International Conference of Physician Assistants (IAPACON 2015) was organized at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciencesfrom October 10-11, 2015. The conference was organized by the Indian Association of Physician Assistants (IAPA) in association with International Academy of Physician Associate Educators (IAPAE) & Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS).
Sri. K. Babu, Honorable Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Excise, Kerala State inaugurated the conference by lighting the auspicious lamp. “Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 38 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for healthcare services from the growing and aging population and widespread chronic disease, combined with a shortage of physicians, will result in increased demand for healthcare providers, such as physician assistants” said the Minister in his inaugural address.
Brahmachari Anaghamrita Chaithanya gave the benedictory address. Dr. Prem Nair, Medical Director, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences; Dr. Prathapan Nair, Principal, Amrita School of Medicine; Prof. M. V. Thampi, Chairman, IAPACON; Mr. R. Sivakumar, President, IAPA; Dr. Kavita Narayan, Director, National Initiative for Allied Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, New Delhi and Mr. Sujith Raj S., Senior Physician Assistant, Department of Cardiology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences spoke on the occasion.
Nationally and internationally renowned faculty members gave the key note presentations. The two-day scientific program was packed with latest developments in the profession as well as knowledge in medicine.
Thought-provoking lectures peppered with breakout sessions, debates, discussions and workshops. Quizzes were also conducted.
Physician Assistant Associations from more than five countries participated in this mega international event. More than 600 delegates participated in the conference.
It has been two decades since the first batch of Physician Assistants (PA) graduated in India. Physician Assistants (PAs) obtain medical histories, perform examinations and procedures, order treatments, diagnose diseases, order and interpret diagnostic tests, refer patients to specialists as required and first or second-assist in surgery under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. They work in hospitals, clinics and other types of health facilities, or in academic administration. The Indian Physician Assistant program is the third in the world next to the United States of America and Canada.
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International Conference of Physician Assistants (IAPACON 2015)
