The 14th annual Congress of Faculty of Consulting Physicians South Africa, held in Umhlanga/Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on May 15-17th, was hosted by President Dr. Marius Wasserfall and program committee chair Dr. Kuven Naidu. Approximately 200 physicians and trainee attended from all regions of South Africa and neighbouring countries.
The Opening Address was given by President Marius Wasserfall who emphasized the value of specialist physicians in addressing the numerous health care issues in the country and the need for physicians to be leaders in guiding the use of the proliferation of AI products for the benefit of patients.
During the two and half day meeting, distinguished South African faculty, both senior and junior, were joined by international guests from USA and Kenya to discuss topics pertinent to the audience. These included lectures on cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary and gastrointestinal conditions and ethics with focus on HIV, TB, Hepatitis B, COPD and heart failure, all highly prevalent in the region. Presentations were of an exceptionally high quality being both scientifically sound, evidence based, patient focused and pragmatic.
Throughout the meeting there were chances for faculty, participants, and guests to interact socially and professionally at lunches and events and enjoy the warm hospitality of FCPSA and Eastern Cape. A lively gala dinner with dancing and entertainment was attended by most participants on the second day of the meeting. Pharma representatives provided support for the meeting events.
ISIM was represented by President, Dr Virginia Hood who gave a keynote address, former President, Dr, Adri Kok, chairing sessions and EC committee member Dr. Frederick Bester who made a presentation on ethics. Secretary General, Hans-Peter Kohler, and EC members present, along with guest faculty member Dr. Erick Njenga from Kenya, discussed the proposed Post Graduate courses to be held in Kenya and Ghana in August 2026 with Dr. Bester and Dr. Naidu from FCPSA who will coordinate this program.
