Diabetes Deconstructed - P Dromgoole

As a regular speaker throughout the UK and lead for the MediConf diabetes series, I would like to reflect on my experiences as a speaker. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to have established a successful freelance lecturing business and consequently can be discerning as to which organisation I support and work with. The mainstay of the MediConf diabetes meetings is either ‘sole sponsored’ pharmaceutical events or Saturday non-promotional morning GP, Practice Nurse meetings. Through the MediConf organisation and their carefully constructed health care professional database, delegates to these Saturday morning meetings total some 80 – 200 individuals. I am always inspired by the turnout. These are GP’s and Practice Nurses who presumably may have something better to do with their Saturdays but they spend it on learning and developing their diabetes knowledge, skills and confidence. It is truly heartening!

Why do MediConf attract such large and targeted audiences? This is purely my view as an experienced speaker. I believe it is multi-factorial and to do with: educational programmes that are clinically meaningful to potential delegates; organisation through advanced notice and an easy to negotiate website; a friendly, family run business, where delegates and speakers are made to feel welcome and lastly, dare I say it, speakers who are knowledgeable, passionate and are able to help delegates believe they can really make a difference.

My intention with these Saturday morning meetings one that is fully supported and encouraged by MediConf is to tackle elements of the complex and ever changing issue of diabetes with all its complexities and break it down into concepts and principles in order to encourage delegates to ‘see the penny drop’, to ‘get it’ and be able to leave the meeting feeling they have gained something in terms of increased knowledge, skills and confidence to really make a difference. My current MediConf diabetes workshop series, held on Saturday mornings over several UK venues covers: What’s new in diabetes?; Understanding and positioning of glucose lowering therapies; Cases – an opportunity to explore given challenges in diabetes management and treatment decisions and for YOU to discuss your own issues and challenges. Where will these be run? http://www.mediconf.co.uk/Events.aspx

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