WONCA World Rural Health Conference

Oct 12-15, 2019   Albuquerque, NM

 

Join Us in Albuquerque

Join us for the 16th Annual WONCA World Rural Health Conference.

Register Now 

Join Rural Health Leaders from Around the World

For the first time in 14 years, the WONCA World Rural Health Conference was back in the United States in 2019. Co-hosted by NRHA and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, this was our chance to educate, learn from, and network with international health care providers, educators, and researchers who share your goal of improving health care for all rural populations.

This event included:

  • Hands-on workshops to enhance pragmatic skills in obstetrics, soft tissue procedures, ultrasound, cryotherapy, join injection, dermoscopy, and stabilizing the unstable patient
  • Unique field visits to experience rural health care delivery and training in New Mexico for Native American, international, and refugee populations in the South Valley Health Commons and Madrid/Sante Fe region
  • A live session with real-time experts from across the globe showcasing the power of UNM's revolutionary Project ECHO telemedicine platform and how technology can bring medical information anywhere
  • Engaging keynotes including NASA physician Erik Antonsen, who will speak about the "Rural Clinician for Mars" and his experiences practicing medicine in isolation and extreme circumstances
  • The most thrilling hot air balloon ascension in the world, the finale of the 2019 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, with an exclusive breakfast reception and vantage points for WRHC19 attendees

Join rural health leaders across the globe in the Land of Enchantment Oct. 12-15 for a truly world-class event.

Register Now

You may also register via a downloadable PDF form and email to registration@nrharural.org, mail or fax.

Planning to attend the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Global Health Summit Oct. 9-12? Register for both conferences and receive a 15% discount code.

  • icon-rates Rates

    WONCA World Rural Health Conference Rates

    • $995 - General: Higher-income country of origin*
    • $495 - General: Lower-income country of origin*
    • $695 - Residents/Nurses/PAs
    • $325 - UMIC Students/Young Doctors+
    • $163 - LMIC Students/Young Doctors+

    *Check your eligibility for country-specific rate
    +WONCA defines young doctor as a doctor in residency training and for the five years after that, or five years from full registration for those who do not undertake residency training.

    Complete your World Rural Health Conference registration to receive a 15% off discount code for the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Global Health Summit Oct. 9-12 and plan to arrive early to Albuquerque.

    WONCA direct members will receive a discount upon request.
    (All rates in U.S. dollars)

    Register Now

    You may also register via a downloadable PDF form and email to registration@nrharural.org, mail or fax.

  • icon-agenta Agenda

    2019 WONCA World Rural Health Conference agenda (updated 10.12.19)

    Draft 2019 WONCA World Rural Health Conference concurrent sessions (updated 10.11.19)

    Poster submissions for the 2019 WRHC agenda are now being accepted until Sept. 23.

    Emerging event highlights include:

    • A live session with real-time experts from across the globe showcasing the power of UNM’s revolutionary Project ECHO telemedicine platform and how technology can bring medical information anywhere.
     
    • Engaging keynotes, including NASA physician Erik Antonsen who will speak about the “Rural Clinician for Mars“ and his experiences practicing medicine in isolation and extreme circumstances.”
       
    • Hands-on workshops to enhance pragmatic skills in obstetrics, soft tissue procedures, ultrasound, cryotherapy, joint injection, electro-surgery, dermoscopy and stabilizing the unstable patient.
     
    • Unique field visits to experience rural health care delivery and training in New Mexico for Native American, international, and refugee populations in the South Valley Health Commons and Madrid/Sante Fe region.
     

     

  • icon-scholarships CME Credits & Scholarships

    Continuing Medical Education

    The University of New Mexico School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

    The Office of Continuing Medical Education designates this live activity for a maximum of 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.


    Further information on the application process is forthcoming.

     

    Scholarships

    Consider making a donation to assist colleagues from across the globe in attending the 16th WONCA World Rural Health Conference via scholarship.

  • icon-field-visits Special Events

    NRHA and UNMHSC have coordinated several additional opportunities for clinical and cultural education and entertainment including four unique field visits, eight hands-on workshops, and an international aviation event.

    Rural WONCA Assembly

    The first day of the event is a showcase of rural initiatives highlighting opportunities for those attending the conference. Apply today for the Rural WONCA Rattlesnake Pit, our version of the popular 'Shark Tank' television show.

    Field Visits

    Learn about the four unique field visits offered to WRHC19 event attendees from 8 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Oct. 14. Each is limited to 54 attendees and costs $35-50 for entrance and round-trip transportation. Don't forget to select these items during the registration process:

    Workshops

    Learn about the eight hands-on workshops offered to WRHC19 event attendees throughout the week. Each costs $35 and attendance is limited. Don't forget to select these items during the registration process:

    • Sunday, Oct. 13 from 10:15 am - 12:30 pm: Obstetrical Emergencies: Advanced Life Support Simulations
    • Sunday, Oct. 13 from 2:45 - 5:00 pm: Point-of-Care Ultrasound
    • Sunday, Oct. 13 from 2:45 - 5:00 pm: Stabilizing the Unstable Patient in Low Resource Settings
    • Monday, Oct. 14 from 9:00 - 11:15 am: Placement and Management of Intrauterine Devices
    • Monday, Oct. 14 from 9:00 - 11:15 am: Joint Injection
    • Monday, Oct. 14 from 3:30 - 4:30 pm: Cryotherapy
    • Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 10:15 - 11:15 am: Skin Biopsy

     

    Balloon Ascension Finale Breakfast

    The most thrilling hot air balloon ascension in the world will occur Sunday, Oct. 13 during the last day of the 2019 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

    Join an exclusive group of attendees to witness this bucket list moment set before the backdrop of the beautiful Sandia mountains in the stunning Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum. This $79 package includes:

    • Roundtrip bus transportation from conference hotels and admission to the museum
    • Fully catered hot breakfast with beverages served at 5:30 a.m. in the exclusive indoor dining room with views overlooking Balloon Fiesta Park
    • Access to the outdoor patio setting, the absolute best view in Albuquerque of the mass ascension, for prime viewing and taking photos
    • Access to the Balloon Fiesta Field for merchandise and close up views of balloons during preparation and lift-off
    • Tickets limited to 200, first come, first served. Additional tickets for entrance into the Balloon Fiesta Park can be purchased in the Balloon Museum Gift Shoppe.

     

    These opportunities are offered exclusively to provide WRHC19 event attendees priority access to an already incredible event. Don't forget to select this item during the registration process.

  • icon-building Accommodations

    Explore the region and book your hotel accommodations early at WONCA partner hotels via our Albuquerque visitors guide or the numbers below. Mention the WONCA conference to receive discounted rates.

    Albuquerque Hyatt Regency - $189 - (888) 421-1442
     
    Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque - $199 - (800) 584-5058
     
    Embassy Suites Albuquerque Hotel & Spa - $239 - (800) 445-8667
     
    Hotel Andaluz - $269 - (504) 242-9090

    Tourism

    Discover North America’s Land of Enchantment in the heart of the spirited Southwest United States with our Albuquerque hotel and tourism guide.
    Exclusive bus tour packages curated for WRHC19 attendees and their families are available to compliment your stay in Albuquerque, including transportation to the 2019 International Balloon Fiesta. All tours are to be booked through transportation providers.

  • icon-globe International Attendees

     

    International Attendees

     

    The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and the National Rural Health Association welcome attendees from across the globe to the largest academic gathering of international rural health professionals.

    Most attendees traveling from outside the U.S. will need to apply for a B1 Visitor Visa in order to enter the country to attend an educational event.

    Visa-waiver countries of origin
    If your country of origin is included in this list you may be eligible for the visa-waiver program. Please note that each traveler from a visa-waiver country must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a U.S. bound aircraft. Visit the ESTA webpage for more information and to apply.

    Visa-required countries of origin
    If your country of origin is not a visa-waiver country you must apply for a B1 Visitor Visa in order to enter the U.S. to attend an educational event. In some cases, the B1 Visitor Visa process can take up to 28 business days to schedule an interview at an Embassy or Consulate of the U.S. in your home country, so we recommend that you begin the process early. An invitation letter from the host will be made available upon request.

    Founded in 1972, WONCA, the World Organization of Family Doctors, is an international organization committed to improving the quality of life in rural communities around the globe and providing a forum for exchange of knowledge.

  • icon-exhibitors Exhibitors & Sponsorships

    Exhibitors, sponsors and advertisers
    Don't miss the opportunity to increase your visibility in the rural market with ads and sponsorships or by becoming a vetted NRHA Partner.

    The 16th WONCA World Rural Health Conference engagement guide includes many unique sponsorship and exhibit opportunities specific to this event. Contact Colleen Bay to learn more.

    Download NRHA's 2019 engagement guide for more opportunities.

 

Discover North America's
Land of Enchantment


Discover North America's Land of Enchantment in the heart of the spirited Southwest United States. Creative cultures flourish in this region, recognized as one of the most widely diverse areas of the U.S. New Mexico's colorful tapestry is reflected in its architecture, art, culture and cuisine. Learn more by visiting our Albuquerque hotel and tourism guide.

 

Hear What Past Conference Attendees are Saying

A wonderful, must-attend international opportunity which reminds us as rural doctors, nurses and health workers that we have much more in common than the distance that separates us.

- Dr. Bruce Chater, 2018 WONCA Conference Attendee
 
The 15th Annual WONCA meeting held in Delhi was an incredible professional experience. The opportunity to meet with clinicians from around the world, and to share information was informative and rewarding.

- Alan Morgan, 2018 WONCA Conference Attendee

Hosts

Supporting Organizations
Hosts AAFPUND School of Medicine and Health Sciences