An introduction to Split
The ninth annual AMA Queensland Conference was staged in the magnificent city of Split from 20 – 25 September and what a wonderful experience it was. The host city is a gem - a mixture of old world and new, modern, relaxed, friendly and completely safe - providing a perfect setting for delegates to explore the conference theme Obesity – the challenge facing Australia, and enjoy each other’s company.

The conference kicked off with a pleasant cocktail reception in the convention hotel, Le Meridien. Special guests were Ms Tracey Reid, Australian Ambassador to Croatia, Mr Nikola Horvat representing the Mayor of Split, and representatives from the Split University Medical School. It was an absolute pleasure to have these local people with us.

An interesting cameo at the function was to recognise the Sister City relationship between Split and Cockburn City Council in West Australia. The function host, Dr Bill Boyd, passed a formal message of greeting from the Mayor of Cockburn to the Mayor of Split, via his representative Mr Horvat.

In the conference room our delegates were educated and entertained by a line-up of speakers of world renown who delivered enlightening presentations generating enthusiastic discussion and debate.

The conference was formally opened by Ms Tracy Reid, Australian Ambassador to Croatia, who addressed the delegates on a wide range of bilateral issues including diplomacy, commerce, medical research and cooperation.

She was quickly followed by Dr Trisha O’Moore Sullivan, an endocrinologist from Princess Alexandra Hospital, who delivered three insightful sessions: the worldwide obesity epidemic; treating the condition and related co-morbidities; and the cause of this Epidemic, and what the future holds.

Dr John Copp, General Surgeon, then presented his three sessions: surgical options for obese patients; dealing with complications of bariatric surgery; and pregnancy, and the band.

Other Australian keynote speakers were: Dr Beres Wenck presenting on safe medical practice and a GPs perspective on dealing with obesity; Dr Bill Boyd presenting on polycystic ovarian syndrome; and Dr Lew Lander presenting an entertaining session on the joy of exercise.

The sessions continued with presentations by Mr Michael Gill (CISCO Systems Australia) on wellbeing, obesity management and Information Communication Technology (ICT); and Project FLIP linking primary care, allied health and ICT.

Mr Ian Hanger, AM QC, spoke on mediation of professional negligence cases.

Other health professionals on the podium were psychologist Ms Jenne Turner who spoke on the team approach to weight management and the missing link in long-term weight management, and Ms Amanda Clark, a dietitian, who spoke on diet, weight control and portion control.

Businessmen and conference sponsors Ross Noye, Peter Steele and Stuart Tait conducted a most informative workshop entitled Running a successful practice in uncertain times - very topical given the global financial crisis.

Our local guest speaker was Mr Vedran Matosic, Director of the Split Tourist Board, who gave a wonderful insight into Croatia with his presentation on Croatian history, culture and customs.

The program continued with valuable presentations by Mr Ross Noye (Wilson HTM) on effective practice business strategies and recovery from the global financial crisis; and Mr Peter Steele (Medico-Legal Insurance Group) on effective and affordable insurance issues and a checklist for business. Mr Stuart Tait (Family Care Medical Services) spoke about after-hours medical services in Australia and patient reporting, and he challenged delegates to discuss and debate “healthinformatics, the technology revolution that will alter the Australian healthcare system forever”.

Finally Ms Colleen Sullivan, AAPM, delivered a session on working with the generational diversity of staff.

The final conference session was an open forum chaired by Dr Bill Boyd where issues significant to the future of medicine were addressed and hotly debated.

In addition to these formal conference sessions a group of delegates accepted an invitation to visit the Split University Medical School and Hospital. This visit was hosted by Professors Ivica Grkovic and Irena Zakarija-Grkovic, who both have strong and ongoing connections with the University of Melbourne. Their hospitality and professionalism were greatly appreciated by the visitors.

During the whole event the accompanying children were not forgotten. AMA Queensland Conferences welcome the whole family and organise children’s activities which free up the adults to attend all clinical and business sessions. In Split the children enjoyed the hotel’s Kids Club with art and craft classes, sport, music and games to keep them alert and active, as well as the popular mini cinema.

Exploring Split and beyond
Outside the conference sessions delegates had the opportunity to explore the wonderful city and regions beyond. Particular highlights within Split included visits to museums, art galleries, monasteries and of course the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace - the World Heritage listed heart and soul of Split. All this plus the fabulous beaches and tiny traditional cafes!

Outside Split true highlights of the conference were our journey through the lovely Krka National Park with its stunning landscape and a visit to one of Dalmatia’s most valuable religious monuments, the 15th Century St Jacob’s Cathedral.

The grande finale
Conference week concluded with a farewell dinner and what a way to wrap up a great week. The venue was an expansive open air terrace overlooking the stunning Adriatic Coast: what a delightful setting in which to celebrate with friends old and new. The evening featured delightful Croatian food and entertainment by a local female vocal ensemble.

Our sponsors
Our wonderful sponsors received a special vote of thanks at the dinner. We were most fortunate to have the support and company of Peter and Linda Steele (Medico-Legal Insurance Group), Ross and Mandy Noye (Wilson HTM), Stuart and Joanna Tait (Family Care Medical Services) and Colleen Sullivan representing AAPM.

Conclusion
So that was Conference 2009: a wonderful experience for all concerned and a visit to a country so surprising and enjoyable that it will stay in our minds for a very long time. It certainly exceeded many expectations.

Finally, a big thank you to Ros and Pam at AMA Travel Queensland for yet another successful and cooperative operation. We also extend a special thanks to the wonderful local staff lead by Elisabeth Tomic at Le Meridien in Split.

Delegate comments
“A fantastic week – venue, speakers and travel arrangements were all first class.”

“Out of the five conferences I have attended I enjoyed this one the most.”

“Enjoyable and rewarding from both an academic and relaxation perspective. Congratulations on a great package.”

More: Please visit the AMA Queensland web site at www.amaq.com.au for a more comprehensive conference report and a picture gallery.