Public health medicine conference 2023: : Tackling Twenty-First Century Poverty

What will you learn

The public health medicine conference is open to all public health doctors, providing a forum for you to network and share experiences with colleagues, hear from leaders of the public health community and set policy for the BMA public health medicine committee for the coming year.

You will learn about key issues relating to this year's theme of 'tackling twenty-first century poverty', including:

• how poverty impacts on public health
• ideas for how public health professionals can respond effectively
• the experiences of colleagues across the UK.

What to expect

• Keynote speeches on the theme of the Conference from BMA President, Professor Martin McKee
• Presentation on what it means to be a Marmot region from Professor Maggie Rae from South-West England and a second speaker to be confirmed.
• A panel session covering different aspects of the issue from housing to food poverty.
• Question and answer sessions where you can hear from the BMA on its public health work during the last year including its representation of public health trainees and to hold it to account on that work.
• Debate of motions sent in by you, giving you the chance to decide which issues are important and to influence the work of the BMA in the coming year.
• Breakout groups where you can to raise and discuss general issues of importance with colleagues in public health and from other branches of medicine.
• Poster competition on the theme of the conference - contact us for more information

There will be a teach-in for new representatives between 9.15am and 9.45am. 

Motions for debate

There will be an opportunity for all representatives to submit motions for debate that could shape the BMA’s agenda over the coming years.  The deadline for submission of motions is 8 February 2023.  

Topical motions on issues that arise after the deadline can be submitted up to noon on Thursday 16 March 2023. The agenda committee would particularly welcome motions inspired by the theme of the conference.  

Motions should be submitted by e-mail by 8 February 2023. You can also email for more information on how to draft and submit a mition.

Read our guidance on writing a motion.

Helping you to attend (BMA members only)

Caring responsibilities

If you need to make special arrangements to care for children or adult dependents in order to attend, the BMA is able to meet the cost of that additional care.

Support is available for those who request it by Wednesday 22 February. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee to provide this facility if the request is made after this date.

Please contact Winifred Annan for further information or if you wish to make a request for support.

Travel costs

Reasonable standard class travel expenses will be reimbursed for attendees on production of receipts.  You are asked to make every effort to book advance tickets and to make use of the cheap deals that are available.  If in doubt, please contact us prior to making your travel arrangements.

Accommodation costs

The cost of overnight stays will normally only be met if it is necessary for the attendees to leave home before 6.30am.  Nonetheless, you must gain advance approval for a claim of accommodation costs.  If you require the BMA to cover the cost of your overnight accommodation or have queries about it, you must email your request in advance.

Accommodation expenses will be reimbursed up to a maximum of £205 per night. Delegates will be expected to cover any difference themselves