Scottish one-day Conference: May 2009

Podiatry Now, August, 2009 by Sandra Jones

Aviemore Highland Resort turned out to be a perfect venue for the Highlands & Islands Branch hosting of the Scottish One Day Conference 2009. Almost 90 delegates visited the town on one of the hottest days of the year so far, and were able to experience Aviemore's unique atmosphere and highland scenery at its best.

The conference weekend began with a pub quiz on the Friday evening, in one of the hostelries on site. Nine teams of six to eight people competed and a great time was had by all. Some were very competitive, not least the team from Fellmongers Path!

The conference venue comfortably hosted delegates in the auditorium and the day began with Andrew Small, Branch Chairman, welcoming everyone to the event. Professor Bob Cormack chaired the morning session and opened with a brief presentation about the University of the Highlands & Islands. He talked about the challenges there have been in becoming an established higher education institute, the range of courses provided, the partner sites and the future of blended learning.

Margaret Graham presented knowledgably on the history of podiatry followed by local lad, Michael Gates, on podopaediatrics, specifically flat foot. Steve Birnie of Novo Nordisk gave very insightful information in to the hows, whys and wherefores of motivational interviewing and Dave Dunning of Staffordshire University presented just before lunch on sporting injuries, and some delegates were able to relate only too well to the 'weekend warrior'!

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The afternoon session was chaired by Professor Sandra Macrury, Professor of Clinical Diabetes in the emerging health faculty at UHI Millennium Institute (University of the Highlands and Islands). Allan Thomson of Glasgow's Western Infirmary gave an enlightening talk on the role of the extended scope practitioner in an orthopaedic dept and an excellent example of where podiatry fits in with the ever-changing future health services. Physiotherapist Christine Macarthur certainly gave an empowering talk by emphasising that all health professionals are in a 'critical position' to help reduce elderly patients' risk of falling.

Dr Norman Murphy from Canada, sponsored by Biosense Medical, rounded off our presentations for the day giving an informative lecture on pressure tracking through the gait cycle. As a step-by-step guide of the gait cycle he identified how delays in timing of the various stages in gait affect foot pressures across weightbearing surfaces. He showed how these would lead to foot pathologies and how, through the use of foot pressure systems, these could be identified early and intervention could be at an early stage. Interventions could be analysed, documented for future reference and support prescription of foot orthoses given. Never mind the timing of the gait cycle, Dr Murphy's timing allowed Professor Macrury to develop her chairman skills!

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Janet McInnes, Chairman of Council, presented the closing remarks for our event, and we all wish Argyle & Bute Branch a very successful Scottish One Day Conference on 8 May 2010.

Saturday evening was rounded off by such an enjoyable ceilidh! Only Allan Thomson was brave enough to turn up in his kilt, but it was our English friends, Dave and Jan Dunning, who were first on the dance floor. Ralph and Margaret Graham were more than able to keep in step, and a wonderful time was had by all who attended.

The Highlands & Islands Branch of SCP had some trying experiences organising this event, least of all with our geography but, on the day, we believe we showed that distance is a challenge to be overcome and we were all very proud to have hosted this event on behalf of the Scottish Regional Committee.

10 Do's and Don'ts of Conference Organising

DO use video conferencing but be prepared to use a significant amount of time trying to get it to link with all sites

DON'T have committee meetings on a Friday after work

DO read the small print in your contract with the venue

DO know what your speakers look like so as to be able to greet them on arrival DO man the registration desk throughout the day

DO have social events; delegates appreciate the time to meet old friends, make new friends and to let their hair down

DO keep speakers to time; ensure the chairman is clear about what is expected of them

DO know your exhibitors requirements e.g. electricity, water

DO have a delegate list for exhibitors DON'T PANIC!