The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) hosted a prestigious pre-congress session in collaboration with WONCA – SAR, setting the stage for an enlightening exchange of knowledge and insights in healthcare education. Under the theme “Enhancing Primary Healthcare Nursing Practice: Innovations, Challenges, and Best Practices.” This event, held at the esteemed Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, underscored the commitment of IIHS to nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals with cutting-edge information and trends shaping the industry.

The session was graced by esteemed luminaries who shared their expertise and perspectives, enriching the experience for all attendees. Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, CEO/Founder and director Academics of IIHS, set the tone with his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing healthcare education in Sri Lanka. Dr. Amal Harsha De Silva, Pro-vice Chancellor at IIHS, brought his wealth of experience to the table, emphasizing the importance of academic excellence and innovation in healthcare training. Ms. Ruth Bradley, Director of Nursing, Community Health Services, East London NHS Foundation Trust, captivated the audience with her insights into nursing leadership and the evolving role of nurses in community health. Dr. Renuka Jayatissa, Head of the Faculty of Food Sciences and Consultant Academic at IIHS, enlightened the participants about the intersection of nutrition and healthcare, highlighting its importance in holistic patient care.

The session was graced by esteemed luminaries who shared their expertise and perspectives, enriching the experience for all attendees. Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, CEO/Founder and director Academics of IIHS, set the tone with his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing healthcare education in Sri Lanka. Dr. Amal Harsha De Silva, Pro-vice Chancellor at IIHS, brought his wealth of experience to the table, emphasizing the importance of academic excellence and innovation in healthcare training. Ms. Ruth Bradley, Director of Nursing, Community Health Services, East London NHS Foundation Trust, captivated the audience with her insights into nursing leadership and the evolving role of nurses in community health. Dr. Renuka Jayatissa, Head of the Faculty of Food Sciences and Consultant Academic at IIHS, enlightened the participants about the intersection of nutrition and healthcare, highlighting its importance in holistic patient care.

Associate Prof. Glenda Whiting, Head of the School of Nursing at IIHS, showcased her expertise in nursing education and practice, as she emphasized the crucial role of educators in shaping competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. Prof. Nishan Silva, General Practitioner and Consultant in Health Informatics brought a global perspective from Australia, sharing trends in health informatics and its impact on modern healthcare delivery, and Ms. Sally Nuttall, Senior Clinical Lead of Nursing and Midwifery from NHS England: East of England, provided invaluable insights into clinical leadership and the challenges facing healthcare systems today. Together, these distinguished speakers highlighted key issues and emerging trends in healthcare education and practice, fostering a dynamic environment for learning and collaboration. The session not only enriched the knowledge base of attendees but also provided a platform for aspiring students to network with local as well as international industry experts.

As IIHS continues to lead the charge in healthcare education in Sri Lanka, events like the WONCA – SAR Pre-Congress Session serve as a critical milestone in preparing future healthcare professionals to navigate rapidly evolving industry. The institute remains steadfast in its mission to empower students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful and impactful career in healthcare.

In conclusion, the WONCA – SAR Pre-Congress Session at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and expertise of its speakers and the unwavering support of IIHS. It reinforced the pivotal role of IIHS in shaping the future of healthcare in Sri Lanka and beyond, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

As we reflect on the insightful discussions and strategic insights shared during this session, we look forward to continued collaboration and innovation in healthcare education, driven by the vision of transforming healthcare delivery for the betterment of communities worldwide.