Dear Colleague,

We are in the era of the "Bone & Joint Decade (BJD) 2000-2010"- a movement meant to create awareness and knowledge about the musculoskeletal diseases that afflict millions of people, causing immense pain and disability. The central issue is to improve quality of life but the real challenge lies in empowering our patients so to actively participate in their own management. But nothing will move unless we the medical faculty equip ourselves with sufficient knowledge and skills to bring about the much needed change in living longer. BJD is an umbrella organization for people to work cohesively in improving the 'Bone and Joint Health'. It is strongly supported by UN & WHO, besides more than 65 countries.

BJD India National Action Network (NAN) has been active from Day 1. We request you to visit the website (www.bjdindia.org) to learn more about its activities and achievements. Our corporate partners provide us the necessary financial support to pursue our agenda with the community, doctors and research.

BJD India is organizing a convention from 28th to 30th November 2008, Pune. The convention will follow a 3 DAY ANNUAL MEET OF THE IRA, being held in the same venue in Pune. And the convention is in parallel to the annual BJD World Network Meeting which is also being held in Pune from 28th November to 1st December. It is a great honor and opportunity for India to host such a prestigious international meet.

The Convention will focus on musculoskeletal disorders (MSK). We will particularly deliberate on the management of "Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Osteoporosis". For the first time, Orthopedic Surgeons, Rheumatologists and Physicians will sit together and discuss these disorders at length so as to understand the therapeutic strategies of each other. Several experts, national and international, will participate in the Convention.

The Convention will be a balance of interactive and classroom teaching. There will be sufficient time to indulge in specifics. While it is important for the rheumatologist to recognize the requirements and indications of orthopedic intervention, the orthopedic surgeon needs to be made aware of the recent therapeutic advances in RA. Newer biologic agents have revolutionized the outcome of RA management.

The tentative program is an overview of the template that will finally evolve into an intense and useful program. Though the convention targets orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists, all doctors and those interested in bone and joint care are welcome to register. Please register early. (Registrations are limited).

We invite you to attend this landmark first time meeting in Pune and enjoy the scientific feast and hospitality that awaits you. A Registration Form is attached. Registration will also begin on the BJD India Website by mid January 2008.
With Best Wishes and Greetings of the Season !

DR. A. CHOPRA Organizing Secretary	DR. A. MITHAL Chairman BJD India	DR. H.K.T. RAZA President IOA
MAJ.GEN HL KAKRIA Chair (Convention)	DR. K. MAHENDRANATH Chair (Conference)	DR. R. HANDA President Elect IRA