DOCTORS GATHERING : Local doctors at the start of their 2-day annual general meeting and scientific conference at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital Conference Room, Moto’otua.
By Staff Writer
Infectious diseases in Samoa tied to climate change have the attention of the local doctors this week.
Diseases like malaria, filariasis and dengue fever are shared in selected presentations by doctors on the state of these health problems in the country.
The health information sharing, helps the Samoa Medical Association (SMA) of doctors, keep track of the challenges to ensure good health for the country.
The exercise is a tradition for doctors at their annual general meeting and scientific conference.
The 2-day gathering of health professionals started yesterday, Thursday 30 May 2023, at the National Hospital Conference Room.
The Samoa Medical Association was established more than 70 years ago in 1948.
As of today there are more women doctors at 52 per cent compared to their male colleagues at 48 per cent.
The majority or 89 of the doctors are employed full time with the Ministry of Health while 32 are in private practice.
A few are with academic institutions like the Oceania Medical School, National University of Samoa and international organisation like WHO.
SMA President Taulealeausumai Dr. Titi Lamese placed the emphasis on the goal to boost the numbers joining the profession in the future.
“Passion and dedication to medical care translates into better health”, Dr. Lamese felt at his official address at the start of the conference.
Several new medical graduates took Hippocratic oaths of service at the start of the conference.