Indian Medical Association Tasmania

The Indian Medical Association of Tasmania (IMAT) was launched in early 2018 to serve as a  forum for doctors, dentists and interested health professionals of Indian origin to share ideas and advances in the  science and art of health care and also to get to know each other and have the opportunity to network and expand on the social connections made.

An important role that IMAT plays is to create bridges and connections  between the medical professions in India and in Australia.  There is always a lot we can learn from each other.  In addition, this forum allows IMAT members to discuss issues that affect the organization and the wider community. Discussion of  day-to-day issues such as work/life balance, succession planning, medico-legal issues are important and have been highlighted at various meetings of the organization.

IMAT has organized a few symposia in the past few years, the last one in February 2020 in Hobart. The topic was  “How Not to Get Sued” which had Dr Bill Glasson and Dr Penny Brown come and talk to us on medico-legal issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world in a brutal manner with most of the world in lockdown in some form or another over the past few months. India and Australia have also suffered during this pandemic. The aftereffects will be felt for a long time. IMAT members, being health professionals, have been busy working and helping actively in many ways, the most important one being by carrying on working  during the crisis in their respective fields despite the risks. Our members are held in high esteem in their workplace as well as in the community.

It is not known when an actual get-together will be possible under the current circumstances but we encourage members to keep in touch with each other and if there is any way in which IMAT can help, please do let the Executive know.  The WhatsApp platform has been a great success and it plays an important role in keeping us all in touch with each other.  In fact, if you read the WhatsApp messages, besides the friendly banter, there is a lot to learn.

The notice for annual membership fees will go out soon and I would encourage you to pay your subscription at the earliest. If the organization has a little reserve of money, it will allow IMAT to respond to requests for assistance from members or the community in a timely manner without having to solicit donations at that time.

I wish you all the best in these unusual times.  Stay safe and stay well.