One-world theme to bring scientists together on AMR

As today is European Antibiotic Awareness Day, we're very pleased to announce our plans for a one-day symposium on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), in partnership with the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Pathologists, and in association with the Health Protection Agency.

‘Antimicrobial resistance in human and veterinary medicine – one health, one problem?’, will be held on Thursday, 15 March 2012 [NB this date has now been changed to 2 October 2012] at the Royal College of Physicians in London.

“The aim of the symposium is to bring medical and veterinary scientists and leading practitioners together to discuss antimicrobial resistance, in the spirit of ‘one medicine’,” says RCVS Council member Professor Sandy Trees, one of the organisers of the event.

“Speakers will review the scientific evidence base to inform a rational debate, focusing on the sources of antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans, and the flow of resistance between them and the environment,” he adds.

This symposium will consider the rapidly-growing importance of antimicrobial use and misuse globally, the impact of travel and the historical outcomes of previous restrictions.

These are issues high on the agenda of both the veterinary and medical professions in the UK.

On the veterinary front, the symposium will build on the work of other organisations, such as the British Veterinary Association and the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture alliance.