DEAR COLLEAGUES,

We invite you to join us in the initiative of Serbian Myeloma Group (SMG) to promote scientific research in the field of multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders with major goal to achieve progress in the treatment of patients.

As an independent association that consists of experts who deal with diagnostics, treatment, research and education in the field of multiple myeloma and associated plasma cell disorders, the work of SMG is based on a unique diagnostic and therapeutic principles and is a reflection of the exchange of professional experiences and intensive cooperation of participating haematological centres in Serbia. Since its founding on 24 December 2008, SMG realized intensive cooperation with similar national and international associations to exchange knowledge, experience, personnel and publications. The major founding objectives of the SMG are:

1. Development and improvement of diagnostics and treatment of multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders;
2. Forming of uniform criteria of diagnostics, treatment and monitoring of patients with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders in Serbia in accordance with European and international standards;
3. Affirmation of an interdisciplinary approach to diagnostics and treatment of multiple myeloma and associated disorders of plasmacytoid lineage;
4. Participation of the SMG members in professional bodies for the control of health services that deal with treatment of multiple myeloma and associated plasma cell dyscrasias;
5. Organisation of meetings, conferences and seminars to facilitate exchange of experiences in the treatment of multiple myeloma and associated plasma cell disorders;
6. Organization of lectures and visits of experts from abroad;
7. Helping in education of experts from Serbia and standardization of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures;
8. Continuous improvement in the profession and encouraging the exchange of personnel;
9. Engaging in scientific projects and clinical studies testing of certain drugs and procedures;
10. Launch of the Professional Journal and other publications in the field of multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders in accordance with the law.

SMG constituent bodies are the Assembly, the Presidency, the Council and the Expert Working Group of the Regional Coordinators of SMG, which consists of eminent experts in the field of multiple myeloma and associated disorders of plasmacytoid lineage from all reference haematological centres in Serbia.

Membership in the SMG is voluntary and it is acquired by fulfilment of necessary conditions with written statement of accession. Members of the SMG are specialists in dealing with the diagnosis and therapy of multiple myeloma and associated plasma cell dyscrasias. Furthermore, SMG membership includes selected individuals from other professions that deal with basic, pharmacological or other research in the field of multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders.

Expecting your support for the initiative of forming a unified haematological network in research in the field of multiple myeloma and associated plasma cell disorders, best regards on behalf of the Serbian Myeloma Group,

Dr sci med Jelena Bila, MD, PhD President of the Serbian Myeloma Group