A free weekend conference at Emory, beginning April 16 at 7 p.m., brings together health professionals and the general public to learn more about medical volunteerism. The event features keynote addresses, exhibits and brainstorming panel discussions on a variety of topics. Participants will be able to network with the general public, students, nurses and physicians representing all areas of health care.
The inaugural “International Conference on Medical Volunteerism” (ICMV) is hosted by the Emory School of Medicine and co-hosted by Morehouse School of Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Medical University of South Carolina.
Conference organizers say they are offering a diverse array of events and presenters in hopes of inspiring more people to volunteer and create synergies among volunteer organizations and volunteers themselves.
“We want attendees to walk away with new, innovative ways and connections to help improve the overall health of the human race, particularly the underserved,” says Neil Shulman, MD, associate professor at Emory School of Medicine and chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee.
Sessions will provide information about activities such as screenings, free clinics, surgical interventions, public health education and health care provider training, and offer attendees new insights into a range of volunteer opportunities in Atlanta and around the world.
Key speakers include George Lundberg, past editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Medical Association and Emory cardiologist Allen Dollar, MD, who has conducted medical expeditions around the world.
Participants will also hear from:
- A senior high school student who has been participating in medical missions to the Dominican Republic every year since the age of 10.
- A team of volunteers who have gone to Haiti, in a session moderated by Haitian doctors and other Haitian health professionals.
- A doctor who treats homeless people and leads an international group of physicians who have taken his “street medicine” approach to locations around the world.
For more information, the conference schedule, and to register for this free event, go to http://www.emoryimvc.org.
