06/03/2017: The 7th EURIPA Health Forum
The 7th EURIPA Health Forum will be held for the first time in Crete, Greece; an island with great history, culture, geography and scientific activities. The title of the conference is “Rural Renaissance” featuring the importance of the enhancement of rural potential in a constantly changing environment, predominated by the ongoing financial and refugee crisis. This title attempts to correspond to the demands of a challenging world that has already recognized the health inequalities among and within rural regions. Therefore, holistic health needs assessment together with the essential four dimensions of the quality in Primary Health Care (PHC) (continuity, accessibility, comprehensiveness and coordination) as well as tailored policies were never more necessary for rural societies. These are core components of establishing a stable environment for “Rural Renaissance” under the light of equity and patient-centered PHC. PHC and General Practitioners (GPs) could become the agents for “Rural Renaissance”.
This conference will facilitate a wide range of interesting topics focusing on rural research and practice; addressed by seven major plenary themes.
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Implementation science in rural settings |
Ecology and environmental change |
Cancer and rurality. Inspire action, take action |
Lifestyle and health with focus on smoking and nutrition |
Financial and refugee crisis and the role of rural communities |
Healthy and active ageing and wellbeing |
Education and training of rural GPs
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The conference will be hosted in Panormo village in the county of Rethymnon during 2nd-4th of November 2017 (Save the date). This promising conference will be organized by the University of Crete (UoC) that has great experience in hosting big conferences and events including the 9th WONCA Rural Health conference in 2009. In addition, the UoC has already engaged scientific networks, regional authorities and key informants of the rural communities to this effort; attempting to bring together ideas, knowledge, people and a breath of the Cretan culture towards “Rural Renaissance”. This year’s EURIPA conference is expected to be full of new ideas and strong networking of rural GPs, academicians and stakeholders. The informative workshops, the innovative scientific sessions, the traditional events and the interactive activities organized by the hosted organization, as well as the local beauty, culture and entertainment opportunities will offer a life-time experience.
We are cordially expecting you in Crete with great hope for this first step towards “Rural Renaissance”!
Christos Lionis, MD, PhD, FRCGP(Hon)
Professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Crete, Greece |
Theodoros Vasilopoulos, MD, MSc
Member of Council of WWRPR, Executive Committee of EURIPA, European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN), Heart Failure Association of the ESC (HFA) |