Integrating the care of the complex COPD patient

The European Seminars in Respiratory Medicine has represented an outstanding series updating new science in respiratory disease from the 1990's up to the early beginning of this 21st century [1,2]. Its aim is to update issues and current science, focusing on the multidisciplinary approach to patients with respiratory disease. As such, it represents a unique opportunity for specialists in Respiratory Medicine involved in Basic and Clinical Research to discuss topical and debated problems in medical care, at a top level forum guided by an expert panel of authors. The structure of the seminar is based on the following pillars: o Attendance at the Seminars is strictly limited: selection of participants is based, in order of priority, on scientific curriculum, age (younger specialists are privileged), and early receipt of the application form. o Each topic is allotted considerable time for presentation and discussion. The first section is devoted to a series of presentations (with adequate time allocated for discussion) by an expert panel of researchers and clinicians. In the second section involves discussions of controversial issues, in a smaller audience format encouraging interaction between the panel and audience. o "Meet the expert" seminars discuss topical subjects in more depth, utilizing an interactive tutorial.