2000 Convention Report
MORE THAN 300 ATTENDED THE AMHE CONVENTION AT FORT LAUDERDALE
The 27th AMHE convention
concluded on a most cheerful note with the record attendance reached this year.
In spite of the last minute cancellation from a handful of speakers and some
logistical issues which kept the organizers working until the wee hours of the
mornings, this congress was able again to achieve most of its stated objectives.
This year program was a blend of solid exposure to the most recent developments
in the diagnostic and the management of diseases quite common to our community
and an exciting journey through the wonders of Fort Lauderdale.
The scientific program was put
together by the local chapter aided by the standing Scientific commission of the
AMHE made of eleven members .It was further censured and sponsored by the
University of Miami School of Medicine for up to 25 valuable CME credit hours.
The sessions involved some well
consummated panelists on subjects as diverse as Hypertension, medical and
surgical management of Cardiovascular Emergencies, Diabetes, Cancer, HIV,
Asthma, Depression, Womanıs health and an introduction to the most practical
concept of Evidence- based Medicine presented by Dr Vladimir Berthaud.
The review of the latest statistics and studies on HIV prevalence at Dade County
sent chills to most participants and prompted the President Dr. Yves Manigat to
reaffirm the organizationıs commitment to the war against the virus in the
Haitian American community. He was in a sense preaching to a choir. A large
number of the participants have already been involved nationally or at their
local chapters in advocacy and AIDS prevention programs. But much more
resources, human and otherwise seem to be needed.
This yearıs convention was
heightened by the celebration of Dr. Ary Bordesı contribution to Medicine in
Haiti. The special tribute that took place at the conclusion of the scientific
session was orchestrated by the combined leadership of the AMHE and AMH Dr Yves
J. Manigat, Dr Claude Surena, and memorialized by the eloquent words of Dr Douge
Barthelemy. The essence of his life of services was engraved in a plaque, which
was delivered to Dr Bordesı family by the Chairman of the Board of Governors Dr
Fritz Apollon.
The Social program conceived
indeed by the host chapter was shaped again by this special group of AMHE wives
who along the years has provided us with some of the most cherished and
memorable moments of this Association.
A sold out crowd attended The
Gala night, to the delight of the organizers. Congress participants were joined
by the members of the community of Miami and Fort Lauderdale to enjoy this night
made of folklore, dance, pageantry interspersed with acknowledgements and a
boost to the AMHE Youth program. The themes of culture and pride were again
amply developed by the Keynote speaker Dr. Brunet Jean Gilles who invited the
cheerful audience, next summer, to Jamaica where the 28th Congress is scheduled
to take place.
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