Hi Everyone,
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) Faculty of Medicine team recently attended the International Congress of Academic Medicine (ICAM). Our delegation returned home enriched with new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and invaluable connections.
Learning and Growth Opportunities: The congress offered our team many learning experiences. We attended numerous presentations and workshops, absorbing cutting-edge ideas in medical education, research, and healthcare innovation. These sessions provided us with inspiration and practical insights.
Networking and Collaboration: One of the most beneficial aspects of ICAM was connecting with Canadian leaders in medical education. The welcoming reception hosted by our partners in medical education at UPEI, the Memorial Faculty of Medicine, proved very beneficial, enabling our team to engage in informal discussions with those delivering their accredited Doctor of Medicine program at their regional campus hosted at UPEI.
Planetary Health: Dr. Courtney Howard’s and colleagues’ enlightening presentation on planetary health was a standout moment at the congress. Dr. Howard, an Emergency Physician from Yellowknife and a renowned advocate for climate change and health, offered compelling insights. Dr. Howard’s talk emphasized the crucial links between human health and the well-being of our planet. Her discussion on eco-anxiety, active transport, plant-rich diets, and the need for systemic changes in healthcare prompted consideration of how we approach these topics.
Aligning with Global Trends: Dr. Howard’s presentation and other ICAM sessions have reinforced the importance of integrating planetary health principles into medical education. We recognize the value of preparing medical students to address the complex health challenges of the 21st century, including environmental factors.
Our attendance at ICAM gave us fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. We look forward to sharing these insights to further strengthen the medical education experience for students, ensuring that we continue to evolve and meet the changing needs of healthcare education.
We’re grateful for this opportunity to learn from and connect with the Canadian medical education community.
Feel free to reach out for more information or to chat anytime.
The government of PEI and the University of Prince Edward Island, in strategic partnership with Memorial University, are building for the future and ultimately improving the healthcare of all Prince Edward Islanders.