INTRODUCTION
The need to start some form of regular academic activity for the School of Medicine (SOM), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) was very much realized by the School. In early June a survey was carried out to understand the views of staff, both academic and non-academic, regarding the needs of organising regular educational scientific meetings (RESMs) for SOM, and to come up with an appropriate suggestion on RSMs for the School. Results of the survey were reported in late July 2005.
The message was clear:
Almost all (96%; 26/27) the participants felt the need to begin educational scientific meetings (ESMs).
The first RESM took place on 5 th October, 2005, and our Dekan, Prof. Dr. Osman Ali was the first speaker, talking on: