Durban University of Technology (DUT) Chiropractic students have played vital roles at the 2021 African Regional Event (ARE) which was hosted by the World Congress of Chiropractic DUT Chapter from 8 to 11 April 2020 via Zoom.

There were more than 160 delegates in attendance from all over South Africa. International speakers included Dr Scott Haldeman, who is a legend within Chiropractic and Dr Richard Brown (Secretary General of the World Federation of Chiropractic). Local speakers included Dr Junaid Shaik and some DUT alumni students such as Dr Cuan Coetzee, Dr Sasha Lee King and Dr Mufudzi Chihambakwe. 

Fourth year Chiropractic student Tamia Abrahams, convener of the 2021 African Regional Event, said the team of planners were Nikhita Nathoo, Preelan Govender, Naseem Jooma, Revashni Govender, Kéhl Christison and Michaela Hardstone.

“They all helped with marketing, ticket sales and running of the event in general.  DUT’s Dr Yomika Venketsamy and Dr Desiree Varatharajullu assisted in the preliminary planning of the event such as suggesting speakers as well as helping with any questions or concerns along the way. Key topics presented on included evidence based practice, treating patients with chronic pain and treating patients holistically while utilising a multidisciplinary approach in practice. There was an emphasis placed on patient centred care as we move from the lecture into the clinic and eventually into practice. Ethics and jurisprudence was also another big topic covered as it is extremely relevant when practicing,” she said.

The theme of the event was: Honouring the past, practising in the present, looking to the future.

“The theme also aimed to pay homage to the philosophy and practitioners that have paved the way for us, acknowledge the greatness that is happening in our profession presently and open our eyes to the road that lies ahead for us in the field,” she said.

Abrahams said that every year the World Congress of Chiropractic Students (WCCS), an international forum representing the global student chiropractic population, has regional events to bring Chiropractic students of the region closer together and give them an opportunity to learn from practitioners in the field.

“We had a wide variety of speakers in the field with topics covering interesting cases, such as pain as well as why movement is so important. We also had some fun social events such as a virtual scavenger hunt, make your own drinks night and Pilates. Many prizes were also given out that were sponsored by the following companies: Azure Treats, Dr Talitha Marx, Rocktape, BSN medical supplies, Elevate Strength and Conditioning, Healthpasia, Dr Cuan Coetzee and Hi-Tech Therapy,” she said. 

Abrahams relayed that the goal of an event like this is to inspire and refresh the passion for Chiropractic and being in the field of health care.

Pictured: Attendees at the 2021 African Regional Event.

Pictured: Tamia Abrahams, convener of the 2021 African Regional Event.

Waheeda Peters