Australian Medical Students Association Hosts Largest Medical Student Conference In Southern Hemisphere

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 07 Jul 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The 49th Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) National Convention will kick off in Melbourne tomorrow, with 900 future doctors joining leaders in health and politics to debate hot issues in health.

The National Convention is AMSA's premier event and is the largest medical student conference in the Southern Hemisphere.

AMSA President Michael Bonning said the Convention fostered collegiality amongst students and provided a platform for students to discuss and debate contemporary health issues.

"900 medical students are gathered here in Melbourne, all of whom have an interest in building a better future for Australian healthcare," he said.

"We have the opportunity to tap into the minds of this diverse and talented group of individuals to discover new ways forward for health in Australia."

Throughout the Convention, delegates will have the opportunity to hear from leaders in health and politics including Dr Philip Nitsche, Dr Sally Cockburn, Former AMA President Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld and Mr Jeff Kennett, AC.

The week's program kicks off with sessions on obesity, dieting and eating disorders.

Dr Rick Kausman will speak about alternatives to dieting and new approaches to weight loss, an issue of particular importance in the face of Australia's obesity epidemic.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital Eating Disorders unit will run a session entitled "To Eat or Not To Eat", looking at the physiology, psychology and treatment of eating disorders.

http://www.amsa.org.au