2009 Australian Osteopathic Association Conference Sydney.
The Australian Osteopathic Association Conference presented in association with Osteopathic International Alliance 16-18 October 2009. 150 delegates from all over the world. The usuals, UK, USA, Germany, France plus Russia, Norway, Canada, Argentina, Japan , and of course NZ and Australia.
There were several aspects. The IOA , International Osteopathic Alliance..... made up of associations ( professional and educational) and chaired by Clive Standon held several forums and discussions on the global scene. Speakers from several countries spoke about the place of osteopathy in their country,what the statutory obligations were, opportunities for integration with public health, education, etc. USA , for example has 69,000 members, all osteopathic physicians , paying $US500 membership fee to their association.
The OIA states " The purpose of the Osteopathic International Alliance is to advance the philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine and osteopathy throughout the world". The Guiding Principles of the OIA are that osteopathy is a patient centered and evidence informed system of health care.
The OIA sessions were very informative in regard to what is happening in specific countries , their emerging issues, challenges and opportunities. Many osteopaths face the same problems we do, some have others entirely different. In Germany there are osteopaths and osteo/physicians. Both groups are trying to work together to improve the education and to promote the profession.
I found it really interesting to hear about osteopathy in the various countries and to realized we had many of the same issues, but also to appreciate how well off we are in terms of acceptance by mainstream medicine and government ( always room for huge improvement of course).
Education of osteopaths was a hot topic. Minimum standards, full time versus part time training, competency, all the issues you might expect. Types of training too. Mentoring of students by the profession was also discussed.The educational bodies are asking the profession for input but much of what they can offer in terms of course content and length of training is governed by those who run the universities and those who fund them. The training providers have criteria they have to meet in order to be able to offer their courses.
There was much debate around ideas to promote osteopathy. Public perception of our work. Weak branding? Determining our own future. Where will osteo be in ten years? Whats holding us back? An international panel addressed these points, and a lively discussion was had by all. Bouncing around ideas, what had been tried successfully, unsuccessfully , modified etc. The commitment and passion of the people there to our profession was humbling. Positive, informed people. I found them very inspiring . I appreciated once again , that we here at ISOP are part of that bigger picture. We have a part to play in determining the future of osteopathy. Actually we have a responsibility, individually and collectively.
The other side of the programme consisted of three streams of education sessions and practical workshops. What to choose was the biggest problem for this keen libran who was tortured by too many choices and general indecision. The topics were around ways to pursue best practice, both clinically as a business, and personally. As well, delegates were able to connect with other osteopaths and network like mad. I was fortunate to spend time with some very experienced practitioners who ware extremely generous with their opinions and advice. It was a time to catch up with old friends and teachers too. Some of you may remember Joe Borland from the States. He was there presenting a workshop on strapping. Philip Latey also passes on his regards.
The topics were varied, informative and included:
The Ponseti Method of treating Congenital Clubfoot Deformity- CTEV. Presenter Tony Juarez.
Manual therapy in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Presenter Roger Engle
Dietary Fats - Fatal or Vital . Jill MacGregor
Imaging the Baby Boomers: Diagnostic Imaging in an Aging Population. Peter Bull
Treating Scheuermann`s Kyphosis. John Smartt
Growth-Breathing - an inspiration!. Brian Freeman
Osteopathic Education in France. Jean-Pierre Dessain
The Development of Self and the Formation of Boundaries. Geraldine White.
And many more.................
It was a very full three days. The dinner dance on the Saturday night was a great time to continue the socializing and networking ( not to mention wonderful food and music to dance to).
The AOA held an awards ceremony where two people were given Life Memberships of their great work and service to osteopathy in Australia. It was really well done.
A founder of one of the private schools in Australia was praised for his commitment to training osteopaths in the early days. He was a focussed pioneer who advocated for the profession. He was thanked sincerely for his work in the days before university based education became what it is today. It was lovely to hear, and reminded me of our own history and that it is a wonderful thing to be able to acknowledge and appreciate those who paved the way. Those trailblazers who had a huge vision, were at times blood-minded and obstinate, often unpopular, but they did made things happen for the rest of us.
Jan Green
