The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) recently hosted over 100 doctors at an historic collegiate and educational event which was held in the grand setting of the Hellenic Museum of Melbourne.
Surrounded by artefacts from all periods of Hellenic history, doctors, doctors in training, and medical students were able to come together and be inspired by a number of impressive presentations.
Professor of Nephrology John Kanellis gave an informative talk on cutting edge renal and pancreatic transplantation. Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos AM spoke on the various Hippocratic treatments used in antiquity which remain evidence based treatments today citing the available research. Doctors in attendance of Hellenic origin and those with a philhellenic spirit were particularly inspired by the presentation on the legacy of Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine. The HMSA aims to promote the Hellenic culture and language as it has formed the basis of modern medicine.
Congratulatory and heartfelt speeches were also made by the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Mr Dimitrios Michalopoulos and by the president of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria Mr Bill Papastergiadis.
The introductions were made by the HMSA President Professor Marinis Pirpiris who spoke passionately about the vision and future goals of the organisation. The Hellenic Australian community has evolved from its migratory working class roots to a robust and important contingent of the modern Australian medical profession. Professor Pirpiris stressed how humbled and indebted the profession is to this pioneering and industrious first generation of migrants of whom the majority of HMSA members are the children and grandchildren.
The event was also an opportunity for the announcement of the generous sponsorship by Delphi Bank which values the philanthropic and educational goals of HMSA. Delphi Bank proudly announced their official support of the organisation at the event.
HMSA has since its inception managed to become an organisation worthy of its Hellenic roots providing a plethora of health educational services to the general public as well as to its members. Philanthropy and synergy with the Hellenic medical diaspora are just two of its many other goals which include the promotion of Hellenic culture and language.
Present at the event were members of the local Greek media including Mr Sotiris Hatzimanolis the editor in chief of Neos Kosmos.
Congratulations to this professional body which seeks to promote high standards in the science and art of medicine for all Australians.
*Any qualified medical professional, doctor in training, or medical student who would like to join HMSA is invited to view the website (hmsa.org.au) for further information.