First Hispano-American Congress on Eating Disorders

More than 130 participants attended the first meeting of the Hispano-American Congress on Eating Disorders last March in Quito, Ecuador. They represented a multinational audience (Ecuador, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Spain, and the U.S.) to share clinical and research information from a transcultural perspective. The state of affairs related to eating disorders was presented for each country, including current research in the areas of demographics, clinical outcome, and sociocultural influences.

"It was a thrill to see this collaborative, multi-national effort culminate in an outstanding conference," said one of the organizers, Ovidio Bermudez, M.D., from Nashville, TN. "This event has paved the way for future professional and scientific collaboration among Hispanic countries on behalf of eating disorders sufferers." Dr. Bermudez also represented the Hispano-American "special interest group" of the Academy for Eating Disorders.

Fernando Fernadez-Aranda, M.D. from Spain added, "It was an excellent opportunity to understand the realities and cultural aspects of eating disorders in Hispanoamerica. All discussions and debates were followed by the participants in an enthusiastic and interactive way."

A second conference is being planned for Mexico City in October, 2004.