This year we were excited to attend and exhibit at the Rural and Remote Medicine Conference, Edmonton Convention Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, from April 18 to 20. This was the 31st Annual Rural & Remote Medicine Conference, the theme being, “Rural Health Resilience: Navigating Sustainability for Stronger Tomorrows,” which resonated throughout the event, drawing in healthcare professionals from various corners of the country.
The conference was a testament to effective organization and featured a picturesque venue that set the stage for fruitful discussions and networking opportunities. While smaller compared to some other medical gatherings, this year’s conference felt particularly lively, bustling with activity over the three days.
Notably, there was a significant increase in the presence of family physicians, alongside the usual attendance of medical students and first-year residents. The enthusiasm was palpable as we received and welcomed folks joining our Individual and Small Group Programs.
One highlight of the event was the collection of ballots for a chance to win a free one-year membership. We’re pleased to report that we’ve already sent out a follow-up to all the participants, our aim being to further engage and involve budding healthcare professionals.
Moving across the country, another significant event on the medical calendar that we attended was the Pri-Med Canada Conference, held from May 8 to 10, 2024, at The International Centre in Toronto, Ontario. This year marked the 21st in-person Pri-Med Canada Conference & Exhibition, a highly anticipated event for delegates and exhibitors alike.
In partnership with Humber River Health, Pri-Med Canada delivered three full days of Continuing Medical Education (CME), featuring expert keynote speakers, relevant sessions, and a bustling trade show floor boasting over 175+ exhibitors. As the largest annual inter-professional CME/CE conference in Canada with a primary care focus, Pri-Med Canada attracted approximately 2,400 attendees this year.
Despite the change in location to Mississauga and the conference being strictly in-person, the event maintained its reputation as a hub for healthcare professionals. Our booth enjoyed prime positioning, as we welcomed a steady stream of Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Family Physicians. It was great to meet and chat with everyone. Again, we held a draw offering a free one-year membership to either our Small Group or Individual programs, attracting many entries. We will be sending a follow-up to the participants who entered that draw by mid-June.
Both the Rural and Remote Medicine Conference in Edmonton and the Pri-Med Canada Conference in Toronto provided valuable platforms for networking, learning, and collaboration within the healthcare community. As we reflect on these events, we look forward to continuing our mission of supporting healthcare professionals and improving patient care nationwide. In the Fall, we will be returning to FMF 2024 (Family Medicine Forum) at the Vancouver Convention Centre, November 6-8. Stay tuned for more updates!