Message from the Chair
Greetings leaders and colleagues,
The International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) recently held its 16th International Conference on Medical Regulation in Dublin, Ireland. The Medical Council of Ireland hosted the event, drawing more than 460 participants from 37 countries at IAMRA’s first European conference in over a decade.
Under the theme “People-focused regulation for a safer global community,” we united around our shared commitment of placing patients and communities at the center of health practitioner regulation. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus opened our conference, addressing the role of regulation in health systems, healthcare workforce, and access to universal health care. Together we explored technological innovation, challenges, and opportunities facing the global health workforce and regulators.
Our conference delivered powerful insights:
· Former Irish Prime Minister Dr. Leo Varadkar challenged attendees to modernize health systems and regulation.
· We exchanged practical strategies to strengthen regulatory effectiveness and responsiveness.
· Interactive workshops equipped us with tools for AI integration, compassionate regulation, and workforce planning in regulation.
· We deepened our understanding of inclusive regulation, health equity, and cultural safety.
· We engaged in vital discussions focused on preparing tomorrow’s doctors.
· A pre-conference workshop supporting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) advanced the 2024 IAMRA-WHO Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
IAMRA will pursue several key initiatives in 2025-27:
· Launch a Global Peer Learning Program to support knowledge exchange among regulators, with a strong focus on supporting LMICs.
· Implement WHO Guidance through joint initiatives, technical support, and educational programs.
· Establish an AI and Emerging Technologies network to develop future-ready regulatory responses to healthcare’s digital transformation.
· Advance compassionate and culturally safe regulatory approaches that promote fairness and community responsiveness.
As the new Chair of IAMRA, I’d like to thank all participants, speakers, and partners for creating a vibrant, forward-looking conference. We appreciate the Medical Council of Ireland’s exceptional support and the incredible leadership of Joan Simeon, CEO of the Medical Council of New Zealand, who held this position before me.
IAMRA looks forward to reconvening as a global community in Hong Kong, China, in 2027 as we continue to advance people-focused regulation that protects the public, supports practitioners, and strengthens health systems and the healthcare workforce worldwide.
Warm Regards,
Nicole Krishnaswami, JD
IAMRA Chair
