NewsIAMRA eNews is a monthly newsletter to facilitate the sharing of information by and for those with an interest in medical regulation. If you would like to submit an article or a news item for a future edition of IAMRA eNews, please Contact Us. |
As reported in last month's newsletter, IAMRA led the delivery of a collaborative, peer-learning workshop at the recent 28th Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) Conference in Accra, Ghana, with colleagues from AMCOA and the African Regional Office of WHO (WHO AFRO). The workshop was based on principles from the WHO's Health Practitioner Regulation: Design, Reform and Implementation Guidance. This month, we are pleased to highlight the two country presenters from the workshop, Dr. Davie Zolowere and Dr. Abdoul-Guaniyi Sawadogo, who share their reflections including on:
Dr. Davie Zolowere "Competence is the combination of knowledge, skills, and attitude. While qualifications demonstrate knowledge, practical skills and professional conduct are equally important in ensuring safe, high-quality care." Dr. Zolowere also emphasized the value of collaboration between ministries of health, educational institutions, and regulators, noting that strong partnerships help support practitioner competence and strengthen regulatory systems. Looking ahead, Dr. Zolowere encouraged IAMRA, AMCOA, WHO AFRO, and regulators to continue exploring how regulatory authorities can be better supported and resourced to effectively fulfill their public protection mandate. Key Takeaway: Effective regulation requires more than credentials alone. It depends on collaboration, adequate resources, and a commitment to developing and maintaining practitioner competence throughout a professional's career.
Dr. Abdoul-Guaniyi Sawadogo “The true measure of a regulator is not the licences it issues but how well patients are protected.” Reflecting on the IAMRA-AMCOA-WHO Workshop, Dr. Sawadogo noted that while registration, licensing, and credentials are important, effective regulation also requires ethical practice, ongoing professional development, and accountability throughout a healthcare professional’s career. He emphasized that public trust depends on regulators ensuring practitioners continue to meet high standards of safe, quality care Looking Ahead, Dr. Sawadogo highlighted the importance of strengthening regulatory resilience through reliable health workforce data, digital systems, and enhanced collaboration between regulators. He encouraged continued partnership between IAMRA, AMCOA, WHO AFRO, and national regulators to improve credential verification, information sharing, and emergency preparedness, ensuring stronger protection for patients and healthcare systems across the region.
Draft AI Policy GuidanceIAMRA is seeking feedback from Members and Partners on its Draft AI Policy Guidance, developed by the Artificial Intelligence Working Group. The guidance outlines high-level principles and considerations for the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and medical regulation, with the goal of supporting regulators across diverse jurisdictions. Feedback received through the consultation will help inform the final guidance document for consideration at the 2027 Members General Assembly. Please submit your feedback by October 27, 2026. Learn more and submit your feedback here!
"Determining Cross-Border ‘Equivalency’ in Medical Education and Training: Global Perspectives" Date: October 7, 2026 Time: 7:00 am CST Speakers:
Facilitator:
In this webinar, speakers from South Africa, Malaysia, and Canada will share global perspectives on how medical regulatory authorities determine the equivalency of international medical education and training. The discussion will explore the criteria, standards, information sources, and partnerships used to assess physicians educated outside a regulator’s jurisdiction, as well as the challenges regulators face in ensuring transparency, consistency, and trust in cross-border assessments. Participants will also gain insight into emerging trends and future opportunities to strengthen international approaches to equivalency determination. To ensure you join at the correct local time, please reference the Time and Date website. If your city isn’t listed, select your continental region above the list of cities. Registration is free and required. Please register using the webinar registration link. Once you register, you will receive a unique link to join the webinar. Please feel free to share the registration page with colleagues, but do not share your personal webinar access link. Can't attend live? If you are unable to join live or would like to submit questions in advance, please send them to sheermans@iamra.com. Questions may be incorporated into the facilitated discussion and Q&A session. If you missed the July webinar, a recording and detailed summary are available in the IAMRA members-only section of the website. Welcome IAMRA's New Members! Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine - Member (USA) Liberia Medical and Dental Council - Member (Liberia) Military Medical Services - Partner (Syrian Arab Republic)
| Regulatory news and events NEWS General Medical Council (GMC) United Kingdom: AI and smarter systems help doctors reclaim time for patients Ireland: New Medical Council President Medical Council of New Zealand: Strategic Plan | Te Mahere 2026 – 2031, Medical Workforce Survey Report Pakistan Medical can Dental Council: PM&DC Transformation and Achievements Since Its Reconstitution in 2023 – Highlights in Pictures Medical Council of Malawi:Malawi Advances Patient Safety Through Medical-Legal Collaboration EVENTS The International Conference on Physician Health September 28-30, 2026, London The Canadian Network of Agencies for Regulation (CNAR) International Symposium | Rethinking Professional Regulation in a Dynamic World Montreal, Canada October 5, 2026 Osteopathic International Alliance Conference – November 6-7, 2026 – Paris, France The OIA, which serves as the voice of the global osteopathic and osteopathic medical profession, cordially invites members of IAMRA and the public toregister2026 Conference, which takes place on November 6-7 at the Maison de la Chimie in Paris, France. We are honored to welcome IAMRA Secretary Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry, DO alongside a number of other esteemed regulatory, clinical, educational and research presenters on ouragenda. The conference will also feature a student research poster competition as well as a gala dinner cruise on the River Seine. More information about the conference and the OIA can be found on our websiteor by contacting OIA Secretariat Raine Richards, JD, atrrichards@osteopathic.org. Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day January 22, 2027 https://accme.org/event/healthcare-continuing-education-professionals-day/ ACCME Learn to Thrive 2027 May 25-27, 2027, Chicago, IL Global Expo 2027: Transforming Health and Social Care Through Workforce Optimization, Digital Innovation, Assistive Technology and Disability Inclusion Participation in the associated Industry Exhibition. Register here now.
Explore the New Members Hub✨We’ve refreshed the members-only area of the IAMRA website — now rebranded as your new Members Hub. It’s faster, clearer, and easier to use, with everything in one place:
✅All key services are now just one click away from a single landing page. Explore the Members Hub now Need help or have feedback? Contact Sarah at secretariat@iamra.com, we’d love to hear from Communication Information on all IAMRA events is available on the IAMRA website and also on the IAMRA LinkedIn company page. We will also share information with you regularly by email. We encourage you to follow on LinkedIn for regular posts and other updates on our activities.us
IAMRA Physician Information Exchange (PIE) PIE is a secure, members-only platform that supports global patient safety by enabling medical regulatory authorities to share critical information about physicians subject to significant regulatory sanctions. International investigativereportinghas reinforced the importance of robust cross-border information sharing and identified PIE as a key tool to address gaps in regulatory oversight. By facilitating timely international communication, PIE helps prevent practitioners from evading accountability by moving between jurisdictions. There is no equivalent international system to PIE. Member Engagement PIE continues to receive significant attention and engagement from IAMRA members worldwide. It has been featured regularly in IAMRAnewsletters, and past IAMRAwebinarshave focused specifically on the practical use and value of PIE, including real-world case examples from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the United States. Accessing PIE IAMRA Members can access the PIE platform from theMembers Hub,along with a range of supporting resources, including a Quick Start Guide. More Information Please see theFrequently Asked Questionsfor general information about PIE including how to register and access, as well as to query and submit information to the platform. For additional information or to register for access to PIE, please contact:sheermans@iamra.com. |
AMCOA Workshop Spotlight: Reflections from Two Regulatory Leaders
