AAPM 2002 General Introduction

AAPM 2002 General Information

The 44th AAPM annual meeting will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP). In addition to an exciting scientific and commercial exhibit program, the meeting will provide a unique ambiance, rich in culture, history and educational attractions. Montréal is home to some 3.4 million inhabitants and is, after Paris, the largest French-speaking city in the world. However, because of the presence of a sizeable English-speaking minority as well as members of some 80 different ethnic groups, Montréal lives up to its reputation as a truly international city and one of the most exciting cities in North America.

Famous for the "joie de vivre" of its inhabitants and a mixture of European and North American charm, Montréal has become a city of dazzling international summer festivals, most notably jazz (June 27- July 7, 2002), comedy (July 11-21, 2002), film and fireworks (July 13, 17, and 20, 2002). With its close to 5000 restaurants it provides a year-round opportunity for fine dining to residents and visitors.

Montréal is built around Mount Royal, a mountain that gives the city its name and provides it with a large protected park and green space area. In addition to Mount Royal, the city offers numerous other natural attractions, such as île Ste-Hélène, an island park in the midst of the St. Lawrence river (accessible by car, bus or subway-metro); île Notre-Dame, an island holding the Casino de Montréal; and rapids on the St. Lawrence river.

Some of the other notable attractions are the 1976 Olympic stadium, Botanical Garden with Insectarium, and educational theme parks on the Earth's ecosystems (Biodôme), science (Interactive Science Centre), St. Lawrence river (Biosphère) or space (Cosmodôme). Also notable in their own right are the Old Montréal and the Old Port.

The city is very lively during day and night, and a stroll along Ste. Catherine, Sherbrooke, Crescent and St. Denis streets is always a pleasant experience keeping a visitor in tune with the unique pulse of the city. Referred to by Montrealers as their underground city, the vast indoor downtown pedestrian network extends some 30 km (18 miles) and provides access to nearly 2000 stores in addition to numerous restaurants, cinemas, theaters and exhibition halls.

Many interesting day trips can be taken from Montréal to exciting locations, such as to Québec City, the capital of Québec; to Ottawa, the capital of Canada; and to Mont Tremblant, the best skiing village in Eastern and Central North America.

Montréal is easily accessible by car from major Eastern and Central U.S. cities and has excellent air connections with all major U.S. and European cities. (map)

The Local Arrangements Committee invites medical physicists and their family members to attend the AAPM Montréal 2002 Annual Summer meeting (July 14-18, 2002) and help making the meeting a success. Meeting registration and housing information will be available on-line in March 2002.

Information on Montréal and the AAPM 2002 annual meeting: www.aapm.org

LAC, Dec. 2001