flew into Moisant Airport to attend the 13th Congress of the International Society of Surgery, where for the first time television was used to broadcast over 20 operations to surgeons watching in the nearby Roosevelt Hotel. (Britain’s representative was cautious of the use of video in training, however.) LSU’s own Dr. James D. Rives performed intricate lung surgery in Charity hospital, using WDSU’s facilities. You can view and read more LSU history in our Historic Newspaper Clippings Collection on the Louisiana Digital Library.