The 10th International Adventist Medical Association (AMA) Congress was held from September 25 to 28, 2024, for the first time outside Brazil, at River Plate Adventist University (UAP) and was attended by more than 450 representatives from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, among others.

This event, organized in collaboration with doctors, teachers, and the UAP multimedia team, focused on the theme “The role of the Adventist doctor on a planet in critical condition,” addressing the responsibility of health professionals not only from a technical perspective but also a spiritual one.

During the congress, a series of workshops on stress prevention, smoking cessation, and topics such as sexuality and pornography were led by professionals who are experts in mental health care. Spiritual reflections were presented, including one by Dr. Peter Landless, director of the Health Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and community activities were held to offer free care and advice to families in vulnerable situations.

AMA and its mission

Dr. Dorival Duarte, founder of AMA and clinical director of the Adventist Hospital of São Paulo, Brazil, says that the Association's beginnings and mission are based on forming a legacy of service and professionals who make a difference. "Being a missionary doctor implies not only being a competent professional, but also having the capacity and sacred duty to reflect Jesus. Through the experiences and presentations of the congress, we see that AMA's objectives are being fulfilled," said Dr. Duarte, highlighting the impact of the event on the new generation of physicians.

He also gave a special message to medical students. "My advice to them is to make the Bible their main book. If they put God first, they will be successful professionals and will have a greater insight into the subjects and specialties they study," he emphasized.

Another of the founders of AMA, Dr. Ieda Domiciano, highlighted the importance of the Congress: "Our purpose is to unite Adventist doctors from Argentina and other countries so that we can be messengers of the Word of God. The holding of the Congress outside of Brazil is a sign of growth, joining forces and expanding the impact of the mission in more regions."

Regarding the theme of the event, Dr. Domiciano said that "the planet faces critical challenges, and we, as Adventist physicians, must put ourselves in the hands of God to be His instruments. He is the one who guides us at every step."

The event was not only a space for academic and professional training, but also for spiritual strengthening. Dr. Lucas Ornelas, from Minas Gerais, Brazil, emphasized this. "This Congress was very important for me. In my city I do not have Adventist doctors as a reference, so here I was able to interact with colleagues who, like me, practice medicine from a Christian perspective. This meeting was renewing for my spiritual life," said Ornelas.

Danielle da Silva, a fourth-year medical student at UAP, also shared that "it is very enriching to have a space like this for us, the students. Listening to doctors share their experiences and how they integrate the Adventist message into their professional practice was inspiring."

A Transformative Experience

UAP Rector Horacio Rizzo pointed out the strategic importance of holding this event at the University, indicating that "this type of congress generates valuable links with Adventist medical institutions, not only at the national level, but also internationally. Through these experiences, students can find job opportunities in Church institutions and become professionals committed to the Adventist mission."

The 10th AMA International Congress not only provided medical training but also revitalized each participant’s commitment to the mission of serving God through patient care.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish website.