Clinical Conference 2008

AMA(WA) Cairo conference ‘best so far’

The AMA(WA) members have heralded the 2008 Clinical Conference in Cairo as the most successful of the association’s three international events so far.

AMA(WA) President, Assoc Prof Gary Geelhoed, said the magnificent venue and speaker list for the conference gave members the rare opportunity to listen to leading medical experts in a professional but relaxed and fascinating environment.

“For most medical professionals, taking time out from day-to-day practice to attend a seminar of any description can prove almost impossible,” said Assoc Prof Geelhoed.

“So there is a great deal of value in holding a Clinical Conference like this overseas, particularly as it exposes local practitioners to challenges experienced in health care systems in other countries.”

The 2008 conference opened on Sunday, September 14 with a presentation from Dr David Roberts about the medical history of Egypt, one of the birthplaces of modern medicine.

It was followed up by presentations from leading insurance experts from MDA National, with other notable guest speakers including WA Chief Scientist, Prof Lyn Beazley, RPH director of Postgraduate Medical Education, Dr Richard Tarala, child psychiatrist Dr Margaret Doherty and medical economist Dr Elizabeth Geelhoed.

Former AMA(WA) President, Prof Bernard Pearn-Rowe, presided over a ‘hypothetical’ to demonstrate the complexity of competing ethical interests in decisions facing doctors – particularly for General Practitioners in every-day practice.

Assoc Prof Geelhoed said the hypothetical was a particular highlight of the conference and revealed many common and regular difficulties faced by GPs practicing in WA.

Tour delegates stayed at the Sofitel El Gezirah, which overlooked the majestic banks of the Nile and tours were conducted to the great Pyramids, the Sphiunx and on boats along the Nile with other activities such as mini golf, shopping and touring the historic city of Alexandria available.

After the conference, the bulk of delegates elected to continue sightseeing with a cruise long the Nile from Aswan to Luxor.

Planning is already underway for the 2009 event, with a number of exotic locations being considered.

Further details can be found in the October edition of Medicus.