Introduction

The practice of Family Medicine is viewed as central to the effective and efficient delivery of health care in developed countries, and it has started gaining strength in developing countries as well.

Family Medicine as a specific area of medical care provides caring, high quality, accessible and cost-effective care to individuals, families and communities.

The Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, has successfully organised two previous International Family Medicine Conferences (February 2003 and March 2005). Now, this follow-up conference at the request of the participants provides an opportunity for discussing 'New Horizons in Family Practice and Strengthening its Role in Health Care in the Region'.

The conference invites all practicing family physicians, teachers, leaders in the field, and students of medicine to explore issues pertinent to strengthening the role of Family Medicine in health care systems in relation to clinical care, continuing medical education, research and development of leadership skills.

Sub-Themes

• Assessment Drives Learning
• Recent Advances in Clinical Family Practice
• Challenges in Primary Care Research

Established as well as young scholars are encouraged to share the findings of their research papers in different sessions of the conference. There will also be an opportunity for attending a number of workshops. These require prior and separate registration due to limited seating.