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Experts Stress Greater Focus on Patient than Disease
The 2nd International Family Medicine Conference at Aga Khan University
(AKU) concluded on February 6, 2005, with experts shedding light on
an array of issues and unravelling emerging trends in Family Medicine
with a special focus on the patient.
The three-day conference, titled 'Strengthening the Central Role of
Family Medicine in Health Care', was organised by AKU's Department
of Family Medicine in collaboration with the World Organization of
Family Doctors (WONCA), Royal College of General Practitioners, UK,
and College of Family Medicine, Pakistan. Participants included physicians
from Pakistan and other Asian countries as well as Australia, East
Africa, the Middle East, UK and US, who explored the role of Family
Medicine in relation to clinical care, preventive care, continuing
medical education, research and development of leadership skills.
Dr Valerie Vass, Professor in Community-Based Medical Education, University
of Manchester, UK, spoke on the need for and methods of teaching and
training doctors for the 21st century, highlighting factors that were
driving change and pinpointing skills doctors need to cope with the
impending change - change due to globalisation, changing patterns
in health care delivery, patient empowerment, ethics and accountability.
She said that the new century entailed greater focus on the patient
than disease, good communication by the doctor with the patient, and
ability to handle uncertainty and risk through professionalism.
Dr Jill Benson from University of Adelaide, Australia, discussed what
she described as a 'culturally sensitive consultation model' that
brings into its fold the different cultural sensitivities involved
during patient consultation. She suggested recognising the patient
as "the 'expert' in his or her culture and using respect and curiosity
as a way of moving through the consultation." At the same time she
highlighted health literacy on the part of the patient as key to "decreasing
fear and increasing health options."
Other speakers on the third day included Drs Garth Manning and Waquas
Waheed from the UK, and Drs Badar Sabir Ali, Javed Rizvi, Murad Moosa
Khan, Khawar Kazmi, Riaz Qureshi and Abdul Jabbar. The closing ceremony
was addressed by Dr Garth Manning from the UK and Professors Rosslynne
Freeman and Rukhsana Zuberi of AKU. Dr David Taylor, Acting Provost,
AKU, presented plaques to the participants.
AKU recognises that the endemic problems of a region beset with financial
difficulties and low development indicators can only be addressed
through relevant research focusing on producing low-cost, accessible
and innovative solutions. The University provides an enabling environment
to conduct research for needs that are widespread.
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