From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Nigerian Physiologists under the platform of Professional Association of Practising Clinical Physiologists in Nigeria (PAPCPN) flagged off a three-day conference for a better public health.
Speaking at the event held at ASUU Secretariat of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, a Professor of Physiology and Consultant Endocrinologist, Mr Chibueze Ufearo, who is chairman of the conference, said the conference was timely as he declared it open.
He said that the conference theme: “Advancing Clinical Physiology : Teaching , Innovation and Best People” was hoped to stimulate more interest in specialisation in clinical physiology.
Ufearo, former Head of Department Human Physiology and Dean Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at UNIZIK urged all participants to register and actively participate in all aspects of the conference.
He said that the conference would broaden their knowledge in physiological basis of diseases which will bear on improvements in professional skills and patients care.
He comnended the vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Charles Esimone and the Association for hosting the inaugural nation conference.
Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, National President of the Professional Association of Practicing Clinical Physiologists in Nigeria (PAPCPN) said that clinical Physiologists play a vital role in diagnosis, treatment and management of various medical conditions.
Okeke said that physiologists expertise in evaluating and interpreting physiological functions is instrumental in guiding therapeutic interventions and optimising patients care.
He said that in a rapid evolving healthcare landscape it is crucial for them to stay at the
forefront of knowledge and embrace the latest technologies and methodologies.
He added that the conference provided an invaluable opportunity to expand the horizon, deepen their understanding and foster collaboration that will shape the future of clinical physiology in Nigeria.
Okeke disclosed that the conference has exciting lineup of keynote speeches, scientific sessions, workshops and poster presentations covering a wide range of topics in clinical physiology.
Prof Arthur Chuemere , a Professor of Human Physiology from University of Port Harcourt spoke on latest advancement in clinical physiology
Prof E.D. Nwobodo of Human Physiology, from college of Health Sciences UNIZIK, Nnewi spoke on advancing clinical physiology teaching and pratices in Nigeria.
Prof Mohamed Mabrouk Abdel Aziz from Bayero University Kano spoke on challenges of physiologists in clinical applications and relationships between physiological education and clinician.
Prof Azubuike Nwankwo of College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu handled emerging technologies in clinical physiology.
Miss Ifunanya Njoagwuani, a three hundred level student of Human Physiology of the institution said that Physiology was a very interesting course and urged educational authorities to give it a realistic boost.
Njoagwani said that the course had offered her opportunity of learning new things about human body.
“The only challenge is lack of accreditation and recognition by National Universities Commission, (NUC), and the government as a professional course.
” It is not right because Physiology is particularly about the root of medicine and in our world today we are required in almost every aspect of the medical field.
“I wish to appeal to NUC to hasten the accreditation process so we can officially begin studying both practically and theoretically at hospitals,”she said.
Mr Joesph Agu, a three hundred level student of college of Health Sciences said that Physiology and the field of Clinical Physiology were interesting field of study.
Agu said he had wanted to study a different course but with the advancement in this field and from the conference, he hoped to go miles in the field and make a difference.
He expressed gratitude to PAPCPN for holding the conference and offering them an opportunity to learn more about the course.
The event also honoured persons who had distinguished themselves in humanitarian services including, Chief Ezeaku Ejiofor, the founder, “Igbo Love To”.
Also honoured was Chief Ikechukwu Chukwudiebube, represented by Chief Attahiru Okeke.