A conference hosted by University of Limerick has received global recognition from the International Congress and Convention Association’s Incredible Impacts Programme.
The WONCA (World Organization of Family Doctors) World Rural Health Conference 2022 has won the overall award of $20,000 in acknowledgement of its outstanding social legacy and measurable impact on rural healthcare worldwide.
Led by the discipline of General Practice at UL’s School of Medicine, the conference brought together rural healthcare professionals, experts, and community stakeholders to address the most pressing issues facing rural and community health.
Other outcomes of the conference included the ’Limerick Declaration on Rural Healthcare’, a blueprint for improving high-quality healthcare in rural and remote areas; the appointment of Ireland’s first ever Professor of Rural General practice at UL; a new National Standing Committee for Rural General Practice at the Irish College of General Practitioners; a new rural teaching hub within the ULEARN-GP teaching network; and new Rural ambassador and Rural Clinical fellowship programmes supported by ¤2.5 million in funding.
Speaking about award, Professor Liam Glynn, Professor of General Practice at UL’s School of Medicine and conference organising committee chair, said:
"Rural WONCA 2022 provided a unique crossroads for a diverse community of healthcare professionals, students, and educators to engage with the theme of ’Improving Health, Empowering Communities’. Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with the Shannon Region Convention and Sports Bureau and UL Events provided both practical and financial support to help bring Rural WONCA 2022 to life."
The International Congress and Convention Association’s Incredible Impacts Programme is a global initiative that celebrates the value of international association meetings to go beyond tourism and create a powerful platform to advocate their positive societal impact.
"It was the ultimate team effort bringing together global rural health stakeholders with the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Rural Island and Dispensing Doctors of Ireland and most importantly rural GPs and communities in order to bring about lasting change and impact in rural healthcare nationally and globally," added Professor Peter Hayes, chair of the conference scientific committee and the newly appointed Professor of Rural General Practice at UL’s School of Medicine, a first of its kind role nationally.
The prize of $20,000 will be donated to Rural WONCA and used to establish a Permanent Rural Practice Innovation Network and expand the Rural Ambassador Programme.