Agenda
All times listed are in UTC. Current time is 16:22. Seeing an incorrect time?
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.
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: 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.
-
Christie Cornell
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.
Ends at 13:15
B2: Canada Technical Instruction 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: New Zealand Meet and Greet (Repeat C3)
This is an introductory session. You will meet the Panel Management Lead with an introduction to how the New Zealand Panel Network operates. Bring any questions you may have about training for new Panel Members, Panel Member Instructions and eMedical. You can also submit your questions two weeks before the event.
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.
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.
C2: Canada Technical Instruction 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: New Zealand Meet and Greet (Repeat B3)
This is an introductory session. You will meet the Panel Management Lead with an introduction to how the New Zealand Panel Network operates. Bring any questions you may have about training for new Panel Members, Panel Member Instructions and eMedical. You can also submit your questions two weeks before the event.
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.
Ends at 15:45
D2: UK Fraud Prevention Dr Bharat Sibal (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
-
Bharat Sibal
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.
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.
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.
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:
-
The impact of adverse childhood experiences on development and mental health.
-
Practical tools for supporting emotional growth in diverse pediatric populations.
-
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.
Ends at 10:15
E2: Canada’s Health Screen 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.
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.
Ends at 13:15
13:30
H1: New Zealand FAQ Session (Repeat F3)
A series of commonly asked questions/ queries along with answers/responses.
H2: United Kingdom IT System Dr. Vinay Ketkar (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 (2 simultaneous sessions)
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.
Ends at 15:30
I2: Canada Health Screening in the Context of Urgent Immigration Movements + Bilingual Q&A (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, the resettlement needs assessment and provide a refresher on the Interim Federal Health Program. Additionally, the session will offer information on mental health considerations for vulnerable clients. A bilingual Q&A will also be included to address any questions.
Ends at 15:30
I3: US Refugee Resettlement Program Hot Topics and Updates
This session will present best practices and coordination protocols in refugee health, developed over the past years in major IOM refugee resettlement operations in 40+ countries, in close coordination with CDC, panel physicians, health providers, resettlement agencies and other partners.
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.
Ends at 16:30
J2: Canada Health Screening in the Context of Urgent Immigration Movements + Bilingual Q&A (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, the resettlement needs assessment and provide a refresher on the Interim Federal Health Program. Additionally, the session will offer information on mental health considerations for vulnerable clients. A bilingual Q&A will also be included to address any questions.
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:
-
Best practices for fostering collaboration between panel physicians, governments, and international organizations.
-
Addressing challenges such as resource disparities, cultural competency, and evolving public health requirements.
-
The impact of panel physician programs on health equity, disease prevention, and global health security.
-
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.
-
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
K2: United Kingdom Technical Instructions Dr. Vinay Ketkar (Repeat A3)
The technical instructions have been updated this year and this session will be a revision plus focus on the new changes
-
Dr Vinay Ketkar
UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY
Ends at 10:00
K3: US Pediatric Exam
This session focuses on the unique aspects of conducting pediatric examinations as part of U.S. immigration medical exam. Participants will learn about age-specific evaluation techniques, developmental milestones, and the identification of common health issues in children. The session will cover the relevant guidelines for medical exams, immunization requirements, and considerations for special populations, including children with disabilities. Through interactive demonstration, healthcare providers will enhance their skills in performing thorough, compassionate, and compliant pediatric assessments.
Ends at 10:00
10:15
L1: Client Experience Challenges and Solutions: A Practical Workshop (Repeat K1)
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.
L2: New Zealand Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention
This session will discuss cybersecurity and fraud prevention measures with case studies.
L3: US Vaccine Technical Instructions Advanced
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
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.
Ends at 13:30
M2: United Kingdom IT System Dr. Vinay Ketkar (Repeat N2)
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 13:30
M3: 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.
-
Ms Deborah Lee
CDC -
Eryn Pulliam Cannon
CDC
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.
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.
09:00
O1: Canada Health Protection: Focus on Tuberculosis + 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 Latent Tuberculosis Infection, active and inactive tuberculosis, will provide an overview of the medical surveillance program, and a review of 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.
Ends at 10:15
O3: UK Fraud Prevention Dr Bharat Sibal (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 Vaccines: Back to Basics
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.
-
Dr. Kimberly Skrobarcek
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -
Mr Warren Dalal
Ends at 10:15
10:30
P1: Canada Health Protection: Focus on Tuberculosis + 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 Latent Tuberculosis Infection, active and inactive tuberculosis, will provide an overview of the medical surveillance program, and a review of 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.
P3: New Zealand Refugee Program
This session will provide an overview of the New Zealand Refugee Program.
P4: US Case Studies
This session presents a series of U.S. case studies that highlight key aspects of immigration medical exam, focusing on the application of the technical instructions. Participants will analyze real-life scenarios involving medical examinations, mental health evaluations, and the management of communicable diseases. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, ethical considerations, and adherence to the CDC Technical Instructions. By engaging in discussions and collaborative problem-solving, participants will enhance their understanding of best practices and improve their skills in conducting thorough and compliant immigration medical exam.