 Integrative Medicine: Evidence-based, traditional, complementary and alternative medicine in modern medical practice
JOINT CONFERENCE (AMSA & IFMSA) 2011
Hong Kong, 25 June-2 July 2011
Joseph Assad, Australian Regional Chairperson, Asian Medical Students' Association (AMSA Int'l) on behalf of the Australian delegation, sponsored by PHC RIS
A delegation of 30 Australian medical students travelled to Hong Kong for the inaugural Joint Conference between the Asian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) and the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA).
The academic and social programs allowed the 550 delegates from 32 countries to explore the conference theme from a variety of angles. Delegates were invited to investigate the characteristics of holistic healthcare approaches through keynote lectures, workshops, paper presentations and scientific posters.
The Australian delegation submitted presentations for the academic paper, poster and video competitions. The academic paper team focused on Traditional Australian Medicine as well as the rising influence of traditional, alternative and complementary treatments among the Australian public, whilst the poster team focused on the issue of modernising Indigenous medicine and "bringing traditional remedies from the bush into the modern era". The video team placed first runner-up, exploring the various issues felt by the modern day health consumer and the issues surrounding complementary and alternative medicine. The academic competitions allowed us to express Australia's unique social and cultural issues, which are quite distinct from our geographical neighbours.
 The Conference incorporated a community service aspect targeting the elderly population and 'Falls Prevention'. Delegates undertook a training workshop as well as home visits where detailed home assessments were undertaken to assess fall and trip hazards. Translators and social workers were provided by the Salvation Army and communicated on the delegate's behalf the results of their assessment as well as teaching them simple exercises and educating on fall prevention.
Attendance at the Joint Conference was an amazing opportunity for us as future doctors to enhance our education on a topic that is largely under-taught in medical school, as well as to foster relationships with our overseas counterparts. We were presented with a forum for discussion of medical issues and the direction of health care pertinent to the Asia-Pacific region.
We would like to thank PHC RIS, and our other sponsors for their generous contributions which helped provide us with the opportunity to experience this highly rewarding and prestigious conference.
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