Global health experts to explore the future of health in Blue Skies Conference

18 Jan 2024

18 January 2024

How can we elevate the practice of medicine with AI? How will virtual reality shape clinical reality? And what insights can help us live a longer, healthier life?

These are among the questions that will be discussed by international experts at a leading-edge innovation conference in California next month.

Speakers at the Global Blue Skies conference, a collaboration between the University of California Irvine (UCI) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, will share the best of advanced technology – including AI, robotics, VR, and operating rooms of the future – with the best health and wellness-based practices, including diet, mindfulness and sleep.

Mike McKirdy, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, is speaking at the event on the subject of Breast Cancer: The way we live now.

He said: “The future of technology – and importantly, the future of lifestyle and disease prevention – are vital areas of discussion as we strive to support people to live longer, healthier and happier lives.

“As a College, we are delighted to be working with our colleagues at UCI on this landmark conference, which brings together a stellar list of speakers from Scotland and America.”

The conference will cover Salutogenesis: lifestyle, disease prevention and alternative strategies to optimising health span, and advanced healthcare technologies.

Speakers will include: Sir David MacMillan, Nobel Prize Laureate in Chemistry, on Asymmetric Organocatalysis; Patrick Kearns on Environmental Influences on Neurodegenerative Disease; Jason Leitch – Scotland’s National Clinical Director – on Health Inequalities; Teodor Grancherov on Transforming the Operating Room into the Safest Space on Earth; and Shaista Malik on Salutogenesis: Insights to a Longer, Healthier Life.

Dr Shaista Malik, Founding Executive Director of the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute and Founding Associate Vice Chancellor of Integrative Health at UCI, said: “We at UCI are thrilled to be collaborating with the Royal College on this important and exciting conference, which is bringing together the top minds in healthcare who are making meaningful differences.

“I and my esteemed colleagues are grateful for the space to discuss the latest medical advancements that are improving individual patient outcomes and enhancing overall community health. I’m excited to gather for thought-provoking presentations on this topic and so much more.”

According to Dr Jaime Landman, Chair of the Department of Urology at UCI and the meeting coordinator,“The Blue Skies concept is a collaborative effort between the Royal College, the UCI Samueli Integrative Health Institute and the UCI School of Medicine and represents our shared belief that the bright future of healthcare includes a combination of wellness and prevention along with the most advanced technologies and clinical strategies.” 

The Global Blue Skies conference will also see the formal launch of the Royal College’s North American Committee, which is helping to expand the College’s growing base of more than 400 Fellows and Members in North America.

The Global Blue Skies conference is being hosted by UCI’s Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, the Department of Urology, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. The event takes place on Saturday 3 February at the University of California Irvine. For the full programme and to book tickets, visit the UCI website.

Category: College