I was thrilled to attend the Vesalius Continuum in September 2014 in Greece. My week on the beautiful island of Zakynthos was not only filled with attending the congress, which offered a plethora of fascinating topics and featured both intriguing speakers and attendees, but I also savored the warm weather, delectable Greek cuisine, and tranquil beach relaxation.
This year's conference commemorated the 500th anniversary of Andreas Vesalius, a monumental figure in medical history. Known as the father of modern human anatomy, Vesalius, a distinguished Flemish physician, passed away in Zakynthos, Greece, in 1564.
Highlights of the Conference Program:
Scientific Research Presentations: Delivered by esteemed Vesalius scholars from various countries including the UK, USA, France, Italy, Greece, and Belgium.
Contemporary Art Exhibition: The “Fabrica Vitae” showcased works of renowned medical artists. More details can be found at Fabrica Vitae.
Musical Concerts: Part of the cultural project “Things From Belgium.”
Film Presentations: Included the Fabrica Vitae film and works by Jan Fabre & Giacomo Rizzolatti, MEDinART.
Commemorative Monument: A new creation by Richard Neave and Pascale Pollier.
Educational Resources:
For those interested in learning more about Andreas Vesalius, I recommend exploring an issue of the Karger Gazette. This free newspaper/e-paper is published annually, focusing on themes of interest in biomedical research and clinical practice. The articles not only introduce Vesalius as a pioneer of modern anatomy but also delve into the intersection of art, illustration, and medical history. The issue features an insightful interview with Pascale Pollier, President of BIOMAB, AEIMS, Artem-Medicalis, discussing her journey as a medical illustrator. You can download it [here](link to Karger Gazette).
Additionally, the website www.vesalius-fabrica.com offers intriguing stories about Vesalius, his era, and his work, along with background information on the production of the New Fabrica.