Standing the Test of Time: Four Decades of the Highlights in Medicine Conference

The Highlights in Medicine Conference has been a cornerstone event for the College of Medicine, showcasing the college’s commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement, and celebrating its medical achievements. As the conference marks its 40th anniversary this year, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the inaugural conference and the remarkable journey of growth and transformation since its inception. 

The first-ever conference, themed “Medicine—Today and Tomorrow,” was held in June 1984. This ambitious event invited speakers and attendees to examine society’s evolving expectations of its physicians. The conference provided a platform for professional interaction, the exchange of ideas, and discussions on emerging developments in medicine. All former deans of the college were invited to attend, with Drs. Wendell MacLeod, John Gutelius, and Bob Murray joining the celebrations. The first Highlights in Medicine Conference was deemed a resounding success. 

With mostly alumni in attendance, the conference lectures and social gatherings were filled with nostalgia. Guests reminisced about boarding houses, supportive landladies, and the financial challenges of their student years. Lectures included several from the School of Medical Sciences, the predecessor to the College of Medicine; many shared touching stories of experiences during the Great Depression, the Second World War, and early days in medical practice. These heartfelt stories underscored overall gratitude for the college as the foundation of fulfilling medical careers. The inaugural conference’s success set the stage for what would become a cherished College of Medicine tradition. 

Over the past 40 years, the Highlights in Medicine Conference has grown into a platform for professional connection and development. It has expanded to include broader participation from students, faculty, and practising physicians from across the medical community. Together, conference goers reflect on rapid advancements in medicine, evolution of cutting-edge research, landmark technological innovations, and pressing global health issues.  

The Highlights in Medicine Conference remains a testament to the enduring bond between the College of Medicine and the medical community. It is not merely a professional gathering but also a celebration of shared history, mutual support, and collective aspirations for the future of medicine. The stories shared at the inaugural conference in 1984 continue to resonate; reminding us of the resilience, dedication, and camaraderie that define the medical profession. 

Through the Highlights in Medicine Conference, the College of Medicine continues to exemplify its commitment to fostering a vibrant, connected, and forward-thinking medical community. Here’s to the next 40 years of learning, sharing, and celebrating the people and practice of medicine.  

Join us at the Highlights in Medicine Conference

The College of Medicine invites alumni, former faculty, deans, students, and researchers to join us for the 2025 Highlights in Medicine Conference from June 19 to 21, 2025. The theme is, “Care in Matters of Life and Death: Collaborative learning for the enhancement of patient care in all stages of life and circumstance.” Don’t miss this chance to reconnect, contribute, and celebrate. Register.