Chair of PMA memberships, Dr Jitiko Cama (FRACS, MMED, MBBS) says he is looking forward to the annual conference and celebrating 25 years of the PMA and its service to the community. The last conference was last held in Niue in 2019 as the 2020 conference was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year a key focus is engaging with tertiary students and young Pacific medical professionals, so they understand the work of PMA and be inspired to be part of the network of Pacific health professionals who work together to meet the health needs of Pacific people here in New Zealand and across the Pacific region.
“We will have a leader’s forum on the first day of the conference aimed specifically at our Pacific medical students and advanced trainees. We want to make them aware about what we do at the PMA and that we have many Pacific health professionals in high positions who can provide them with mentorship.”
The PMA is also seeking submissions from organisations who wish to present oral papers at the conference to highlight their research, models of care and abstracts that align with the conference theme of; Reconnect, Reflect, Reframe and Reenergise.
“Reconnect will focus on mental health innovation and integration, as we have identified this as a priority for our Pacific families. Reflect will focus on our humanitarian assistance and recovery as multiple health and natural disaster crises have affected Pacific people disproportionately.
Reframe will focus on what is new in climate change as these issues have become more apparent and the voice of Pacific youth on this topic grows louder. Reenergise is about equity. Pacific people thrive when they are given a platform to share their authentic histories which provide guidance and help craft tailored Pacific solutions.”
Dr Cama says that attendees will receive fresh insight into these four areas of Pacific health and they will have the opportunity to network with others working in the Pacific health space.
“Whenever I go to this conference, I always look forward to meeting new people and it’s a great way for us to share ideas and information and learn and improve our knowledge.”
The 2021 Pasifika Medical Association Conference is from 8-10 September 2021, Te Papa Museum, Wellington.
To register, please visit: http://pacifichealth.org.nz/2021-conference-registration/
Call for abstracts close on July 31. For abstract guidelines and more information please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZG6ZXKJ
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Date: Monday 19 July 2021