St. Jude Hospital, the main healthcare provider in the south of Saint Lucia, in collaboration with Des Moines University, Iowa, will host the inaugural Continuing Medical Eduation (CME) Conference in January.

The conference is aimed at doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, social workers, and allied health staff, and will provide relevant and accredited continuing education opportunities for healthcare professionals in Saint Lucia and the wider Eastern Caribbean in order to promote development and optimal patient care.

It will also empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement a multidisciplinary care plan for elderly patients, prescribe and advocate for appropriate medication use for the elderly, and appropriately manage geriatric emergencies.

The first conference is being held under the theme “Integrated Healthcare for the Elderly," and has been designated 11.25 AMA PRA Category 1 credits.

A combination of renowned local and visiting speakers will deliver presentations and panel discussions on the topics of Aging in Saint Lucia, Geriatric Care in the Hospital Setting, and the transition from the hospital to community or long-term care.

The conference will be held from Jan. 27 - 28, 2017 at the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC), in Vieux Fort. There will also be a research poster competition. Abstracts for posters under the theme of “Integrated Healthcare for the Elderly” are currently being accepted.

For details, to download a full program, or to register for the conference online, visit www.sjhslu.org/cme.