Agenda
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07:30
08:30
PL2: IPPA Keynote Plenary: The World in Motion – Migration Health in a Post-Covid Era
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, global migration patterns have shifted, reshaping the landscape of health challenges and responses for migrant populations. This keynote plenary will delve into the intersection of migration, health equity, and public policy in a world still grappling with the ripple effects of the pandemic.
10:00
A1: Tuberculosis Screening within the Australian IME (Repeat M1)
This session will discuss the rationale and success from a public health perspective for Australia in screening migrants for TB. There will be presentation of the latest TB detection rates in Australian IMEs, along with case studies and a discussion on the risks or self-medication for Tb treatment versus DOT.
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Prof. Phan Nguyen
The Australian Department of Home Affairs
A2: Le programme de dépistage médical du Canada: survol et mises à jour
Cette session vise à fournir aux professionnels désignés des informations essentielles concernant le programme de dépistage médical d’Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada. Les principaux points abordés seront les mises à jour, l’objectif de l’examen médical aux fins de l’immigration (EMI), les conditions les plus courantes trouvées lors de l’EMI, des rappels importants sur les tests et exigences, ainsi que des conseils et astuces pour eMédical.
A4: Basics US Mental Health Technical Instructions
This session will cover the US mental health screening requirements. It will include information on adequate use of the CDC Technical Instructions for US entry and the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) to determine the classifications in the following applicant cases.
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Ms Courtney Chappelle
CDC
12:30
B1: Australian IME – Complex Case Discussion for Experienced Panel Physicians (Repeat D1)
This session is targeted at panel physicians who have been performing a health screening role for a long period of time. It will discuss more complex cases, but also the important role experienced physicians can play in training their colleagues that are new to screening. The session will also touch on challenging areas of screening such as sexually transmitted infections, mental health and self-harm.
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Dr Fleur Nicholson
Bupa
Ends at 13:15
B2: Canada Technical Instructions Focus: HIV and Syphilis (Repeat C2)
This session is designed for panel members conducting health screening for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This session will focus on a review of technical instructions for HIV and syphilis screening and the implications for panel members and clients.
Ends at 13:15
B3: Panel Management Updates (Repeat C3)
The New Zealand Panel Management Team was established in May 2024 to provide training, engage and support the Panel Network for better outcomes. This session will outline New Zealand’s visa programme with focus on statistics for future planning and top priorities such as updating contact information for clinics, panel performance reviews and audits for improved quality of IMEs.
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Mrs Pingi Telefoni
Immigration New Zealand
Ends at 13:15
B4: US Best Practices Roundtables
In this interactive session, participants will discuss best practices in hot topics related to the immigration medical exam, such as identifying fraud and gathering reliable medical histories. Participants will be able to share their insights, while gathering new insights from colleagues.
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Teresa Bassma
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ends at 13:15
13:30
C1: Australian Migration Health Policy Updates (Repeat P2)
This session will provide updates to Australia’s Panel Member Instructions and Departure Health Checks for the refugee and humanitarian cohort. It will provide updates about the Australian Panel Network including size, IME volumes, and assurance outcomes and discussion of errors findings.
-
Mrs Pranamika Bansal
The Australian Department of Home Affairs
C2: Canada Technical Instructions Focus: HIV and Syphilis (Repeat B2)
This session is designed for panel members conducting health screening for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This session will focus on a review of technical instructions for HIV and syphilis screening and the implications for panel members and clients.
C3: Panel Management Updates (Repeat B3)
The New Zealand Panel Management Team was established in May 2024 to provide training, engage and support the Panel Network for better outcomes. This session will outline New Zealand’s visa programme with focus on statistics for future planning and top priorities such as updating contact information for clinics, panel performance reviews and audits for improved quality of IMEs.
-
Mrs Pingi Telefoni
Immigration New Zealand
C4: US Technical Instruction Trivia
Join us for an engaging and interactive trivia session designed to reinforce your understanding of the CDC Technical Instructions. Through a fun and competitive format, we will test your knowledge, clarify complex concepts, and collaborate with peers to deepen your expertise.
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Elizabeth Soda
CDC
14:45
D1: Australian IME – Complex Case Discussion for Experienced Panel Physicians (Repeat B1)
This session is targeted at panel physicians who have been performing a health screening role for a long period of time. It will discuss more complex cases, but also the important role experienced physicians can play in training their colleagues that are new to screening. The session will also touch on challenging areas of screening such as sexually transmitted infections, mental health and self-harm.
-
Dr Fleur Nicholson
Bupa
Ends at 15:45
D2: UK Fraud Prevention (Repeat O3)
Further examples of fraud cases and also a discussion on fraud prevention measures that the UK will implement following the last IPPA summit
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Dr Bharat Sibal
United Kingdom Health Security Agency UKHSA
Ends at 15:45
D3: New Zealand Code of Conduct
Immigration New Zealand is the operational processing arm of New Zealand’s immigration system. Our ambition is to provide a trusted, world class immigration service for all our customers. This session will cover the Code of Conduct when undertaking Immigration Medical Examinations. Topics will include values and mission, transparency and accountability, and an overview of the code in a New Zealand perspective.
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Mrs Pingi Telefoni
Immigration New Zealand
Ends at 15:45
D4: Advanced US Mental Health Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians
This advanced session delves into the US Mental Health Technical Instructions (MHTI) specifically designed for panel physicians. Participants will explore detailed guidelines for assessing mental health conditions in immigration medical exams, with a focus on accurately identifying, documenting, and managing complex cases. The session covers evaluation protocols for mental health disorders, substance use, and risk assessments, as well as reporting requirements to ensure compliance with US immigration standards. Through case studies and practical examples, participants will enhance their expertise in applying MHTI to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of mental health evaluations.
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Ms Courtney Chappelle
CDC
Ends at 15:45
07:30
PL3: Collaborative Strategies to End Tuberculosis Among Migrants
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose significant health challenges among migrant populations, often exacerbated by barriers such as limited access to healthcare, stigma, and social determinants of health. This session will explore innovative, collaborative strategies to combat TB in these vulnerable communities, emphasizing cross-sector and cross-border partnerships.
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Dr Paul Douglas
MNCLHD
08:15
PL4: Understanding and Supporting Pediatric Mental Health
Children’s mental health is intricately tied to their developmental trajectory, influencing emotional regulation, social relationships, and academic achievement. In this session, a developmental psychologist will explore the interplay of biological, social, and environmental factors that shape pediatric mental health. Participants will gain insights into identifying early warning signs of mental health challenges, understanding how typical developmental milestones interact with mental health concerns, and applying evidence-based strategies to foster resilience.
This session will highlight:
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The impact of adverse childhood experiences on development and mental health.
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Practical tools for supporting emotional growth in diverse pediatric populations.
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Collaborative approaches to integrate mental health support across educational, healthcare, and family systems.
09:30
E1: Australian IME – Cases and Gradings for Newer Panel Physicians (Repeat O2)
This session is targeted at less experienced panel physicians who are either newer to screening for Australia or who are new to screening medicine. It will provide common tips and traps and examples of common and complex cases and how they should be graded to align with Australia’s policies and procedures.
-
Dr Fleur Nicholson
Bupa
Ends at 10:15
E2: Canada’s Health Screening Program: Overview and Updates + Bilingual Q&A
This session aims to provide panel members with essential information regarding the Health Screening Program of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The main points that will be covered include program updates, common findings from the IME, reminders about tests and requirements, and tips and tricks for eMedical. This session will include a bilingual Q&A.
Ends at 11:15
10:30
F1: Tackling tough conversations during the IME (Repeat N1)
Pregnancy, drug use, mental health, self-harm, unexpected diagnosis – this session will provide guidance for panel physicians when needing to have challenging conversations or asking sensitive questions during the IME. It will equip panel physicians to be able to have such conversations with clients with sensitivity but also providing context for the client. The session will also touch on the Australian tolerance and understanding for certain areas considered taboo by other cultures such as self-harm and drug use.
-
Dr Jane Phillips
Australia (Bupa Medical Visa Services)
12:30
G1: Immigration New Zealand Technical Instructions (Repeat E3)
This session will provide updates on New Zealand’s visa program with recent updates on the latest version of the Panel Member Instructions.
-
Mrs Pingi Telefoni
Immigration New Zealand
Ends at 13:15
G2: United Kingdom IT System (Repeat H2)
This will be an update on the new P.E.T.S. system which is planed to start beta testing and be rolled out over 2025 and 2026
-
Dr Vinay Ketkar
UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY
Ends at 13:15
G3: US Regional Discussions
This session invites CDC staff and panel physicians across two simultaneous breakout groups to engage in focused discussions on region-specific health challenges, priorities, and strategies. Each group will explore unique public health trends, share insights on program implementation, and discuss region-specific initiatives. These discussions will serve as a collaborative space for participants to exchange best practices, address common challenges, and foster partnerships within and across regional lines.
Ends at 13:15
13:30
H1: New Zealand FAQ Session (Repeat F3)
A series of commonly asked questions/ queries along with answers/responses.
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Mrs Pingi Telefoni
Immigration New Zealand
H2: United Kingdom IT System (Repeat G2)
-
This will be an update on the new P.E.T.S. system which is planed to start beta testing and be rolled out over 2025 and 2026
-
Dr Vinay Ketkar
UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY
H3: US Regional Discussions
This session invites CDC staff and panel physicians across two simultaneous breakout groups to engage in focused discussions on region-specific health challenges, priorities, and strategies. Each group will explore unique public health trends, share insights on program implementation, and discuss region-specific initiatives. These discussions will serve as a collaborative space for participants to exchange best practices, address common challenges, and foster partnerships within and across regional lines.
14:45
I1: Identity Checking/Fraud in the Australian IME (Repeat J1)
This session will provide guidance on best practices regarding client identity during the IME, including how to manage situations where a client’s photo identification does not meet our PMI requirements. There will be sharing of real-life cases of fraud and imposer detection during IMEs by both Australia’s offshore and onshore panel network.
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Dr Jane Phillips
Australia (Bupa Medical Visa Services) -
Mrs Pranamika Bansal
The Australian Department of Home Affairs
Ends at 15:30
I2: Canada Health Screening in the Context of Urgent Immigration Movements (Repeat J2)
This session is designed for panel members conducting health screening for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. It will cover Canada’s experience with urgent immigration movements, provide a refresher on the Interim Federal Health Program and offer information on mental health considerations for vulnerable clients.
Ends at 15:30
I3: Establishing a TB Lab Best Practices
This session will explore the critical steps to establishing a high-quality TB laboratory, including designing facilities, implementing advanced diagnostic technologies, and ensuring biosafety and quality assurance. Participants will gain practical insights and actionable strategies to overcome challenges in TB lab setup and management.
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Dr. Roberto Zelaya
Dr. Roberto Zelaya
15:45
J1: Identity Checking/Fraud in the Australian IME (Repeat I1)
This session will provide guidance on best practice regarding client identity during the IME, including how to manage situations where a client’s photo identification does not meet our PMI requirements. There will be sharing of real-life cases of fraud and imposer detection during IMEs by both Australia’s offshore and onshore panel network.
-
Dr Jane Phillips
Australia (Bupa Medical Visa Services) -
Mrs Pranamika Bansal
The Australian Department of Home Affairs
Ends at 16:30
J2: Canada Health Screening in the Context of Urgent Immigration Movements (Repeat I2)
This session is designed for panel members conducting health screening for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. It will cover Canada’s experience with urgent immigration movements, provide a refresher on the Interim Federal Health Program and offer information on mental health considerations for vulnerable clients.
Ends at 16:30
07:30
PL5: Panel Physician Partnerships: Opportunities, Challenges and Impact
Panel physicians play a pivotal role in global health, serving as gatekeepers for health assessments of migrants and refugees. This session will bring together panel physicians and stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges inherent in panel physician partnerships and their profound impact on public health outcomes.
Key topics to be explored include:
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Best practices for fostering collaboration between panel physicians, governments, and international organizations.
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Addressing challenges such as resource disparities, cultural competency, and evolving public health requirements.
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The impact of panel physician programs on health equity, disease prevention, and global health security.
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Innovations in health screening protocols and the integration of technology to enhance efficiency and data sharing.
Attendees will gain insights into strengthening these partnerships, ensuring quality healthcare delivery, and maximizing the broader societal impact of panel physician programs in the global migration landscape.
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Dr. Roberto Zelaya
Dr. Roberto Zelaya -
Dr. Joaquin Cervantes
CLINICA MEDICA INTERNACIONAL
09:00
K1: Client Experience Challenges and Solutions: A Practical Workshop (Repeat L1)
This session is designed for panel members conducting health screening for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. During this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow Panel Members to solve the case studies covering a range of scenarios varying from topics such as managing client issues, addressing fraud, and fostering cultural sensitivity.
Ends at 10:00
10:15
L1: Addressing Fraud: A Practical Workshop
During this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow Panel Members to solve case studies on various aspects of fraud in the Immigration Medical Exam.
L2: New Zealand Refugee Program
This session will provide an overview of the New Zealand Refugee Program.
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Mrs Pingi Telefoni
Immigration New Zealand
L3: US Basics Vaccine Technical Instructions
Basic overview of the US Vaccination Technical Instructions, including vaccination requirement, blanket waivers and contraindications, vaccine updates, and the Vaccination Program for U.S.-bound refugees.
Of note: This session will be similar to the one given at the 2024 Latin American Regional Workshop
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Dr. Kimberly Skrobarcek
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -
Mr Warren Dalal
12:45
M1: Tuberculosis screening within the Australian IME (Repeat A1)
This session will discuss the rationale and success from a public health perspective for Australia in screening migrants for TB. There will be presentation of the latest TB detection rates in Australian IMEs, along with case studies and a discussion on the risks or self-medication for Tb treatment versus DOT.
-
Prof. Phan Nguyen
The Australian Department of Home Affairs
Ends at 13:30
13:45
N1: Tackling tough conversations during the IME (Repeat F1)
Pregnancy, drug use, mental health, self-harm, unexpected diagnosis – this session will provide guidance for panel physicians when needing to have challenging conversations or asking sensitive questions during the IME. It will equip panel physicians to be able to have such conversations with clients with sensitivity but also providing context for the client. The session will also touch on the Australian tolerance and understanding for certain areas considered taboo by other cultures such as self-harm and drug use.
-
Dr Jane Phillips
Australia (Bupa Medical Visa Services)
15:00
IPPA Networking Opportunity: Educational Matchmaker
Objective
To connect participants with peers and facilitators in short, focused interactions that identify professional needs, challenges, and interests, helping to inform future educational programming.
Format
Duration: 1 hour
Setup:
- A series of small tables or stations arranged in rounds of 10 format.
- Each station has a theme or focus area (e.g., technical instructions, tuberculosis).
- Facilitators at each station act as moderators and note-takers.
- Participants rotate every 10 minutes.
Structure:
- Icebreaker Introduction (5 minutes): Begin with a quick, energizing activity to set the tone and encourage openness.
- Speed Networking Sessions (40–60 minutes): Participants rotate through stations. Each mini-session includes:
- A guided question or prompt related to the station's theme.
- Participants share their biggest challenges, successes, or wish lists in the given area.
- Facilitators collect data through short surveys, digital tools (like QR code forms)
- Group Insights Sharing (10–15 minutes): After rotations, facilitators summarize key takeaways from their stations.
- Wrap-Up and Feedback (10 minutes): Participants complete a brief evaluation to reflect on what they learned and suggest additional needs.
Ends at 16:00
07:30
PL6: IPPA Plenary – Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention
As digital systems increasingly support immigration medical examinations, ensuring the security and integrity of these processes has become critical. This session will address the challenges and solutions in safeguarding sensitive health data and preventing fraud in immigration-related medical documentation.
Key topics include:
- Common cybersecurity threats and fraud risks in immigration medical examinations, including data breaches and forged medical documents.
- Best practices for implementing secure digital platforms and protecting patient information in compliance with international privacy standards.
- Strategies to detect and prevent fraud, including advanced verification technologies and cross-border collaboration.
- Real-world case studies highlighting successful approaches to cybersecurity and fraud prevention.
Participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies to strengthen their systems, protect sensitive data, and uphold the integrity of immigration medical examinations in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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Mr. Burak Usgurlu
Doctorun Immigrant & Refugee Health
09:00
O1: Focus on Tuberculosis: Detection and Chest X-ray Grading + Bilingual Q&A (Repeat P1)
This session is designed for panel members conducting health screening for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This session will review different aspects of tuberculosis and review the Canadian chest x-ray grading system. A bilingual Q&A will also be included to address any questions.
Ends at 10:15
O2: Australian IME – Cases and Gradings for Newer Panel Physicians (Repeat E1)
This session is targeted at less experienced panel physicians who are either newer to screening for Australia or who are new to screening medicine. It will provide common tips and traps and examples of common and complex cases and how they should be graded to align with Australia’s policies and procedures.
-
Dr Fleur Nicholson
Bupa
Ends at 10:15
O3: UK Fraud Prevention (Repeat D2)
Further examples of fraud cases and also a discussion on fraud prevention measures that the UK will implement following the last IPPA summit
-
Dr Vinay Ketkar
UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY
Ends at 10:15
O4: US Advanced Vaccines Technical Instructions
In this session, participants will learn advanced vaccine practices by working through case studies according to the US Vaccine Technical Instructions. The second half of the session will cover vaccine administration best practices and commonly encountered areas for improvement.
-
Dr. Kimberly Skrobarcek
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -
Mr Warren Dalal
Ends at 10:15
10:30
P1: Focus on Tuberculosis: Detection and Chest X-ray Grading + Bilingual Q&A (Repeat O1)
This session is designed for panel members conducting health screening for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This session will review different aspects of tuberculosis and review the Canadian chest x-ray grading system. A bilingual Q&A will also be included to address any questions.
P2: Australian Migration Health Policy Updates (Repeat C1)
This session will provide updates to Australia’s Panel Member Instructions and Departure Health Checks for the refugee and humanitarian cohort. It will provide updates about the Australian Panel Network including size, IME volumes, and assurance outcomes and discussion of errors findings.
-
Mrs Pranamika Bansal
The Australian Department of Home Affairs
P3: Identity confirmation and fraud prevention in the New Zealand IMEs
This session will discuss cybersecurity, identity confirmation and fraud prevention measures. There will be an interactive component with group activities and case discussions.
-
Mrs Pingi Telefoni
Immigration New Zealand
P4: US eMedical: You Asked… We Delivered!
Join us to explore the latest updates in the eMedical system, driven by user feedback and recent changes to CDC Technical Instructions. This session will highlight improvements made to streamline workflows, address common user requests, and incorporate essential reminders to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
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Ms Deborah Lee
CDC -
Ms. Janet Lee
CDC