MIFAS STATEMENT

Rio Janeiro, Brazil, October 5th, 2023
 
On behalf of the MIFAS Board, and the Presidents of the 6th MIFAS International Congress Rio Janeiro Brazil 2023
 
This morning, four orthopaedic surgeons from Sao Paulo who were attending the 6th MIFAS International Congress were savagely shot in front of the Congress headquarters, while having a friendly dinner.
 
They were not just four doctors, they were professional colleagues and great friends of many surgeons attending this Congress, renowned foot and ankle specialists, good people and excellent surgeons. Three of them have died and one has been admitted to the hospital in serious condition.
 
There are no words that can express the sadness we feel. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, on behalf of the MIFAS Board, but also on behalf of all the colleagues here, we want to convey our condolences to their families and friends.
 
This morning, at the beginning of the Congress, there was a minute of silence in his memory, which will be repeated this afternoon, instead of the Opening Ceremony, which has been cancelled.
Likewise, the Closing Dinner will not be held, a decision agreed upon between the Congress Presidency, the MIFAS Board of Directors and the Congress Venue.
 
And regarding whether or not to hold the Congress after these tragic events, it has been a very difficult decision, but we have decided that it should not be suspended. This is a scientific Congress of surgeons for surgeons, based on the exchange of knowledge that should result in better care for our patients, and this was the reason why our dear friends had decided to attend the Congress.
We cannot and must not allow ourselves to be held hostages of such terrible violence; In their memory, the 6th MIFAS Congress continues.