A unique event for Romanian speakers in the diaspora: The "I choose health" Medical conference gathers nearly 300 participants in Ireland
On September 29, the Romanian community in Ireland witnessed a marathon event like no other in the Diaspora: the “I Choose Health” Medical Conference. For 6 hours, nearly 300 Romanians and Moldovans came together to meet top doctors from the Diaspora, learn more about the Irish healthcare system, and explore new perspectives on a healthy lifestyle.
This event, the first of its kind organized in Romanian in Ireland, is unique not only locally but also internationally. To date, no other Romanian community in the world has organized a similar event that brings together Romanian health specialists committed to promoting prevention and medical education, addressing the general public unfamiliar with the medical field.
Speakers at the event
The conference featured renowned speakers such as:
- Prof. Dr. Gheorghe Cerin – Senior Cardiologist, Italy and Romania
- Dr. Ioana Mariș – Lecturer, Consultant in Pediatrics and Pediatric Allergy, Ireland
- Dr. Ana-Maria Clarke – Specialist in Liaison and Perinatal Psychiatry, Ireland
- Dr. Angela Parvu – Family Medicine Consultant, Ireland
Discussion topics and free tests
Participants had the opportunity to undergo free medical tests and learn about major health topics.
Prof. Dr. Gheorghe Cerin, a renowned senior cardiologist and member of the European Society of Cardiology, participated with the topic “The Root of Cardiovascular Diseases: Metabolic Syndrome.” Based on his detailed studies in Italy, Dr. Cerin concluded that nearly 25% of Romanian emigrants’ deaths are caused by cardiovascular diseases and strokes, with an average age of just 44. “It is a true human tragedy to lose your life to a heart attack or stroke at 44 and leave children behind in Italy or Ireland, as well as parents in Romania. A change in lifestyle can save lives,” Dr. Cerin emphasized.
Dr. Ioana Mariș, the founder of the only private pediatric allergy service in Ireland, provided an updated perspective on food allergies in children. She discussed the importance of a diverse diet in developing children’s immunity, including the benefits of introducing foods like cakes in controlled diets to strengthen immune response.
“It is essential to allow children to explore diverse foods under medical supervision to enhance their immunity and protect them from long-term allergies,” Dr. Mariș explained.
Dr. Ana-Maria Clarke highlighted the importance of mental health, particularly during the early postpartum months, through the theme “Mens sana in corpore sano.” “The first postpartum months are critical for the mental health of new mothers, as they need support to adapt to major changes. Without support and prevention, psychological imbalances may arise, affecting overall health,” Dr. Clarke explained. She also elaborated on the close link between physical and mental illnesses.
Dr. Angela Parvu discussed the necessity for every person living in Ireland to have a family doctor. “The family doctor is the first point of contact in the Irish healthcare system. They coordinate medical care and are essential in monitoring health and preventing complications,” Dr. Parvu stated. In the context of the Irish healthcare system, the family doctor ensures continuity of care and coordinates access to specialized services. In Ireland, 80% of patients are treated by family doctors.
The “I Choose Health” Medical Conference represents an opportunity to raise awareness about healthy living as part of Alfa Medics’ ongoing “I am healthy and this is my choice” campaign, which continues to promote health and prevention in Ireland. The Romanian community in Ireland is quite substantial, with over 55,000 Romanians officially recorded in the 2022 Census. Through this conference, Alfa Medics aimed not only to provide accurate information but also to educate the community on the importance of preventive healthcare.
For more information about the Medical Conference, medical tests or our campaign “I am healthy and this is my choice”, please email us at media@alfamedics.ie.
