The annual convention of the UIMC took place at the invitation of the Belgian Railways (SNCB) and its medical service CPS in Brussels from 10 to 12 October 2007. The General Assembly of the UIMC was held on 12 October within this congress.

The Management Committee of the UIMC elected for the next 4 years:

Chairman: Dr. P.-A. Voumard, CFF / SBB
Secretary-General: Make C. Cothereau, SNCF

The outgoing President has been extended. Dr C. Cothereau has been designated as new General Secretary, replacing Dr. W. Odenthal, BEV Germany, who retired after 12 years of activity.

The 7 other members of the Committee are:

– Vice President: Dr. G. Palma, FS
– Treasurer: Dr. M. Baniadam, Team Prevent (Austria)
– Secretary of the Executive Committee: Dr. D. Whelan, CIE
– Members:
Dr Van den Heuvel, SNCB, Dr M. Tucek, CD, Dr. O. Foss, NSB, Dr. V.K. Ramteke, IR.

13 scientific presentations were proposed in the field of trafficking medicine and railway occupational medicine: the main topics covered were the experiences of health services following to the railway major attacks that took place in India and UK, the impact of aging on its staff employability and absences for health disorders, the criteria of ability, alcohol and stress. As specific topics of occupational medicine were discussed a plan in the event of a pandemic of avian flu, the problems associated with the use of electrodes thorium, control of water contamination by legionnelles.

The technical day was devoted to the visit of the new underground station of Antwerp, of the yard Anvers-nord and of a container terminal.

Two working groups are currently active, one to medical adviser the CER (Community of European Railways), the other to establish guidelines for the consumption of alcohol and drugs. A small working group of the Management Committee will look at the consequences of the new organisation of UIC at the Union Medical Services International Railways.