Antimicrobial resistance under scrutiny at Royal Colleges’ symposium

Leading veterinary and medical scientists and practitioners will take part in a symposium entitled ‘Antimicrobial resistance in human and veterinary medicine – one health, one problem?’. The aim is to provide an evidence base for a rational debate.

The event is being organised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Pathologists (RC Path), in conjunction with the Health Protection Agency (HPA), and will take place on 2 October 2012 in London.

“Antimicrobial resistance is one of the fastest-growing challenges to face medical and veterinary science, and it’s important that debate and decisions about antimicrobial use are well-informed and evidence-based,” says Dr Bharat Patel, of the HPA and RC Path, co-organiser of the symposium.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the fastest-growing challenges to face medical and veterinary science

Dr Bharat Patel

Professor Sandy Trees, fellow co-organiser and RCVS past-President, says: “Bringing together experts from both the medical and veterinary fields to consider the latest evidence concerning the origins and flow of antimicrobial resistance between humans, animal populations, and the environment, will help in that aim.”

Apart from the spread of antimicrobial resistance, speakers will review topics such as the rapidly-growing importance of antimicrobial use and misuse globally, the impact of travel and the historical outcomes of restrictions on antimicrobial use.

A broad audience is expected to attend, including veterinary and medical scientists and practitioners, representatives from industry, opinion leaders, and others with an interest in antimicrobial resistance.

The event will be held at the Royal College of Physicians, 11 St Andrews Place, London.

For more information, the programme and speakers, and to book a place, visit our events section.