The Opening Ceremony kicks off the Annual Meeting program and features the John Conley, MD Lecture on Medical Ethics, speeches from the Academy leaders, and new videos showcasing members, the specialty, and Academy initiatives. In 2024, the John Conley, MD Lecture on Medical Ethics featured honorary speaker Kelvin M. Kong, AM, MBBS BSc, MD. In this session, Australia’s first Aboriginal surgeon examined the issues of ear disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Drawing from personal experiences, Dr. Kong offered valuable insights into the challenges of managing this common health issue and the dichotomy of ear disease in Australia. Through an Aboriginal lens, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and systemic factors contributing to the prevalence of ear disease. The lecture also provided an outlook on potential solutions and strategies for addressing this pressing issue.
