The annual dinner took place on Monday 1stApril 2019. Prof Sir Simon Wessely was the guest speaker.
The dinner was chaired by the London President, Prof Liz Lightstone, who introduced the speakers. Over 150 doctors and medical students were present.
The opening blessing was made by Eli Goldin. The loyal toasts were proposed by medical student leaders Daniel Gutmann and Sophia Fabianne Viner. The toast to the Association was proposed by Dr Yehudit Harris
In his response Prof Katz thanked Dr Harris, and also expressed his appreciation to the many Association members who had contributed to furthering our charitable aims during the past year. He welcomed especially the Israeli Ambassador, Mark Regev, who had flown in from Israel the same morning, and Profs Clarfield and Paltiel who had contributed much to the Association’s activities while on their London sabbatical. He noted that the brochure included not only details of events, but also insightful and informative elective reports, and news about future events including the Health Policy and Cardiovascular meetings to be held in Israel. He introduced the Treasurer, Dr Mervyn Jaswon, who made a presentation to Dr Jeanne Katz as a token of acknowledgement of her huge background support to the Executive Chair and hence to the Association.
In her introduction to the guest speaker Prof Lightstone noted Sir Simon’s outstanding achievements in many different fields, dating back to his undergraduate career, and continuing today in his important role in review of mental capacity.
Sir Simon reflected on his experience in sorting out fact from mythology in management of conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder. He used examples from military medicine to illustrate that interventions may not always be as effective as we think they are. Overall doctors need to have an open mind and to consider the evidence carefully in order retain our credibility.
Dr Abigail Swerdlow proposed a vote of thanks to Sir Simon, noting that he had engaged with his audience and had educated and informed in an outstanding and memorable fashion.
Grace after meals was led by Dr Ian Goodman, and was followed by a desert buffet.