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Welcoming Ceremonies Begin Annual International MASCC Meeting
Minister of Health of Ontario and President of the University Health Network Welcome Attendees at the 18th International Supportive Care in Cancer Symposium
Dr. Ron Feld, Chair of the 18th International MASCC Supportive Care in Cancer Symposium, began the Welcoming Ceremony by introducing Robert Bell, MD, President and CEO of University Health Network. Dr. Bell stated how delighted he was that Toronto could host this symposium. He then introduced George Smitherman, of Health and Long-Term Care for Toronto Centre Rosedale. Mr. Smitherman emphasized how he was very pleased to welcome everyone to Toronto. He spoke about the publicly funded health system in Canada and noted how much work has been done to expand the cancer system in Ontario, including an end of life system. He felt the program has allowed enhancement of the quality of care for patients with cancer.
Dr. Feld continued by personally welcoming everyone to the symposium and thanked all of the contributors. He emphasized this was a collaborative effort from all faculty and thanked the ISOO group for planning all of their own sessions. He also thanked the local and international faculty for their support, and acknowledged the generous support of the sponsors. Dr. Hesketh extended his welcome to all participants and acknowledged Dr. Feld and the organizing committee for putting together such a great program. He also reflected on the fact that for nearly 20 years, MASCC has been a leader to improve supportive care in cancer patients and is the leading scientific meeting in supportive care in cancer patients and MASCC is advancing the level of knowledge of supportive care in cancer patients. 
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