Weekend of learning is just what the doctor ordered

More than 110 general practitioners from Brisbane and surrounding areas gathered at the Gold Coast’s famous Palazzo Versace hotel last month for Mater’s 2009 Simply Versace GP Education Conference.

Framed by the opulent setting, the assembled GPs got stuck into a two-day program of detailed learning sessions provided by 20 Mater Health Services specialists, which covered topics from breast cancer, obstetrics and gynaecology, dermatology and orthopaedics, through to emergency medicine, cardiology and neurosurgery.

GPs were put through their paces with interactive KEEpad sessions during the specialists’ presentations and Mater’s recently adopted speed meeting for GPs was also carried through to the conference. A "Grand Specialist Tour" was held on the second day of the event to provide all delegates with the opportunity to meet intimately with the assembled Mater specialists.

The Simply Versace Conference Dinner, held on Saturday night, proved a conference highlight. Guests dined on fresh Australian seafood and supreme eye fi llets in the La Medusa Ballroom, enjoying the social company of their medical colleagues and unwinding after a long day of intensive education.

It was at the closing lunch on Sunday afternoon that delegates were able to offer their feedback on the weekend and conference coordinator Sara McDonald said the response from GPs was excellent.

“The feedback we’ve received has been exceptional,” Mrs McDonald said. “The conference has attracted a record number of attendees this year; the Palazzo Versace hotel, along with a diverse education offering and innovative delivery have been major drawcards for GPs,” she said.