Medical conferences: Limitation or liberal escalation.

Abstract

Conferences are an important and integral part of scientific networking and exchange of ideas, while simultaneously providing an opportunity to showcase scientific work and staying abreast with technology and trade. Of late, the number of medical conferences being held has increased exponentially, seemingly outgrowing their need and demand. Herd mentality seems to have engulfed the society from its highest echelons to its lowest levels, each organizing a multitude of conferences in various forms. But, as a responsible society, should we be concerned? We need to understand the needs of students, practicing urologists, teachers, institutions, and the society at large and how conferences may help fulfill these needs before we draw any conclusion about limiting or escalating the number of conferences. For each of these elements of the society, the ideal conference would vary not only in terms of numbers but also their nature, content, mode, and delivery. For a senior urologist, a conference every weekend is unlikely to be of any benefit professionally or otherwise, particularly when the same set of individuals are involved as the core group.