SIZ - BVIKM Joint Symposium 2025
21st June 2025 - Nhow Brussels Bloom, Brussels 

Dear Sir, Dear Madam,   

 

Let us cordially invite you to participate in the joint SIZ (Belgian Society of Intensive Care Medicine) and  BVIKM-SBIMC, (Belgische vereniging voor infectiologie en klinische microbiologie, Societé  Belge d’infectiologie et de microbiologie clinique) symposium on June 21 in Brussels. This meeting corresponds to the yearly SIZ congress, and to one of the bi-annual BBVIKM-SBIMC’s symposiums.   

 

Why ? Infection still occupies an overwhelming presence in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although outcome from critical illness has improved over the years, patients with infectious diseases hospitalized in the ICU continue to demonstrate challenges and an unacceptably high mortality. This increased integration of both specialties may contribute to improvement in detection and treatment of infectious diseases.  At the same time, both specialties have been humbled by the advent of pan-drug-resistant bacteria and serious outbreaks of emerging viruses.  

 

Therefore, the congress will explore current evidence with the opinion of experts in the fields of  infectious diseases, clinical microbiology, hospital pharmacists and critical care. We are convinced we will offer you an intriguing scientific program. Many topics will indeed be covered by real experts and may interest both the intensivist and infectiologist …   issues really on the interface of these two specialties.  

 

The first morning session will focus on the rapidly changing epidemiology of viral, bacterial and fungal infections in the ICU. A second session will discuss old and new diagnostic tools for infectious diseases in the critically ill, including emerging technology for rapid identification of pathogens.  In the afternoon, the treatment of ICU infections will be highlighted. The information provided at the congress will benefit health care providers at all stages of training and practice. 

 

And finally, our young and/or future colleagues will present groundbreaking research either as an abstract or an oral presentation. Let's support them at the start of their career. 

  

The venue (the hotel Nhow Brussels Bloom, Koningsstraat 250, 1210 Brussels) is very convenient and can be reached by almost every type of public transportation. It is just at 10 minutes walking distance from either the central or north Brussels train station.  

  

We sincerely hope to meet you in Brussels on June 21! The program ends in the early afternoon, allowing you all to return home at a convenient hour on a Saturday …  

  

Met vriendelijke groet,  

 

Amicalement, 

On behalf of the SIZ board,

On behalf of the SBIMC-BVIKM board,

​

Philippe Jorens, SIZ President

Maya Hites, SBIMC-BVIMK Chairman