The 4th international scientific conference EDUCATION AND PRACTICE successfully concludes (14-15 May 2026)

The 4th International Scientific Conference “The Quality of Health Care and Social Welfare - EDUCATION AND PRACTICE” organised by the P. Stradins Medical College of the University of Latvia took place in Jūrmala on May 14-15, 2026. The college organizes this event every three years. Over two days the conference brought together specialists from health and social care sectors, as well as the collage’s partners from Latvia and across Europe. This year’s central theme focused on wellbeing and crisis management for individual and organizational sustainability.

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The first day of the conference, May 14, was held at SemaraH Hotel Lielupe and featured presentations by researchers, educators, and clinical specialists from Ireland, the United Kingdom, Slovakia, Portugal, Spain, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia.

The day’s program opened with a keynote presentation by Associate professor Yeter Sinem Üzar Özçetin from University College Dublin (UCD), who addressed the strengthening of psychological resilience among health care workers. This was complemented by a presentation from Northumbria University researcher Goran Erfani on the importance of strategic primary health care planning. Active discussions followed the presentation by lecturer Jolanta Pupure from the P. Stradins Medical College of the University of Latvia, who shared research findings on bullying experienced by nursing and physician assistant students during clinical practice. The program also featured presentations on innovative medical methods for assessing blood microcirculation and the use of tear fluid in disease diagnostics, delivered by Una Undīne Zelča from the University of Latvia and Professor Vladimira Tomečková from the University of Košice.

In the field of social welfare, a notable contribution came from University of Latvia lecturer Liesma Ose, who discussed lecturers’ cultural competence and the development of anti-discriminatory practices in social work programs. Additional presentations offered findings from research about intercultural strengthening in Erasmus+ BIP programs, burnout among social workers, and other current issues in the sector.

Overall, the first day offered a dynamic program that encouraged participant engagement, fostered discussions, and provided opportunities to meet colleagues from other institutions and establish research partnerships.

The second day of the conference, May 15, took place at the premises of the P. Stradins Medical College of the University of Latvia and offered three practical sessions with workshops and demonstrations. The 2026 conference topics were: “Professionalism and International Experience of Physicians Assistant”, “Communication and Technical Aids in Social Work Practice” and “Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Risk Factors and ABI measurement in early diagnostics”.

Section “Professionalism and International Experience of Physicians Assistant” focused on the development of the Physician Assistant profession, education quality, and practical challenges. Participants included healthcare specialists, lecturers, students, and industry professionals. Presenters were Artūrs Lubāns (Lecturer at the P. Stradins Medical College of the University of Latvia, Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant), Aivis Osmanis (lecturer at the Riga Medical College of the University of Latvia, Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant) and Angelīna Kašuba (Lecturer at the P. Stradins Medical College of the University of Latvia, Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant).

Attendees learned about emergency medical care provision, patient safety, the importance of communication in healthcare, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of professional competencies in modern healthcare system. Speakers emphasized the essential role of physician assistants in emergency medicine, primary care, and long-term patient care. Presentations highlighted the importance of integrating high quality education, with practical skills in the study process. Discussions underscored that today’s healthcare environment demands strong professional preparedness, rapid decision making, and effective teamwork.

Speakers shared experiences regarding clinical practice challenges and opportunities, stressing the need for continuous professional development to ensure safe and high-quality patient care. Emotional resilience, empathy, and communication skills were also highlighted as crucial in the daily work of physician assistants, both locally and internationally.

“Communication and Technical Aids in Social Work Practice” section addressed topics related to social rehabilitation, communication, and the use of technical aids in the practice of social work specialists.

The section was opened with a presentation by Head of Social Care department of P. Stradins Medical College of the University of Latvia - Ina Vīksniņa on the 20-year development of the “Social Rehabilitation” study program, its contribution to preparing sector specialists, and the evolution of the Social Rehabilitator qualification within the social services sector. Audiologist/ speech therapist Anita Kuriša from NRC “Vaivari” introduced augmentative and alternative communication methods for clients with communication disorders. Residents Vivita Skujiņa and Karīna Sardaka analysed occupational health issues among social and palliative care workers, focusing on workload-related musculoskeletal strain and burnout risks.

Occupational therapist Olga Kožinova explained the use and safety aspects of mobility aids in social rehabilitation. Second-year students of the “Social Rehabilitation” study program also contributed: Sanda Lapuķe presented on the importance of physical activity for seniors, while Inese Eniņa discussed the role of group activities in developing communication skills among individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The section concluded with a demonstration by Inese Krastiņa and therapy dog Lūks, showcasing dog-assisted therapy as an effective method for enhancing communication and social interaction.

The section “Communication and Technical Aids in Social Work Practice” and “Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Risk Factors and ABI measurement in early diagnostics” featured a practical session on peripheral artery disease and arterial ulcer care. The workshop emphasized the importance of early diagnostics and interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care.

The session was conducted in cooperation with experienced vascular care specialists from Latvia and Germany. Presenters included vascular surgeon Viktors Lapikovs from Dresden City Hospital in Germany, vascular surgeon Edgars Šūpols from Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital and Head Nurse Dace Jakovicka from the Vascular Surgery Department of the Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital.

Participants gained knowledge about PAD risk factors, early symptom recognition, and the methodology of ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement as a key non-invasive diagnostic tool in podiatry. The practical part included ABI measurement demonstrations and guidance on interpreting results.

The topic “Basic principles of arterial ulcer care in podiatry practice” was also addressed, focusing on patient care strategies, wound assessment, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treatment.

The workshop took place in a professional and interactive atmosphere, promoting experience exchange and strengthening international cooperation in healthcare. Participants acknowledged that such practical sessions significantly contribute to improving patient care quality and early disease diagnostics.

P. Stradins Medical College of the University of Latvia expresses sincere gratitude to all participants, partners, and supporters of the 4th International Scientific Conference “Quality of Health Care and Social Welfare – EDUCATION AND PRACTICE”. May the insights and knowledge gained during the conference continue to inspire professional growth in the future!