Report from Savvy Nandal, 5th Year BMP Scholar at the University of Adelaide

Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand’s Annual Scientific Meeting was held in Canberra over five days this year, perfect setting for intellectually stimulating conversations and networking with fellow ACRRM supported delegates and other attendees.

On the first day, sessions were divided into two main symposiums: Asthma and Pulmonary Fibrosis, with the option of choosing either; I went to the Asthma symposium. The information provided by researchers and doctors from Australia as well as the United Kingdom was given so succinctly that it was even appropriate and useful to a clinical medical student.

In the evening a welcome cocktail reception was held. It was a great opportunity to get to know fellow delegates as well as meet other doctors and nurses to discuss medicine in Australia as well as globally. And of course, politics could not be kept out the conversation with the backdrop of the capital city!

On most mornings there were breakfast sessions with the choice between wide varieties of topics. Oral sessions on each day gave us insight into the research underway in the field as well the potential to expand it further. ALF Active Morning was held on Monday morning around Lake Burley Griffin to see the beautiful scenery and experience the capital’s autumn. As a bonus, most evenings were free of any engagement so we were able to explore Canberra and visit a few places.

The dinner held in the Great Hall of the Parliament House was one of the best perks of the conference. It was an excellent way to unwind after a few days in the capital city and soak in the atmosphere before saying our adieu to each other the next day. The debate on the last day was one of the most entertaining parts of the conference, filled with loads of laughter and banter.  

I am really thankful to have had the opportunity to attend this conference. It has definitely made me more passionate about Thoracic Medicine and given the chance I would love to do it all over again!!