ICMDA

Eurasia

Ukraine Conference

In October the first Ukrainian student and juniors Christian medical conference, organised by the Ukrainian Christian Medical Association, was held. The theme was 'Gold standards and Christian principles in modern medicine'. 170, mainly medical and dental students and young specialists, gathered together from 15 cities across Ukraine and both I and our ASR for Eastern Europe had the privilege of participating.

Doctors working in this former Soviet Union country face significant challenges, from under-resourced hospitals and corrupt administrations to HIVAIDS. The conference explored both how Christians in medicine can be skilful and effective in their spheres, and how they can influence society for God. Conference goers were encouraged to see following Jesus in medicine as a way of life, and to do their work in medicine for and with God (Colossians 3:23-24).

To see so many Christian medics gathered to encourage each other, to pray together and to consider how to put their faith into practice in Ukraine highlighted the huge potential there is among them as God unites them in his service. As a first such conference it was a good beginning. A committee has since met to plan a similar conference for May 2010 and consider how to encourage further developments. Please pray for this work among students and juniors in Ukraine.

ICMDA Eurasia News

The first edition of the ICMDA Eurasia newsletter was well received.

Sent out electronically, email eurasia-admin@icmda-online.org to be added to our mailing list.

Work a Day for ICMDA

For those of you who participated on 16 October, or any other day, thank you for joining with others across the region in supporting the work of ICMDA through prayer and giving.

Area Student Representatives (ASRs)

We are grateful to all our ASRs past and present for their role in supporting work among students and juniors in the region.

Dr Euan Dodds, ASR for Western Europe, finished his service as an ASR on 30 November. We continue to seek candidates for this role.

New ASRs for the Baltic and Nordic countries have been appointed, taking over from Dr Laura Räisänen. Dr Sini Vaali is ASR with responsibility for Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Iceland and Drs Geir-Anders and Anete Kaldal are jointly ASR with responsibility for Norway, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

Team Development Meetings

The next meetings of the Eurasia committee and ASRs are planned for 24-28 March 2010. Please pray as we prepare for these.

ICMDA 2010

Next year's World Congress to be held in Punta del Este, Uruguay begins on Thursday 1 July with the Student and Junior Grads conference followed by the main congress from Sunday 4 to Thursday 8 July.

The conference theme 'Priorities in professional practice: for whom are you working?' will be explored in Bible readings, plenary sessions and seminars. Congress speakers include Dr Pablo Martinez (Spain) as Bible Reader, Dr David Stevens (USA) and author Philip Yancey. Why not consider attending and join with Christian medics and dentists, students and graduates from around the globe? Maybe this could be a good excuse to visit other countries in South America as well!

Please note early registration rates only apply before 31 December. Registration, programme and general information can be found at www.icmda2010.org as can further information about the pre-congress seminars including:

a meeting for psychologists and psychiatrists – 'The place of the Sacred in Psychotherapy'
PRIME
International Saline
Nursing

Dr Daryl Hackland (ICMDA General Secretary) writes: 'We feel sure you are as excited as we are … Our hope is that every member country and contact group will be represented, making it truly a Congress of the ICMDA family around the world. In some corners of the globe there are those for whom being there will remain but a distant dream. Such a dream can become a reality. Christian graduate and student colleagues, who would not otherwise be able to attend, are supported by the ICMDA Bursary Fund. It seeks to cover registration, accommodation, plus a small contribution to travel costs amounting in total to an average between £300-600 per person supported. Your contribution to the Fund can make all the difference. We invite your help towards reaching our target of £90,000. Your support can mean a life changing experience.'

Even if you are not planning to attend the conference yourself do consider supporting the Congress Bursary Fund which will enable Christian medics and dentists from around the world to be encouraged and equipped through the conference.

directly to the ICMDA UK Trust. Contact Dr Mark Pickering: uktrust@icmda-online.org
through giving to the special online appeal set up by CMF