A host of activities relating to arthritis and pain management were planned in conjunction with the visit of Dr. Peter Jones from Rotorua, New Zealand  in February 2004. Dr. Jones serves as a Consultant Rheumatologist, Professional Advisor Medicine, QE Health, Rotorua, New Zealand, and also as.Associate Professor in Medicine, Waikato Clinical School Faculty of Medicine & Health Science, Auckland University, New Zealand.. 

Dr. Jones’ visit was one of the many continuing medical educational initiatives that MSD embarks on with regards to disease education and management.   This time, the purpose was to provide an update to doctors nationwide about the ‘New Perspectives in the Management of Arthritic Conditions’. 

The initiatives kicked off with a plenary lecture at the Management of Pain in Clinical Practice Conference organised by the Malaysian Medical Association of Penang at Bayview Beach Resort, Penang. This then moved on to an evening lecture in Ipoh together with another visiting speaker, Dr Richard Bockman. 

Within the Klang Valley, Dr Jones also presented an evening lecture to doctors while also managing to meet members of the media.  At the media briefing, he discussed the latest clinical advancements in pain management with an emphasis on arthritis, together with the President, Arthritis Foundation Malaysia, Dr. Chow Sook Khuan who in turn provided the media an in-depth overview about the various forms of arthritis and the steps taken in dealing with the disease.

Dr Jones also shared with the group on new treatment options in highly effective and long-lasting relief from pain and inflammation when compared to traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

His visit ended with additional evening lectures in Melaka and Kota Bahru. Close to 450 doctors and pharmacists attended these lectures.  All in all, the activities were a success in spreading the word that we can overcome arthritic pain by learning how to manage it and not let pain manage us.

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