The first biennial meeting: Atami, Japan 2005  

The first meeting was organized by WANS President Dr Takeshi Kawase and was held at the Royal Wing Hotel in Atami, Japan on October 2-4, 2005. The meeting opened with a get-together cocktail reception on October 2nd, 2005 at 5:00 PM. All founding academicians and their spouses gathered for dinner at the same hotel.   

On October 3rd, 2005 scientific sessions were opened by Dr Takeshi Kawase, the President of the meeting. Twenty-one academicians presented at the first meeting. The WANS award lecture was given by Dr Gazi Yasargil. Twenty scientific presentations were given at the scientific sessions.  

During these sessions spouses visited the museum, the Atami castle and the bonsai garden. In the evening,  a dinner was held at the same hotel and a performance of traditional Japanese folk dancing was enjoyed by all.  On October 4th, 2005 all academicians visited Lake Asi, the Hakone Shrine and the Sekisho.    

During the business meeting of the Academy, membership requirements were presented by Dr Al-Mefty and this issue was discussed extensively. Officers of the 2005-2007 period were elected: Dr Albino Bricolo-President, Dr Ossama Al-Mefty-President elect.; Dr James Rutka- Secretary/Treasurer. Annual dues were also discussed. The delegates also came to the conclusion to make formal biennial WANS meetings and interim meetings. The purpose of the Academy and location of the future meetings were also discussed in detail.