Dear Colleagues,

Osteoporosis is an important age-related metabolic bone disease and has become a major health problem globally. It is projected that by 2050, half of the World's hip fracture will occur in Asia. Patients with osteoporosis often present silently but the disease can be readily diagnosed and treated. Understanding the pathogenesis of bone formation and bone loss allows early prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. To increase awareness of osteoporosis and to enhance the standard of clinical densitometry in the region, The Chinese Osteoporosis Foundation of CHPF, Department of Medical Science Technology & Education of Health Ministry of China, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD), are joining forces to host the ISCD Bone Densitometry Course in Beijing China on October 24th-26th 2008. This course will focus on important clinical topics and practice guidelines, as well as state-of -the-art methods for diagnosis, monitoring, treatment of the disease. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting and your active participation.

COF-CHPF ISCD Education Group

Thank you for your interest in the ISCD Bone Densitometry Course and Certification Exam. The following information will assist you in making arrangements to attend the ISCD Course.

1. Course Definition
Clinician Course: Open to MDs, Ph.D.s, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Fellows and Residents. The course is for those interpreting DXA scans for reimbursement purposes.
Clinician Course for Technologists: Technologists may attend the Clinician Course if gaining information about interpreting DXA scans would assist them with their job responsibilities. However, it is recommended that the Technologist Course be taken first.
Technologist Course: Open to any allied health professional performing DXA scans.

2. Prerequisites
Clinician Course: Must be in good standing with your licensing organization.
Technologist Course: Must have performed at least 100 central DXA scans (attestation and manufacturer equipment name required). This is not a course for beginners who have no experience doing DXA scans.

3. Course Objectives
Clinician Course: After attending the course, participants should be better prepared to:
· Identify the technique, safety and limitations of DXA scans
· Explain the value of utilizing bone densitometry to assess and monitor fracture risk.
· Summarize quality assurance and calculation of precision at a DXA site.
· Apply the principles of DXA scan interpretation in reporting.

Technologist Course: After attending the course, participants should be better prepared to:
· Identify the technique, safety and limitations of DXA scanning
· Explain the value of utilizing bone densitometry to assess and monitor fracture risk
· Apply knowledge of quality control and operation of DXA equipment.
· Review patient preparation and proper positioning for DXA scanning.
· Identify and perform proper scan acquisition and analysis

4. Bone Densitometry Course CME/CE Credits
Clinician Course: Chinese Hospital Administration Institute designates this educational activity for category A credits 6 Each physician should claim credit for only those credits that he/she actually spent in the educational activity. The Chinese Hospital Administration Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) of Chinese Health Ministry to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Technologist Course: The Course qualifies for up to 6 Credit category A

5. Certification Exam
To become certified, it is necessary to pass the Certification Exam given immediately after the course. In addition, technologists are required to submit and pass DXA scans as part of the certification process.

6. Course Location/Hotel Accommodations
Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beingjing, China

7. Registration
Course fee includes continental lunch on both days and course materials.
a. You can register online for a specific course at www.iscd.org under "Upcoming Courses".
NOTE: The deadline for online registration is one week prior to the course.
b. You can register via fax or mail by completing and returning the form with payment. Bank transfer is accepted only. The deadline for pre-registration via fax or mail is October 1st, 2008. Full payment must accompany the registration (U.S. Dollars Only)
We do not accept registrations over the phone.
c. Have any special physical or dietary needs? Let us know by Fax (8610) 8289-8879 or email: iscd@cof.org.cn
NOTE: Additional fee applies for onsite registration. See course fees.

8. Registration Confirmation and Course Materials
Registration confirmation and course materials will be mailed 30 days prior to the course. Please bring the course materials to the course. Contact the ISCD@cof.org.cn if you have not received written confirmation and course materials at least seven (7) days prior to the course date. If your registration is received after the pre-registration deadline, you will receive your materials on-site.

9. Cancellation/Transfers/Refunds
Cancellations and transfers must be received by COF-CHPF IEG in writing.
Cancellations received 30 days or more before the course are subject to a $25 cancellation fee. Any cancellation received after the 30-day date is subject to a $75 fee. No refund will be issued for cancellations received less than six (6) days before the course date. All requests must be in writing.
"No shows" will not receive a refund or be eligible to transfer.

10. On-Site Course Registration/Sign In
Date: October 25, 2008
Time: 7:00 am - 7:45 am
NOTE: Additional fee applies for onsite registration.
See course fees.

11.Course Schedule
Note: This is a revised course schedule and replaces any prior course schedule.
DAY 1, 25th, October
07:00 AM - 07:45 AM Registration
07:45 AM - 11:00 AM Intro/General Session
Clinicians & Technologists Divide
11:00 AM - 17:30 PM Clinician Course
12:30 AM - 18:15 PM Technologist Course
Lunch is provided.
DAY 2, 26th, October
Clinician Course
7:30 AM - 11:40 AM Clinician Course
Those not taking the exam may leave
12:00 AM - 14:00 PM Clinician Exam

Technologist Course
8:00 AM- 11:40 AM Technologist Course
Those not taking the exam may leave
12:00 AM- 13:00 PM Technologist Exam

12. Language : English

13. Course Changes or Cancellations
ISCD reserves the right to cancel the program, change dates and/or meeting place. Every effort is made to maintain the program as indicated on the schedule. If a program is cancelled all program fees will automatically be refunded unless the registered participant elects to transfer to another program. (See the Transfers section for specific details and information.) The registered participant will be notified by ISCD based on the information submitted in the Registration Form.

14. Travel Cancellations Disclaimer
COF-CHPF IEG does not assume responsibility for registrants' travel or hotel expenses. Travel cancellations are subject to the terms and fees applicable to the agreements made by the registrants directly with the hotel, airline or other party at the time of booking. ISCD recommends that travel arrangements be made no sooner than 30 days prior to the program date.