The CMF National Conference 2011 took place in Silverstream in Lower Hutt, near Wellington.

Medical Student Preconference: Thursday 12 May - Friday 13 May 2011
Main Conference: Friday 13 May - Sunday 15 May 2011

Main Speaker

Dr Trevor Stammers, GP and lecturer in Bioethics

Trevor Stammers is Programme Director of Bioethics and Medical Law at St Mary's University College, London. Previously a General Practitioner for 28 years he has a particular interest in foundations of moral thought and the interface between faith and medical practice.

Trevor is frequent writer in the British media and occasional broadcaster on depression and the ethics of sexual health. He is the author of the book Saving Sex which explores issues of teenage sexual health and the complexities of intimacy.

Trevor is the former Chair of Christian Medical Fellowship in the UK.

Devotional Speaker

Associate Professor Chris Marshall

Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Chris Marshall's specialities include the study of New Testament theology and ethics, peace theology and practice, and restorative justice - both theory and practice.

Over the course of the conference, Chris explored how joy can be found in life - whether we or our patients are going through good times or experiencing trauma.

Seminars

Euthanasia—Is there a Better Way to Die?

Never has it been more important and pertinent in New Zealand society that Christian doctors ask ourselves this question. Director of the Nathaniel Centre Bioethics Research Institute John Kleinsman leads a discussion into euthanasia and a caring Christian perspective on the current debate.

Boundaries

How do we prevent compassion fatigue and burnout? Dr Janet Frater discussed lessons from the good Samaritan and the setting of boundaries in our medical practice to help us keep the balance of caring for our patients as well as ourselves.

Influencing Policy—Making Change on a Big Scale

Many of the most significant factors that impact what we do every day are determined by policies outside our control. Or are they? There are many ways that we can impact those policies and make our voices heard to influence the decisions that shape our country’s health care. This seminar raises some practical suggestions.

Mentoring Students

General practitioner Dr Helen Saunders has for many years met with, shared with and mentored medical students and young doctors. She led a seminar and discussion on how you can initiate and maintain these important relationships.

Good Palliative Care

O, that this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew! Or that the Everlasting, had not fixed his canon 'gainst self slaughter! O God! O God! (Hamlet Act 1, Scene 2)

Dr Wendy Pattemore explores why we, along with Hamlet, need good palliative care.

Striving for Excellence

We live a society where there is an expectation and numerous books written encouraging us to plan our lives, be ambitious and strive to be "successful". As Christians how do we reconcile this with Jesus' teaching to be humble and follow God's plans for our lives? Dr Helen Nicholson discusses a Christian medical approach.

Reasoned Debate—A Beginner’s Guide to Workplace Apologetics