ANZSPM, held from the 6-8th September 2024 at the iconic National Wine Centre in Adelaide, marked a significant milestone with the theme “30 Years of Palliative Medicine: Constructing, Challenging, Transforming”. The event celebrated three decades of progress in palliative care while encouraging new perspectives for the future.
Dr Eduardo Bruera, delivered a witty and compelling keynote address to challenge conventional care models by integrating new approaches to care, with an emphasize to maintain the human touch even as technology advances. He offered practical strategies to retain compassionate, patient-centered care that lies at the heart of palliative medicine. Dr Bruera captivated his audience with his humorous delivery, making complex topics both engaging and memorable.
A special session was dedicated to honouring the pioneers and presidents of ANZSPM with a particular focus on the remarkable contributions of Dr Rosalie Shaw, whose legacy beyond the broader Asia-Pacific region continues to inspire the palliative care community. The session also highlighted the vision and commitment of past presidents and pioneers that had established palliative medicine as a vital part of healthcare in Australia and New Zealand. This reflection was an important moment, reinforcing the need to build on the foundations laid by these pioneers.
This conference offered a platform to build partnerships and enhance the quality and impact of the upcoming Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Conference in Sarawak on the 23-26th April 2025. As the state prepares to host APHC 2025, the knowledge and connections will be instrumental in organizing a successful conference that will benefit the region.
Written by Dr Sharon Choo, Cynthia Goh Palliative Care Fellow