AIMA Leadership Camp: Enthusiasm, collegiality and networking

The Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) organised a national leadership camp in Canberra from Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 September 2022, attended by almost 100 doctors and other health professionals as well as medical students from all across Australia, where Senator Fatima Payman, the Labor Senator for WA delivered the keynote speech.

Dr Muhammad Afzal Kahloon, Canberra-based senior Urologist and President of AIMA, welcomed all attendees saying that the objective and purpose of AIMA is to unite and inspire Muslim health professionals in Australia.

“AIMA members wish to serve and contribute to the welfare of Muslims and the broader Australian community,” he said.

Dr Kahloon urged Muslim medical and health professionals to come forward and support AIMA’s vision, goals and objectives with active participation in various activities.

Dr Habib Bhurawala, a Sydney-based senior Paediatrician and Chair of the AIMA leadership program committee provided a brief update on the event’s purpose.

“This leadership camp is an opportunity to develop leadership skills for AIMA central and state executive committee members, future leaders including junior doctors and medical students,” he said.

“This camp will also provide ample networking opportunities, especially for junior doctors and medical students,” Dr Bhurawala further added.

The programme on the first day, Sunday 10 September, commenced with a short Islamic talk, lessons and guidance based on the Holy Quran delivered by Dr Jamal Tashkandi, consultant Anaesthetist based in Rockhampton, Central Queensland and a member of the central leadership team of AIMA.

This session was followed by a talk by Dr Helen Parsons, CSC, FRACMA, on Medical Leadership, together with a Q&A session. Dr Parsons is the current president of The Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators and served in various public and private health facilities and Australian defence forces.

Dr Ashraf Chehata, Melbourne-based Orthopaedic surgeon and National vice-president of AIMA, spoke on Prophetic Leadership, explaining lessons derived from the battle of Uhud with subsequent Quranic revelation and its relevance to Islamic Leadership today.

Senator Fatima Payman, Labor Senator for WA, delivered a keynote speech acknowledging the support she has received from various Muslim community sections. She narrated her story of growing up in Perth from age 5, schooling in a Muslim school and her studies in pharmacy at the University of WA, later deciding to join politics and achieving rapid success in getting elected as a senator.

During the tea break, Senator Payman freely mingled with delegates at the event, networking and obliging those who wished to take photos.

Dr Imran Ali, Canberra-based Anaesthetist and Logistics co-ordinator for the AIMA Leadership camp, welcomed everyone on behalf of the AIMA-ACT team and provided housekeeping instructions and updates.

Dr Muhammad Ashraf, a Mackay-based general surgeon and secretary of AIMA, welcomed everyone to the first in-person meeting of AIMA nationally since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and provided an overview of AIMA’s activities.

“AIMA is a national organisation with branches in each state and territory with well-established programs such as blood donation drives and free CPR training for community members, he said.

Dr Ashraf further added, “AIMA aims to expand programs to provide guidance and mentoring for medical students and young clinicians and to unite, inspire and serve”.

He reminded everyone that actions are judged by intention, and urged the audience to purify our intention.

Mr Shahid Majeed, CEO of E-LEAD, Global Centre of Excellent for Leadership, Engagement and Development conducted interactive workshops on Leadership and peak performance which were very well received.

He spoke about creating an impact through developing and enhancing the capacity and aspiration of future and emerging leaders for active Leadership in a global society.

A promo video highlighted the achievements of AIMA, showing glimpses of previous events, including a public health awareness campaign during COVID-19, CPR training in masjids and Islamic centres, and blood donation drives.

Mr Dan Bourchier, an Experienced multi-award-winning ABC Journalist who is the host of ABC Canberra, First Nations heritage, spoke about his experiences in media being a journalist of First Nations heritage and his journey over the years.

He answered many audience questions on equity, access, and presentation of minority issues in mainstream media, generating robust discussion.

Ms Mobinah Ahmad, Managing Editor of AMUST, an all-rounder with BSc, BA, MA (Digital Culture), MA (Islamic Studies) and a Digital Strategist at Digital Ninjas with substantial experience in dealing with mass media delivered the next session.

During her presentation, she advised the delegates on successfully engaging with mainstream media in order to convey professional and Islamic messages in a positive way.

Mr Zia Ahmad, a retired Biochemist, currently Editor-in-Chief of AMUST and winner of several journalism awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the NSW Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards 2021, during his presentation, talked about AMUST’s positive news media platform and how AIMA members can contribute articles on its self-submission system.

The second day Sunday, 11 September, commenced with an Islamic talk from Dr Mostafa Saleem, Consultant Gastroenterologist based at Launceston, Tasmania.

He reminded participants about the roles and responsibilities of Muslims in general and health professionals in particular towards humanity and the Islamic community.

A project Management session included using various software by Dr Ahmed Saeed Goolam, a Sydney-based Urologist and member of the AIMA Central leadership team, followed by several small group workshops were conducted amongst the delegates discussing set topics with the spokesperson for each group presenting a summary of discussions to the audience.

Dr Kahloon, AIMA President, presented future goals and strategy as a way forward for AIMA followed by further discussions and delegates’ reflections on the AIMA Leadership Camp proceedings.

The leadership development program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Muhammed Ashraf, Secretary of the Australian Islamic Medical association, acknowledging the incredible contribution of many volunteers and AIMA-ACT’s office bearers in the leadership camp’s organisation over the weekend.

He also announced the plans for a national AIMA conference in 2023.

Recording of previous AIMA events and details of other activities conducted by the Australian Islamic Medical Association is available on their website:  www.aimamed.com.au.