The not-so-simple act of surviving medical school can be exhausting, easily wearing on the ideals of even the most dedicated human rights advocates. Third year clerkships have been particularly grueling, so I’ve spent much of the year looking forward to PHR’s National Conference as an opportunity to recharge my batteries—a chance to be inspired by luminaries in the field of health and human rights, as well as by the work of my fellow students (aka future luminaries). When the conference finally arrived last weekend, it provided just the jolt I had been looking for.
The fun began early with a pub night. By the end of the evening, I had met students from as far away as Texas, learned something new about connective tissue diseases from a researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital, and even received career advice from one of the conference speakers—all while sipping delicious cocktails and enjoying good music. It was a great way to jump-start the weekend and to arrive at the conference knowing there would be familiar faces to greet.
The conference itself provided all the inspiration I had been looking for. The all-star presentation line-up included a keynote by Dr. Howard Zucker, who described the power of even small ideas to change the face of care for the underserved if we persist in pursuing their implementation. He was followed by Professor Stephen Marks, who expounded upon the notion of a right to health in the context of the current American political climate. The panels that transitioned the conference from morning to afternoon included:
- Motivational advice from PHR Past President Dr. Holly Atkinson about our role in bending the arc of history toward justice;
- Moving first-hand testimony about the conflicts in Chechnya and Darfur from Dr. Khassan Baiev and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Eisa, respectively, along with commentary by Dr. Michael VanRooyen, Dr. Sondra Crosby, and PHR Deputy Director Susannah Sirkin about how American medical professionals can assist in the face of atrocities;
- Practical advice from resident Sohil Sud, fellows Stephen Morris and Parveen Parmar, and Oxfam America advisor Sarah Kalloch about how to pursue a commitment to human rights throughout medical training;
- Explanation by Dr. Ramin Asgary and lawyer Christy Fujio of the role medical affidavits can play in ensuring that torture survivors receive asylum;
- A primer from PHR Deputy Director Richard Sollom on the power of epidemiological research to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable;
- Tips for developing advocacy initiatives based on clinical problems and taking these initiatives to the press, by Dr. Gloria White-Hammond, ABIM Foundation Director of Communications John Held, and PHR Senior Press Officer Megan Prock.
Click here to learn more about the speakers.
(In the next post, recap of the awards ceremony and Sujal Parikh Memorial Education Expo…)
Posted in: conference, Official PHR Posts, student advisory board, Student Blog, Student Program
Tagged: 2011 national conference
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We encourage all students to invite faculty members from their schools to the Conference, as there will be time specifically allotted for students and faculty to meet and plan initiatives to bring back to campus.
We have put together a guide on the conference website with some tips for reaching out to faculty members to invite them to attend the conference and ask them to support students’ HHRE initiatives.
Check out the guide here!
Posted in: 2010 national conference, conference, faculty, HHRE, national conference, Official PHR Posts, Student Blog
Discussion: Comment Here »
Have you spearheaded a project, such as an accredited elective course, to educate your classmates about human rights? Have you organized a reading, writing or film group that works to further human rights advocacy? Does your medical or public health school have an innovative curriculum you’d like to share?
Attend PHR’s 2010 National Conference and present your project at the Education Innovations Expo!
The Education Innovations Expo provides an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their initiatives and to serve as examples for others in how to further human rights awareness in the health community. Presenters will display their projects on posters during breakfast and lunch on the day of the conference, and will receive a Presenter’s Invitation to the conference from PHR!
To apply for the expo, first apply to attend the conference. Then email 300 words or less about your educational innovations to expo[at]phrusa[dot]org. We’ll get back to you about two weeks after you apply. Apply early, as you can use your status as an expo presenter to secure funding from your school. The last day to apply is January 20th.
We hope to see many of you there, presenting your great work!
Posted in: 2010 national conference, conference, education, expo, innovations, national conference, Official PHR Posts, Student Blog, Uncategorized
Discussion: Comment Here »
Have you spearheaded a project, such as an accredited elective course, to educate your classmates about human rights? Have you organized a reading, writing or film group that works to further human rights advocacy? Does your medical or public health school have an innovative curriculum you’d like to share?
Attend PHR’s 2010 National Conference and present your project at the Education Innovations Expo!
The Education Innovations Expo provides an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their initiatives and to serve as examples for others in how to further human rights awareness in the health community. Presenters will display their projects on posters during breakfast and lunch on the day of the conference, and will receive a Presenter’s Invitation to the conference from PHR!
To apply for the expo, first apply to attend the conference. Then email 300 words or less about your educational innovations to expo[at]phrusa[dot]org. We’ll get back to you about two weeks after you apply. Apply early, as you can use your status as an expo presenter to secure funding from your school. The last day to apply is January 20th.
We hope to see many of you there, presenting your great work!
Posted in: 2010 national conference, conference, education, expo, innovations, national conference, Official PHR Posts, Student Blog, Uncategorized
Discussion: Comment Here »
