Delivering A Better Life

Medsin National Conference

20^th-21^st October 2012 University of Warwick

In the UK, many people consider the day their child was born as the happiest day in their life. In developing countries, the day a child born is all too often the day its mother dies. The child left behind is 4 times more likely to die prematurely. Despite known solutions & goals implemented to reduce maternal and child mortality in the world, it is still far from being achieved. This is not to say there is no progress in this area, but awareness and efforts need to be increased tremendously if Millennium Development Goals 4 & 5 are to be achieved by anytime close to 2015.

As the Advocacy Coordinator of the Organising Committee of this year’s Medsin National Conference, I am delighted to introduce its theme- Maternal & Child Health: Delivering a Better Life. This conference will be held at University of Warwick on the 20^th to 21^st of October, and will not only look into current problems encountered in stopping mothers and children dying, but how to go about solving these and what everyone can do to contribute.

We are fortunate enough to have a range of extremely exciting speakers sharing their expert opinions and experience on maternal and child health. The conference will be opened by Professor Peter Winstanley, President of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (and the Dean of Warwick Medical School!), followed immediately by Professor Steve Allen, who is the current International Officer for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Dr Dan Magnus, BMJ Junior Doctor of the Year 2011, will also be participating in the Child Health plenary. The plenaries will also be looking into safeguarding women, with contribution from Dr Geetha Subramanian, who has led the way to create a centre of excellence in Women’s Health; and Dr Jacqueline Woodman, who has worked tirelessly across 3 continents and will look into politics, culture, and advocacy. A very special plenary session will be led by students, including Hollie Kluczeski, who is not only the current National Coordinator of Sexpression, but also coordinates the international network of peer educators within the International Federation of Medical Students Federation (IFMSA). With such a great bunch, I am the plenaries will inspire delegates to take action!

There will be over 40 workshops on offer; delegates will be spoilt for choice! I am certainly pondering on which to pick. Topics range from the thought-provoking “Palliative Care in Developing World” by Dr Karilyn Collins, to the horrors of “Syria in Conflict” by Lucy & Nicci West. Delegates can also look into Child Detention in the UK with Esme Madill, discuss whether we are the Generation of Change with Danny Hutley, or decide whether sex education is a right with the Sexpression team. There is also a great opportunity to view original footage from MSF on humanitarian crises over the years with Joseph Heskin. On the Sunday afternoon, the National Medsin Team will also host a range of training workshops that will equip delegates with invaluable skills. No doubt the workshops will leave delegates wanting to do more!

One of the best aspects of the conference is meeting the delegates (which will certainly be helped along the way by the Saturday night social). As it stands, there are increasing numbers of non-medical and medical students, as well as professionals, registered for the conference. With this lovely mix, I am very excited about the different input in discussions during the plenaries, workshops, and of course over tea and biscuits. All this along with Professor John Yudkin hosting Question Time, who is Emeritus Professor of Medicine at University College London and Trustee of Medsin; there will definitely be some intriguing exchanges!

Everyone is welcome to this conference and I cannot wait to meet everyone! There are still students and non-students tickets up for grabs, plus early bird tickets are available until Friday 12^th October (TODAY!), so make sure you get yours now!

Book tickets now on http://www.medsin.org/news-and-events/national-conferences/nc12/booking