Catholic Medical Association AGM focuses on conscience: 15 April 2018

Donato Tallo. (First published in Independent Catholic News 16th April 2018)

Conference picctureThe Catholic Medical Association UK held its annual conference on Saturday, 14th April, at St Mary's University, Twickenham. The theme for the conference was conscience matters in the workplace and the Waldegrave Suite at the university provided an excellent venue for the event.

Conference delegates where able to listen to a range of interesting and motivating speakers talk on a wide range of different subjects related to matters of conscience in the workplace, and the theme of conscience was explored from several different perspectives. Legal matters related to conscience and the ethics of conscience in clinical practice were discussed, along with talks and presentations from personal perspectives related to matters of conscience in modern day healthcare and modern society in general. A panel discussion also took place during the afternoon and enabled some lively discussion and debate.

Aside from listening to the speakers, delegates were able to network and enjoy conversation with other delegates during the day. They came many different parts of the country and also overseas to be part of this event.

The theme of the conference is a matter of great importance and it was good for the subject to be explored throughout the day in a professional manner with various viewpoints and opinions being discussed and debated.

Dr Adrian Treloar writes "Talks from the conference were recorded and we hope also to publish articles based upon the talks presented. 
A particular highlight of the day was the talk from Clare McCullogh who runs pro-life vigils in London. Many women have been helped by these vigils, including those who are destitute, homeless and who have no recourse to public funds. Delegates were really moved by the deep com-passion of what the prolife vigils offer to women in crisis.
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Holy Mass was celebrated in the early evening at the University Chapel, by the Catholic Medical Association Chaplain. Afterwards a buffet dinner was enjoyed by many delegates in the Waldegrave Suite.

In addition to the day's event on Saturday, the Annual General Meeting of the Catholic Medical Association was held on the morning of Sunday, 15th April.

Dr Dermot Kearney was congratulated on his election as President.