The 38th annual scientific convention of AMHE
 From July 25th to the 31st, the 38th annual scientific convention of the AMHE took place in Santa Clara, Panama.
This was according to all standards a very successful convention. A group of about 150 health care providers was present composed essentially of Haitian physicians but also of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physical therapists etc. The total participation including the guests and family members reached roughly 275 according to the organizers. Four physicians and their spouses represented the chapter of New Jersey; Dr Bontemps, Dr Boucard, Dr Altema and Dr Ducheine. The chapters of Florida and Canada claimed the highest attendance. Noticeably, there were several physicians from Haiti as well as the head of the department of health, the chief of staff of the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince and representatives from the Haitian Red Cross.
A total of 25 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits were offered. A wealth of lectures encompassing medical, surgical, rehabilitation medicine and physical therapy was delivered. The lectures were of overall great quality and were well attended. The flow was well organized and the audience had a chance to interact with the lecturers. On the last day, several physicians practicing in Haiti made outstanding presentations on the health care delivery in the land; there were talks on the cholera epidemic, diabetes etc . The plans for the reconstruction of the medical and nursing schools destroyed by the seism were also presented.
Lectures offered by the AMHE-New Jersey Chapter included: Ten Over-the-Counter Wonder Drugs; Novel Approach to Osteoporosis by Dr Altema; an Overview of Therapeutic Endoscopy by Dr Boucard; Surgical Options in the treatment of type 2 Diabetes; Surgical Management of Morbid Obesity by Dr Ducheine. Local TV networks came on site to interview the AMHE leaders and some officials from Haiti.
After long work days many would often gather at the shore for improvised comedy/jokes show; others simply enjoyed the Pacific Ocean sipping beverages provided at will via the all-inclusive package of the resort.
This convention was brilliantly organized by the Chapter of South-Florida and managed by Omni Travel. Breezes resort was a great location for the convention, with a splendid collection of tropically landscaped swimming pools and hot tubs, a clean shore on the pacific coast of Panama and countless amenities enjoyed by the attendance. The main complaint was that the resort was 1.5 to 2 hours away from Panama City. Many took advantage of their presence in Central America to visit the engineering wonder of the Panama Canal, the modern metropolis Panama City with its proud and defiant modern skyscrapers. Other went towards the countryside and dwelled into the rainforest, visiting thermal springs to experiment their therapeutic powers. Several people were disappointed that the shopping haven attributed to Panama failed to materialize unless one made wholesale purchases.
As Panama is located 7degrees North of the Equator line, we had our fair share of heat and humidity; but the resort was well equipped to make the experience a pleasantly memorable one. Please note that July is their quiet season, even schools are in session during that time; prime time for Panama is the Christmas season and they call it their Summer time.
The convention was also a serious political and organizational time for the AMHE at large. A new Central Executive Committee was voted of which Dr. Pierre Paul Cadet is the new president. On Thursday night, fashion and talent shows were held; Dr Altema nicknamed the Maurice Sixtot of the AMHE was on stage; many other musical or poetic performances were enjoyed by the audience. The gala night unfortunately was not the success anticipated, mostly because of lengthy speeches and the fact that many attendants left early in anticipation of a 4AM airport ride to return to the United States.
This was like a big family reunion with solid scientific learning, strengthening of old friendships and building of new ones. The next AMHE convention (the 39th) is expected to be at Norfolk, Virginia in 2012. The tradition will certainly be holding on. Don't miss it.
by Dr Herve Boucard |
