Media release

AMA hosts global medical leaders in Sydney

Some of the world’s most respected medical leaders and authorities will meet in Sydney next week for the 188th World Medical Association (WMA) Council Session, hosted by the AMA.

The Session will include more than 150 delegates representing 95 National Medical Associations (NMAs) from around the world – the largest gathering of NMAs outside Europe.

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today it was an honour for the AMA to be hosting the WMA Council Session for the first time in Australia since 1994.

“The WMA Council Session is one of the biggest events on the international health policy calendar,” Dr Pesce said.

“It’s a privilege for the AMA to be hosting these global leaders in medicine and health.

“We look forward to welcoming international guests such as President of the British Medical Association, Professor Sir Michael Marmot, who is an internationally acclaimed researcher into the social determinants of health.

“Some of Australia’s leading authorities in health policy will join WMA delegates, including former AMA President Dr Mukesh Haikerwal (AO). Dr Haikerwal is a strong contender to be elected as the new Chair of the WMA Council at this Session.

“Dr Haikerwal was a strong advocate for doctors and patients during his time with the AMA, and he has become a leader in the implementation of e-health initiatives in Australia.

“We wish Dr Haikerwal the very best during his campaign,” Dr Pesce said.

Many of the meetings during the Session in Sydney will shape future policies that are approved at the WMA General Assembly in October.

Topics to be discussed include violence against medical personnel in armed conflicts, medical research on child subjects, physician involvement in torture, palliative sedation, the global burden of chronic disease, the ethical procurement of human organs, the use of placebo in medical research, violence in the health sector, and the social determinants of health.

A prelude to the Session will be the Medical Leadership: The View from Down Under Symposium, hosted by the AMA, the WMA and the New Zealand Medical Association. The event will showcase the medical profession’s role in health leadership, medical research and
e-health.

Places are still available at the AMA Symposium. To arrange registration and/or interviews with delegates and speakers, contact Geraldine Kurukchi on 02 6270 5467 or 0427 209 753.


1 April 2011

 

CONTACT:         Geraldine Kurukchi              02 6270 5467 / 0427 209 753

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