A Day of Learning, Healing, and Hope
20th November, I had the opportunity to attend the remarkable International Medical Conference held here in Curaçao that covered a wide range of topics ranging from pediatric movement disorders to humanitarian trauma care. As a first-year medical student, this experience was eye-opening and, honestly, a little overwhelming in the best way possible. It reminded me why I chose medicine in the first place: to understand people, help them, and grow into a compassionate clinician.
Modern and Compassionate Care for Children with Movement Disorders Speaker: Dr. Med. Peter Bernius – Kinder- und Neuroorthopedics Munich
One of the first sessions focused on pediatric orthopedic problems in children with movement disorders, especially cerebral palsy. I had learned about CP only from textbooks till now, so hearing it explained through real cases felt different. Dr. Bernius spoke about the effects of Cerebral palsy on the muscle tone, posture, gait, balance and how every child has it’s own challenges to face in this.
He also discussed common orthopedic complications such as hip dysplasia, scoliosis, hamstring and Achilles contractures, foot deformities and it’s treatment which includes a combination of physiotherapy, orthoses, botulinum toxin injections, and sometimes surgery. His emphasis on compassion was what most impressed me. He discussed working in tandem with families, establishing reasonable objectives, and emphasizing function over "fixing" the child. It served as a helpful reminder that medicine is about more than just treating; it's also about understanding and providing emotional support to the child and their caregivers.
Treating Trauma in Times of Migration and Crisis Speaker: Dr. Peter Schwick – Doctors of the World
I was profoundly affected by another seminar that addressed the suffering of migrants and refugees. Dr. Schwick talked about children who are fleeing violence, crossing international borders, losing family members, or living in dangerous circumstances. In addition to mental symptoms like headaches, anxiety, fear, and developmental delays, these children also exhibit physical signs of trauma.
He emphasized that humanitarian medicine requires humility, which includes listening to people's stories, understanding their culture, and working in spite of a lack of resources. I realized that treating trauma involves more than just psychotherapy; it also involves giving families a sense of dignity, safety, and control. As someone who is new to the medical field, it made me realize how closely social and political events relate to health.
Hope in Times of Crisis Speaker: Dr. Ryan Jackson – Caribbean Medical University
This talk felt more personal. Dr. Jackson discussed what it means to find hope even when everything seems uncertain whether during natural disasters, illness, or conflict. He spoke about resilience, community, and how healthcare workers must learn to protect their own mental health so they can continue to care for others.
The real stories he shared stayed with me. They reminded me that medicine is full of difficult moments, but also full of humanity, and that hope itself can be a form of healing.
Family-Centered Care: Rethinking How We Support Children and Parents Speaker: Prof. Dr. Peter Rosenbaum – McMaster University
The final session was about family-centered care, especially for children with chronic conditions like CP. Prof. Rosenbaum highlighted a simple yet powerful idea: families know their children best. When doctors listen to them, include them, and respect their goals, outcomes improve not only medically, but emotionally.
He explained how long-term care plans should involve regular family meetings, goal-setting, and open communication. I found the “F-words” framework (Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, Future) especially meaningful. It showed me how healthcare can be holistic and supportive rather than rigid and disease-focused.
A Personal Reflection
Apart from the presentations, I spent some time reading posters on cervical cancer, colon cancer, gastroparesis, and even an unexpected topic of dolphin-assisted therapy, which is quite controversial. During the breaks, I spoke with several doctors. As an basic sciences student, I was inspired as well as humbled. Their work, experiences and kindness honestly left a huge impact on me.
This conference didn’t just teach me medical concepts. It gave me perspective. It reminded me that medicine is ultimately about connecting with people, children with disabilities, families in crisis, and communities facing hardship.
I am grateful that I had the chance to attend, and I hope more students get to experience learning opportunities like this.