My favourite conference to attend and why

For the second winter in a row I have attended the Hawaii Doc Talks conference in, you guessed it, Hawaii.

There is just something special about Hawaii. I can't quite put it into words but if you've ever travelled there I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Although the location is a major bonus, it's not the only reason I decided to attend. It has become my favourite conference for few reasons.

1. Balance of the yin and yang - Most of the conferences that I attend start at 8am and don't finish until 6pm. They try and pack in so much technical information that is not practical, or necessary, for everyday practice. You spend most of the day sitting and trying to stay focused on long presentations. In contrast, this conference spans over four day and either starts around 8am but ends around 1-2pm OR starts at noon and ends at 6pm. Speakers have thirty minute TED talk style presentations. I hear just as many speakers but their presentation are focused and to the point! Checkmark in my book. This set up allows for the time needed to rest, relax, and actually remember the information presented. Double checkmark!
2. Quality locations attract quality speakers - Even though some of the treatments I learned about at this conference, like rectal ozone and prolotherapy, are still in the no fly zone in Ontario I believe the exposure to these treatments allows me to get as close as possible to the cutting edge of treatments available to patients. I'm sure there are lots of things I learned at this conference that many naturopathic and medical doctors won't be exposed to for several years, if at all.
3. An opportunity to follow my heart instead of my head - How many times have you talked yourself out of something because it was "too expensive"? If I had listened to my head I never would have even entertained the thought of going to this conference and would have missed out on some of the most amazing experiences in my life. I am so glad I listened to my heart and then let the practical side of me figure out the details. Saying yes to this conference meant saying no to some other things...but it was totally worth it. I encourage everyone to lean into what you really want to say yes to and recognize that it's OK to say no to other things in order to make those heart focused things happen.

Now I would love to hear from you! What is one thing you chose with your heart instead of your head? Leave a comment below and I'll be back next week with another edition of Doctor as Teacher Tuesday!