Cardiac Arrhythmia Society of SA
WELCOME TO CASSA!
From the President Dr. Ronald M Jardine:
The Cardiac Arrhythmia Society of Southern Africa is an organization of physicians, scientists and allied professionals throughout the subcontinent dedicated to the study of management of cardiac arrhythmia. Its vision is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and training and providing leadership towards optimal healthcare policies and standards.
CASSA has been fully operational since 1998. The Society operates as an educational institution of a public character, providing specialized vocational training for medical specialists, doctors, nurses, paramedical and other health care workers, students, similar professionals and students to prepare them for work in the field of management of cardiac rhythm disturbances. CASSA further promotes collaboration between members and provide facilities for data collection on Arrhythmia and the use of ICD’s in South Africa.
The Society promotes research opportunities and participation in National and International trials in the sub-specialty. The Society represents the subspecialty to all relevant institutions and offers consensus on issues in the sub-specialty to professional societies, healthcare funders and industry in South Africa.
2009 was a busy year for CASSA and amongst its activities were a national symposium on Syncope, a GP Roadshow in the Western Cape, a slot on the program during the Medical Advisors Group Annual Conference and representation on the PMB clinical review committee of the Council of Medical Schemes.
CASSA is proud to be associated with sister organization PACE and this year saw the first ever CASSA/PACE joint meeting where treatment, care and support of patients suffering from arrhythmia and related diseases was discussed at length. CASSA recognizes the important role that PACE plays in educating the public and other role players in South Africa on the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of arrhythmia. It also financially supports some of the literature distributed by PACE.
We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead during which PACE will be spearheading an awareness and educationaldrive on arrhythmia in 50 South African schools.
Together, and through their individual activities, CASSA and PACE are shaping and changing the arrhythmia market in South Africa. CASSA will continue to support the PACE endeavors where we can in the future.
For further information on CASSA and its activities, visit www.cassa.co.za.